Tungtung’s Nightmare by Arydk is an indie horror game inspired by the Tung tung tung Sahur meme. Players must collect sahur food while being chased by an anomaly figure. Let’s dive right in!
Tung Tung Tung Sahur
Nowadays, there’s a trend where a meme that was once just a funny clip on social media, being turned into a game. Tungtung’s Nightmare is one of the case. The game takes inspiration from the viral Tung tung tung Sahur meme from Indonesia.
For context, the tung tung tung sahur meme is a brainrot meme that most Gen Z and Gen Alpha probably already know. Its name comes from the distinct sound of the wooden kentongan used to wake people up for sahur during Ramadan.
In the meme’s lore, this sound becomes tied to an anomaly figure that haunts those who don’t wake up for sahur when the kentongan is heard.
Sound That Marks Arrival
In this game, inspired by that anomaly, the “tung tung” sound is no longer just a call. Here, it signals that something terrifying is out there.
You play as someone who dares to ignore sahur even when the kentongan sound has been heard. That small decision brings very big consequences.
The Tung tung tung Sahur figure will come to haunt you, dragging you into a strange and dark dimension. That’s where the nightmare begins.
Your task is simple, collect all the sahur dishes scattered across this eerie dimension. Then escape before the creature catches you.
Chase Horror
Tungtung’s Nightmare puts you in a constant chase against this brainrot anomaly. There are no weapons to fight back, no way to kill the monster. The only way to survive is to run, dodge, and think quickly every time you hear the tung tung sound getting closer.
The concept is simple, but that’s exactly what makes it tense. Players must focus on gathering all the sahur meals while knowing that every second could be their last before being caught.
That’s why chase horror feels so nerve-racking. You constantly feel hunted, even when nothing is visible yet.
Also read! Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror – Eerie Consequences for Rule-Breaker
Simplicity
Indie horror game devs often rely on simplicity as their main weapon. Tungtung’s Nightmare does the same thing. Its graphics are low poly, textures lacking detail, and lighting is basic.
But that’s exactly where its strength lies. Simplicity forces players to fill in the blanks with their own imagination. Dark mazes feel far scarier because our minds complete the horror for us.
The game environments are also designed to trigger a sense of being trapped. There are no scenic views or blue skies. Only narrow hallways, plain walls, and empty spaces that feel endless.
And when it comes to horror, audio is often more important than visuals. Tungtung’s Nightmare uses this brilliantly. The sound of the tung tung, usually associated with sahur, becomes a terrifying alarm here.
The atmosphere completely disorients players. Every footstep or tung tung sparks panic. So even without AAA visuals, the game’s atmosphere is undeniably effective.
Also read! (Niskala) The Sacred Knowledge of Leyak: Indonesian Folklore Horror Adventure from Bali
Absolute Cinema
Tungtung’s Nightmare is a proof that netizen’s creativity never runs out. Arydk managed to turn the tung tung tung sahur brainrot into a horror game that’s both scary and hilarious. The result is a short but thrilling experience where every step feels like a gamble.
If you’re a fan of indie horror that’s simple yet heart pounding, this one’s a definite must-try. And if you’re already familiar with the meme, you’ll probably laugh while getting spooked. Tung tung tung sahur might just be a meme character, but in this game’s world, he’s a real nightmare.
Absolute cinema no doubt! Go download it!
References:
Tungtung’s Nightmare – itch.io