Boil Noodles at Night is a PS1-style indie horror game that looks simple, but offers a unique “mundane horror” experience. Developed by arydk, the game was first released for PC on October 5, 2023. The premise is very mundane waking up in the middle of the night to cook noodles but it slowly turns into a tense journey.
Simple Premise, Tense Atmosphere
The game begins when the main character wakes up hungry in the middle of the night. He wants to cook noodles, but the kitchen isn’t stocked enough. He has no choice but to leave the house to find more instant noodles. This is where the eerie atmosphere begins: the dark environment, the encounter with two strange strangers, and the uncanny atmosphere of the city.
The game deliberately plays on the horror concept of a mundane activity just buying noodles at night but it’s executed with a slow pace and atmospheric tension. The thrill comes not from jump scares, but from small oddities that occur throughout the journey.
Retro and Attractive PS1 Visual Style
Boil Noodles at Night uses a PS1-style low-poly graphic style that gives it a retro feel while simultaneously creating an unsettling atmosphere. Rough textures, dim lighting, and blurry environmental shapes create an unsettling feeling from the start, as if something is amiss beneath the surface.
While the visuals are simple, the combination of the retro style and slow pacing makes each moment feel more intense. Silent rooms, empty streets, and small details like shadows and footsteps add to the tension. This approach keeps players on their toes without overdoing the horror.
Read More! Obsessed: Trace – Echoes of Unhealed Wounds
Audio and Night Atmosphere
Audio elements play a crucial role in creating a tense atmosphere. The echoing sounds of footsteps, the rustling of the wind, or the faint creaking of a door successfully create an atmosphere that makes the player feel less alone. All sound effects are minimalistic, yet powerful enough to trigger a sense of suspicion every time the player moves.
The game’s nighttime setting is also designed to feel realistic yet unsettling. Dim city lights, dark, empty alleys, and faint shadows in the distance create the impression that the world around the player is always watching. This combination of visuals and audio transforms a simple experience like buying noodles into a thrilling experience.
Characters and Interactions
The players encounter only a few characters, but they are all designed to create a sense of unease. Their dialogue is brief, sometimes unclear, and often leaves the impression that they know more than they let on. These interactions make players question the motives of each character who appears.
Each encounter provides subtle clues about the game’s world and potential endings. Even without lengthy conversations, their blank expressions and demeanor are enough to create a sense of unease. This approach makes even small interactions crucial to the player’s journey.
Short Gameplay with Multiple Endings
The game is relatively short more like a one night narrative experience but still offers multiple endings. The story’s direction is determined by small interactions, route choices, and decisions as players encounter strange characters in the middle of the night. Each action creates a different feel, encouraging players to try again to discover different endings.
Community feedback has also been positive. On Reddit, one player called the game a short but memorable experience, with just the right amount of thrills, the jiggling pot, and the noodles as the center of tension. This demonstrates how simple details can effectively combine with a gripping atmosphere.
Read More! I Witness: Suburban Horror With a Twist
Platforms and Releases
Boil Noodles at Night is available for PC (Windows) and is available on itch.io, making it easy for players who enjoy unique indie games to try. Created by arydk and released on October 5, 2023, this game offers a short horror experience with PS1 visuals that are currently popular among retro game enthusiasts.
While it hasn’t received reviews from major media outlets, the game is widely discussed within the gaming community. Many praise its simple yet effective concept, as well as its atmosphere, which manages to create a sense of unease without overly horrific gimmicks. This positive response has made it known as one of the short horror experiences worth trying.
Why You Should Try It?
Boil Noodles at Night demonstrates how a simple concept can be transformed into a tense horror experience. The PS1 visuals and “strange but true” atmosphere maintain a constant sense of unease without resorting to jump scares. Multiple endings also allow players to experience the story from different perspectives.
This game is perfect for players looking for a short, atmospheric horror experience. If you want to experience the scariest version of going out to buy noodles in the middle of the night, this game is worth a try.
Try Boil Noodles at Night on Itch.io!
References:
Hanya Game Merebus Mie di Malam Hari | Boil Noodles at Night (All 3 Endings) – Droomp
