A narrative horror puzzle game

MapFriend is a free game released under a “name your own price” model, allowing gamers to support the dev financially if they wish — but not requiring it. It is a horror game with an unconventional concept. The player controls a character sitting at a computer using a map viewing application.

All of the game takes place through the eyes of this character. While this game is not unique with the meta computer aspect — see games like Untold Stories and Andy’s Apple Farm for other examples — but the 3D map exploration element is certainly an uncommon approach to the genre.

Explore the world online

The game is presented as a person sitting at a computer, with the aesthetic of the computer and onscreen software keeping with the late-90s feel. The character is trying a software application that allows them to view the world in satellite photography and even drop down into certain regions to explore in 3D, similar to Google Maps and Streetview.

Unravel the narrative

As the player explores, it soon becomes clear that there is an underlying narrative to the game, which won’t be spoiled here. The player must continue to explore the world — being narratively restricted to certain locations — and uncover the story behind the things they see on the screen.

Clever but short

MapFriends is a clever take on the genre of retro-styled horror games. It is a short game, even by the standards of the genre, and it is more of an interactive experience than a traditional game. However, it does succeed in creating an unsettling atmosphere. As it is free, fans of the genre will likely want to try it.