Solve the mystery by looking

103 is an indie game created by Dystopia Interactive. It plays essentially like an escape room game. However, rather than escaping a room, you will play to get into that one available room to escape the surreal corridors entrapping you.

Like most escape room games, 103 will have puzzles you need to solve. However, there are only three actual puzzles to go through, and only the first one can only be considered challenging. Additionally, the game is short on information, and you will find yourself roaming the corridor trying to understand why you’re there and what is happening. 

What is 103?

103 is a short walking simulator with puzzles and psychological horror elements. In this, you play as Lily, who lost her memories during her night out with friends. You will help Lily regain her memory by exploring her environment and solving the puzzle. Sadly, the narrative does not take place much in the game. Save for the introduction, you will never hear of her again.

As mentioned, the game drops you in a surreal corridor filled with stylish 1910s Alphonse Mucha posters and adverts. Like similar titles, you will explore the corridors to find something—the game is not forthcoming with information. However, unlike typical adventure games, there is a strict look-but-don’t-touch policy imposed. You can only look at each decoration. There is no interact button, and there is no inventory, either.

However, once you find what you need to look for, the narrative pieces will begin to fit. With this, you will have to wander around the map many times to see the changes. It can be challenging as sometimes the changes are too subtle. Thankfully, the game delivers when it comes to the graphics. The map has a rich atmosphere, made more surreal by the somber background music.

Is the game good?

All in all, 103 offers an intriguing game that fans of puzzle games will love. Unlike titles from the same genre, it has a unique core gameplay of using only observation to solve the mystery. It also boasts a dreamy atmosphere that takes you back to the past. However, you will find yourself wandering around the map longer than necessary as the game is not that forthcoming with information.