OFF, the 2008 cult-classic RPG Maker game from Mortis Ghost, is a masterclass in evoking dread and unease through its lo-fi art style and thought-provoking narrative. The recent official remaster is a must-play for fans of retro-style RPGs, offering an authentic experience that largely remains faithful to the original.
The game’s blend of goofiness and unsettling story has proven enduring, despite some minor missteps in aging. Color and black-and-white are cleverly used to create a foreboding atmosphere, while the pixel art enhances the deranged look of enemies. The hand-drawn character designs add to the overall unease, drawing the player into a world that’s both desolate and unsettling.
Players control The Batter, a protagonist on a mission to “purify” a dystopian world of evil ghosts. The story unfolds through actions taken by the player, with a philosopher’s tone from the enigmatic cat, The Judge, adding context and unease. OFF’s breaking of the fourth wall is also noteworthy, setting it apart from other games.
While the game is relatively short, taking about seven-to-eight hours to complete, its world-building and atmosphere make up for this. The industrial production zones, liquid plastic seas, and sugar mines all contribute to a sense of unease, while dialogue sequences and environmental clues add to the cryptic worldbuilding. Exploration requires attention to clues, puzzles that play into the game’s surreal subtext.
Combat, however, is where OFF falters. The primitive turn-based combat system hasn’t aged well, with little strategic nuance or depth. Nevertheless, this is a secondary aspect of the game, as its true strength lies in its atmosphere and narrative.
The soundtrack has been updated for the remaster, featuring new songs that capture the unsettling tone of the original. Toby Fox’s contributions add a welcome touch, complementing the game’s eerie barks and ambient sounds.
OFF remains an influential classic, shaping the indie RPG scene with its unique blend of horror and moral exploration. Its age may have dulled some of its impact, but it still holds up as a foundational material that fans of retro-style games should experience for themselves.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/off-review