A Simple Request

In the quiet town of Morton, Louisiana, a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances prompts the police to call in Detective Thompson, a seasoned investigator known for solving complex cases. As Thompson delves into the eerie occurrences, he uncovers a dark past and sinister forces lurking beneath the town’s surface, blending detective mystery with horror in a contemporary North American setting.

A Simple Request: A Haunting Love Letter to PS1 Horror

Introduction: The Allure of the Unknown

A Simple Request is a game that thrives on ambiguity—both in its narrative and its reception. Released in February 2023 by solo developer Michael Derek, this first-person horror adventure is a deliberate throwback to the low-polygon, atmospheric dread of PlayStation 1-era survival horror. Set in the eerie, backwater town of Morton, Louisiana, the game follows Detective Thompson as he unravels a series of disappearances tied to something far more sinister than mere human malice.

At its core, A Simple Request is an experiment in nostalgia, minimalism, and psychological horror. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore but instead crafts an unsettling atmosphere through environmental storytelling, cryptic dialogue, and a deliberately janky aesthetic. Yet, despite its ambitions, the game has struggled to find a definitive audience, with Steam reviews hovering in the “Mixed” range (42% positive at the time of writing).

This review will dissect A Simple Request in its entirety—its development, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and legacy—to determine whether it’s a hidden gem or a flawed but fascinating relic of retro-inspired horror.

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Development History & Context: A Solo Developer’s Vision

The Rise of the PS1 Horror Revival

A Simple Request arrives at a time when the gaming industry is experiencing a renaissance of PS1-style horror. Titles like Paratopic (2018), Faith: The Unholy Trinity (2023), and LSD: Dream Emulator’s modern remakes have proven that there’s a hungry audience for games that embrace the limitations of early 3D graphics. These games don’t just mimic the visuals—they replicate the feeling of playing a horror game in the late ’90s, complete with tank controls, grainy textures, and oppressive silence.

Michael Derek, the sole developer behind A Simple Request, taps into this trend but with a twist: rather than leaning into surrealism or cosmic horror, his game grounds its terror in a Southern Gothic setting. Morton, Louisiana, is a town steeped in secrets, where the line between folklore and reality blurs. The game’s development was a one-man passion project, built in Unity but meticulously designed to look like a lost PS1 classic.

Technological Constraints as a Design Choice

One of the most intriguing aspects of A Simple Request is how it embraces the limitations of its inspiration. The low-polygon models, stiff animations, and muddy textures aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re integral to the experience. The game’s deliberate jankiness creates a sense of unease, as if the world itself is unstable.

However, this commitment to retro design comes with modern concessions:
– Accessibility Features: Unlike actual PS1 games, A Simple Request includes colorblind modes, customizable controls, and controller support—acknowledging that nostalgia shouldn’t come at the expense of playability.
– Sound Design: While PS1 games were limited by hardware, A Simple Request uses modern audio techniques to enhance immersion, with dynamic soundscapes that react to the player’s actions.

The Indie Horror Landscape in 2023

The game’s release in early 2023 placed it in a crowded field of indie horror titles. Competitors like Signalis (2022) and The Mortuary Assistant (2022) had already set high bars for atmospheric storytelling, while Resident Evil 4 Remake (March 2023) dominated mainstream horror discourse. A Simple Request didn’t have the marketing muscle or critical buzz of these titles, which may explain its mixed reception.

Yet, its existence is a testament to the democratization of game development. A single creator, working with limited resources, can craft an experience that resonates with a niche audience—even if it doesn’t achieve widespread acclaim.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: The Horror Beneath Morton

Plot Summary: A Detective’s Descent into Madness

The story begins with Detective Thompson arriving in Morton, a town plagued by disappearances and whispered rumors of the supernatural. The local police are out of their depth, and Thompson—an outsider with a reputation for solving impossible cases—is their last hope.

As Thompson investigates, he uncovers:
– A Town with a Dark Past: Morton’s history is steeped in occult rituals, cover-ups, and a shadowy entity that lurks beneath the surface.
– Unreliable Narrators: Nearly every character Thompson encounters is hiding something, from the motel manager to the reclusive townsfolk.
– A Personal Nightmare: The deeper Thompson digs, the more he questions his own sanity. Is he uncovering the truth, or is he being manipulated by forces beyond his understanding?

The narrative unfolds through:
– Environmental Storytelling: Abandoned buildings, cryptic notes, and eerie graffiti hint at Morton’s secrets.
– Dialogue Choices: Thompson’s interactions with NPCs can alter the story’s trajectory, though the game’s branching paths are subtle rather than game-changing.
– Surreal Sequences: The game occasionally veers into psychedelic horror, with distorted visuals and disorienting audio cues.

Themes: Isolation, Paranoia, and the Unknowable

A Simple Request is, at its heart, a story about the fear of the unknown. Its themes include:
1. The Illusion of Control: Thompson is a detective—a man who solves puzzles for a living—but Morton defies logic. The game constantly undermines his (and the player’s) sense of agency.
2. Small-Town Horror: The setting is crucial. Morton isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. The town’s isolation amplifies the horror, making the player feel trapped in a nightmare with no escape.
3. The Fragility of Sanity: The game blurs the line between supernatural horror and psychological breakdown. Are the monsters real, or is Thompson losing his mind?

