While psychological horror games are a dime a dozen, not all of them intertwine with something as out of left field as dating simulators. RouteWhom is one such game, where you must navigate familiar yet empty environments with a girl in a Santa Claus maid outfit.
The game begins with you waking up in an unfamiliar place; eerie, vast, and completely void of people. Exploring the abandoned terrain inspired by modern Japan, the only person you come across is a mysterious girl who guides you on your journey. While her presence is comforting, the fact that she is the only other living being present suggests that there is more to her than meets the eye. What transpires is a date-like experience that mixes trust and suspicion, all told within a surreal world inspired by dreamcore, liminal spaces and “The Backrooms,” the fictional location which originated on 4chan.
Since RouteWhom’s core gameplay revolves around exploration, the environments are one of its biggest draws. Using visual effects that replicate the feel of 2000s digital cameras, the game has an oversaturated, almost blurry feel to it. Combined with the realistic graphics, this creates a unique mix of nostalgia and fear.
Post translation:
I finished working on a material that makes the girl’s face look good from pretty much any angle. The face ended with a rather complex node setup. Next up is sorting out textures, penetration, and such.
The anchor of the game is without a doubt the girl, whose facial expressions and movements were brought to life using a mix of motion capture and hand-adjusted animations. Combined with her bright red maid outfit and anime-inspired appearance, her fluid motions help her stick out from the otherwise static world.
As a walking simulator, RouteWhom does not have any flashy sequences or combat. You take things as they come, all while being engulfed in the world’s emptiness and the words the girl speaks to you. According to the developer, it will take you roughly 2 to 4 hours to complete the game, which seems like just the right amount of time to get immersed in the atmosphere.
Developed by Hitoe Mabuta General Shop, RouteWhom is currently in development for Windows (Steam).
