The Repairing Mantis is a narrative horror game that lets you experience the disturbing, violent (yet absurdly poetic) story of a mantis on a mission to repair a bridge made of flying squirrel flesh.
As a praying mantis, the player embarks on a surreal and disturbing journey, experiencing the story's unfolding events firsthand. The game features an interactive narrative with multiple endings, allowing the player to make impactful choices that shape the course of the story. A unique mechanic enables the player to choose dialogue responses from the perspective of the characters they interact with, adding depth to the interpersonal dynamics and the player's understanding of the characters' motivations.
The gameplay loop primarily involves navigating the eerie world, collecting dreams, and making choices that impact the narrative. While the pacing is intentionally slow, with a playtime of around 1 hour, some players felt the slow traversal speed could have been improved with a faster movement option. Nevertheless, the unconventional mechanics contribute to the game's overall surreal and unsettling atmosphere.
One of the game's standout features is its emotional impact on players. Reviewers often describe the experience as deeply disturbing, violent, and existential, yet also surprisingly poetic and thought-provoking. The game's themes, such as depression, suicide, and the pursuit of dreams, are portrayed in a manner that resonates deeply with players, frequently leaving them contemplating the narrative's meaning and implications long after completion.
The majority of player reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the game as a unique, creative, and well-executed exploration of a mind in crisis. While the game's heavy subject matter and disturbing imagery may not appeal to all players, those who embrace the surreal and unsettling experience have praised the game for its bold and unflinching narrative. Reviewers often recommend the game to players seeking a fresh and impactful narrative-driven experience, cautioning that the game may linger in the player's mind long after the credits roll.
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