Winston thought he could use heavy machinery and power from the depths of hell to transform sinful men into magic ponies. Winston was wrong.
The game forces players to constantly switch between using a flashlight to illuminate their surroundings and wielding a weapon to defend against the aggressive "pony" enemies. This creates a tense and vulnerable experience, as players can never use both light and firepower simultaneously.
The dark, minimalist environments mean that lighting is crucial. Players must strategically use their flashlight and the muzzle flashes from their weapon to spot the shadowy, agile pony enemies lurking in the darkness. The lack of constant visibility adds fear and uncertainty, as players never know what might be hiding in the black.
The pony enemies attempt to evade and flank the player. This requires quick reflexes, as players have to quickly switch between the flashlight and weapon to track and eliminate the nimble creatures. Some enemy types, like the "mage ponies" that shoot projectiles, are particularly difficult to hit due to their speed and small profiles.
Reviewers praise the game's tense, unsettling atmosphere, largely due to its use of lighting, sound design, and minimalist aesthetic. The constant need to manage the flashlight and weapon, combined with the unpredictable and aggressive pony enemies, generates a sense of vulnerability and heightened anxiety.
While the main campaign is short, the game offers different difficulty modes and challenges to encourage replayability. Factors like limited visibility, scarce ammunition, and tricky enemy AI can make repeated playthroughs feel fresh and increase the overall challenge.