Surreal horror Horror puzzle Horror escape 2D horror

SYNTAXIA

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Whatever you write becomes real. Use it to get out of the Komplex.

Platforms: Browser, PC, Mac, Linux
Stores: Steam, itch.io
Price: Pay what you want
Rated: 4.7 out of 5 on itch.io (262 ratings)
Players: 1
Controls: Keyboard and mouse, or a controller; type to rewrite words on the laptop
Made by: CANCAT Games (published by Spelkollektivet)

Play on itch.io Steam (full game coming soon; wishlist)

What frightens You wake alone in the decaying Sensoria Komplex, where a flickering laptop makes whatever you write come true. Its halls hold blood-stained walls, operating rooms, shadows that twist with malice and unseen threats, so you guard your sanity while you bend reality to find a way out.
Content: blood.

SYNTAXIA is a cozy horror adventure by CANCAT Games, published by Spelkollektivet, about rewriting reality to escape. You wake in a decaying complex where a laptop turns words into reality, and you explore its blood-soaked, dreamlike halls solving open-ended puzzles. A free demo plays in the browser; the full game is coming to Steam.

About SYNTAXIA

SYNTAXIA is made by CANCAT Games and published by Spelkollektivet. Its title screen calls it a cozy horror game about bending reality. A free demo is on itch.io for the browser, Windows, macOS and Linux, in ten languages, and the full game is listed as coming soon on Steam.

You wake inside a decaying complex, confused and alone. A nearby laptop flickers on and shows you a strange ability: whatever is written in it becomes reality. With that tool you have to find your way through the Sensoria Komplex, uncover its secrets and get out. You walk a small pixel-art character through side-view corridors, offices, laboratories and tiled operating rooms, and every object has its own line of dialogue.

The puzzles are open-ended. Want to get through a door? Find something heavy and break it down, or look for a window, or change the words that describe the door. Three skills level up as you go, and a timeline map tracks where you have been. There is no combat.

The horror is in the place: blood-soaked walls, a haunting soundscape, shadows that twist with malice and threats you do not see, set against small comforts like a crackling fire and rain on the windows, with your sanity to guard. Your choices change the world and decide whether you find its secrets or stay inside. It suits players who liked dreamlike escape games such as Being Her Darkest Friend or Pocket Mirror.

How to play SYNTAXIA

Open the game's itch.io page and press Run game, or download the demo for Windows, macOS or Linux.
Walk through the Komplex and examine objects to read what they say.
Use the laptop to rewrite the words that describe things, and see what changes.
Solve each obstacle in whatever way works: force, a side route or a rewrite.
Keep exploring until you find a way out, or the Komplex's secrets.