"Endless Monday: Dreams and Deadlines" - In this short story from the Endless Monday, Penny, a mild-mannered corporate grunt, spends a weekend at the office in an effort to finish her project on time while overcoming distractions from coworkers, space aliens, imaginary friends, and herself.
The game engages players through meaningful choices that impact the story and progression. At key decision points, players can select from various dialogue options, leading to distinct narrative paths, events, and endings. Reviewers praise the game's sense of agency, as their choices visibly shape Penny's journey and the eventual outcome, creating a satisfying feeling of authorship.
One standout feature is the integration of Penny's in-game smartphone as a diegetic user interface. Players can pull out Penny's phone to access different functions, such as checking her to-do list, contacting co-workers, and even playing the addictive mini-game "Lumber Lass." This seamless blending of gameplay and narrative heightens the immersion, as players feel more deeply embedded in Penny's world and responsibilities.
The game offers multiple narrative paths and endings, encouraging players to explore diverse outcomes based on their choices. Reviewers highlight the game's replayability, noting that they can experience vastly different story arcs and conclusions depending on the decisions they make. The ability to uncover a range of endings, from comedic to introspective, keeps players engaged and invested in seeing how Penny's journey unfolds.
The controls are praised for their simplicity and accessibility, allowing players to navigate the experience comfortably using a mouse, keyboard, or controller. The smooth integration of input methods facilitates an uninterrupted flow of gameplay, ensuring that players can focus on the narrative without being hindered by complex control schemes.