The Swine (Pig Head Cult Flash Horror Game)
Short games are underrated. I know, I know, you want to delve deep into the recesses of horror for hours on end, but sometimes you don’t need as much as you think. All it takes is a little of the unexplained, creeper moments, puzzles, and questions about WTF any of it means. That’s the essence of any successful horror, really. The more you reveal the monster, on in this case the pig head people, the more it loses its impact. If you can cram that classic format into less than an hour, we’re good, and The Swine is a perfect example of flash horror gaming. The plot takes place in peaceful, backwoods America where you and your gal who never leaves the bathroom live in an ole’ country home, only to discover some bizarre locals too interested in your presence and who happen to wear pig heads.
From there the game involves puzzle solving using tarot cards and locating objects to unlock the reason for the wearing of the pig heads (spoiler you never really know). What makes The Swine work so well is that the uncertainty extends what is essentially ten minutes of game into about two hours. Part of the reason is the extreme attention to detail. The house and property are arranged so you absolutely must look at everything. If you know the layout it’s only a few minutes to complete, but since you don’t almost anything could be useful or a clue the plot is given far more depth. Some may find the searching irritating, but it’s what drives the action of The Swine, culminating in a bizarre occult ritual where you (maybe?) kill your girlfriend. Toss in a few good jumpscares and I’m fulfilled.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
The Swine
Vincent Lade (developer and publisher)
4.2 / 5