Characters: Faces in the Dark

The cast of A Simple Request is small but memorable:
– Detective Thompson: The protagonist is a classic noir detective archetype—world-weary, methodical, and haunted by his past.
– The Motel Manager: A seemingly helpful figure who may know more than he lets on.
– The Missing Persons: Their fates are revealed through environmental clues, making their absence more chilling than any on-screen monster.

The dialogue is sparse but effective, often leaving more questions than answers. The game’s writing leans into ambiguity, forcing players to piece together the story like a detective.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Retro Horror Experience

Core Gameplay Loop: Investigation and Survival

A Simple Request is a first-person adventure game with light puzzle and exploration elements. The gameplay can be broken down into:
1. Exploration: Players navigate Morton’s streets, buildings, and underground areas, searching for clues.
2. Puzzle-Solving: Environmental puzzles (e.g., finding keys, deciphering codes) gate progress.
3. Stealth & Survival: While not a full survival horror game, A Simple Request includes sequences where Thompson must avoid or outmaneuver threats.

Combat (or Lack Thereof)

Unlike Resident Evil or Silent Hill, A Simple Request is not a combat-heavy game. Thompson is armed only with a flashlight and his wits. The few “enemy” encounters are more about evasion than confrontation, reinforcing the game’s themes of helplessness.

UI & Controls: A Deliberate Throwback

The game’s interface is minimalist, with:
– A PS1-Style HUD: Health, inventory, and objectives are displayed in a way that feels authentic to the era.
– Tank Controls (Optional): Players can choose between modern or retro control schemes, a nice touch for purists.
– Inventory Management: Limited slots force players to think carefully about what they carry.

Innovations & Flaws

What Works:
– Atmosphere: The game’s sound design and visuals create a genuinely unsettling mood.
– Accessibility: Colorblind modes and customizable controls make it more inclusive than its inspirations.
– Mystery-Driven Gameplay: The lack of hand-holding rewards curious players.

What Doesn’t:
– Technical Issues: Some players report bugs, such as stuck dialogue prompts and softlocks.
– Pacing Problems: The game’s slow burn may frustrate those expecting constant scares.
– Lack of Polish: As a solo project, certain elements (e.g., animations, voice acting) feel rough.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: Crafting a Nightmare

Setting: Morton, Louisiana

Morton is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The town feels lived-in, with:
– Abandoned Buildings: Each location tells a story—whether it’s a bloodstained motel room or a boarded-up church.
– Hidden Lore: Notes, graffiti, and NPC dialogue hint at Morton’s dark history.
– The Underground: The game’s most terrifying moments occur beneath the town, where something ancient stirs.

Visual Design: Low-Poly Horror

The game’s PS1-inspired graphics are its defining feature. The low-poly models and muddy textures create a dreamlike (or nightmarish) quality, where reality feels unstable. The art direction is intentionally ugly—but in a way that serves the horror.

Sound & Music: The Sound of Dread

The audio design is where A Simple Request truly shines:
– Ambient Noise: The hum of fluorescent lights, distant whispers, and creaking floorboards immerse the player.
– Dynamic Soundtrack: The music swells during key moments but often fades into silence, leaving only the sound of Thompson’s footsteps.
– Voice Acting: While not professional-grade, the performances add to the game’s indie charm.

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Reception & Legacy: A Cult Classic in the Making?

Critical & Commercial Reception

A Simple Request has received a Mixed rating on Steam (42% positive), with players praising its atmosphere but criticizing its technical issues. Critics have largely overlooked it, with no major reviews from outlets like IGN or GameSpot.

Common Praise:
– “A love letter to PS1 horror.”
– “The sound design is incredible.”
– “The mystery kept me hooked.”

Common Criticisms:
– “Buggy and unpolished.”
– “Too short and vague.”
– “The puzzles are frustrating.”

Influence & Future Potential

While A Simple Request hasn’t made waves in the mainstream, it’s part of a growing subgenre of retro-inspired horror. Its legacy may lie in:
– Inspiring Other Indie Devs: Proof that a solo creator can craft a compelling horror experience.
– The PS1 Horror Revival: Another entry in the movement to reclaim the aesthetic of early 3D horror.

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Conclusion: A Flawed but Fascinating Experiment

A Simple Request is not a perfect game. Its rough edges, technical issues, and ambiguous storytelling will frustrate some players. But for those who appreciate atmospheric horror and retro aesthetics, it’s a hidden gem.

Final Verdict: 7/10 – A Haunting, Imperfect Masterpiece

Who Should Play It?
– Fans of PS1 horror (Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Eternal Darkness).
– Players who enjoy slow-burn mysteries and environmental storytelling.
– Those who appreciate indie games with bold, unpolished visions.

Who Should Avoid It?
– Gamers who prefer fast-paced action or jump scares.
– Players who dislike vague narratives or technical jank.

A Simple Request may not be a classic, but it’s a remarkable achievement for a solo developer—and a testament to the enduring power of retro horror. If you’re willing to embrace its flaws, Morton’s secrets are worth uncovering.