Employee of The Month, developed and published by Projeckt Skeleton, is a surreal first-person horror experience that disguises itself as a mundane job simulator before steadily unraveling into something far stranger and more unsettling. It begins with a familiar setup: you are assigned a night shift at a quiet, isolated convenience store, performing routine tasks like stocking shelves, cleaning, and attending to customers. At first, everything feels grounded, almost intentionally dull, but that sense of normalcy is carefully constructed—and it doesn’t last long.
As the game progresses, the cracks in reality begin to show. Instructions from management become increasingly odd, the store layout subtly shifts, and the products themselves feel out of place, as if they belong to a world that only loosely resembles our own. What initially seems like a straightforward simulation gradually transforms into a disorienting exploration of space and logic, where the environment no longer follows consistent rules. Corridors loop back on themselves, hidden areas appear without explanation, and the store evolves into a labyrinth that feels more psychological than physical. The game leans heavily into this sense of instability, making players question whether they are progressing forward or simply circling through an ever-changing nightmare.
Gameplay is built around exploration and task completion, but it rarely provides clear direction. Objectives are often implied rather than stated outright, requiring players to interpret their surroundings and experiment with interactions to move forward. This approach reinforces the game’s surreal tone, but it can also lead to confusion, especially when progression depends on noticing subtle environmental cues. There are moments where the lack of guidance feels intentional and effective, adding to the tension, but there are also instances where it risks becoming frustrating, particularly for players who prefer more structured design.
One of the most striking aspects of Employee of The Month is its tone. It blends psychological horror with a dry, almost absurd sense of humor, creating an experience that constantly shifts between discomfort and dark comedy. Strange product descriptions, bizarre customer interactions, and oddly phrased instructions inject moments of levity that feel out of place in a traditional horror setting. Rather than undermining the tension, this contrast enhances it, as players are never entirely sure whether a moment is meant to be unsettling or amusing. This unpredictability becomes a defining feature, giving the game a unique rhythm that sets it apart from more straightforward horror titles.
The visual presentation plays a crucial role in establishing atmosphere. The game adopts a low-poly, retro-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of early 3D horror games, with simple textures and slightly distorted geometry. This stylistic choice works in its favor, as the lack of detail allows environments to feel ambiguous and unstable. Lighting is used sparingly, often leaving areas partially obscured, while the sound design relies on subtle ambient noise rather than constant music. Together, these elements create a persistent sense of unease, where even quiet moments feel charged with tension.
Narratively, the game takes a fragmented approach. There is an underlying story, but it is never presented directly. Instead, players uncover pieces of information through exploration, environmental details, and optional interactions. This encourages interpretation, allowing players to form their own understanding of what is happening. The inclusion of multiple endings adds another layer of depth, suggesting that the experience can be viewed from different perspectives depending on the choices made. However, this ambiguity also means that the narrative can feel elusive, and it may not resonate equally with all players.
The pacing is intentionally uneven, shifting between slow, methodical exploration and sudden, disorienting sequences that disrupt the player’s sense of control. While this keeps the experience engaging, it also contributes to its occasional inconsistency. Some sections feel tightly designed and impactful, while others seem more experimental, lacking the same level of cohesion. This unevenness doesn’t necessarily detract from the overall experience, but it does highlight the game’s experimental nature.
Despite its flaws, Employee of The Month succeeds in creating something memorable through its willingness to take risks. It doesn’t rely on conventional horror mechanics or predictable storytelling, instead building its identity around atmosphere, unpredictability, and contrast. It is a game that thrives on discomfort—not just through fear, but through the gradual realization that nothing within its world can be fully trusted or understood.
Ultimately, Employee of The Month is best appreciated as an experimental horror experience rather than a traditional game. It offers a distinctive blend of surreal design and psychological tension that will appeal to players who enjoy ambiguity and unconventional storytelling. While its lack of clarity and uneven structure may not suit everyone, those who embrace its strange, shifting world are likely to find it both unsettling and uniquely engaging.
Rating: 8/10
