Is this Game Trying to Kill Me? Review — A Game Within a Game

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? isn’t your typical escape room. With a unique premise that oozes into both its mechanics and atmosphere, the game provides excitingly different escape-room-style puzzles and an immersive, suspenseful horror setting. It’s easily become my new favorite in the genre, full of charm and not overly difficult, though some players might find its short runtime, while packed with content, doesn’t quite justify the price tag.

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? features a distinct and inventive twist on the escape room genre.

The game begins with you waking up in a dilapidated, isolated cabin. The atmosphere is immediately unsettling—especially with a skeleton in your bed—and you soon encounter the main antagonist, the cabin’s ghoulish owner. This sinister figure informs you that to escape, you must participate in a life-or-puzzle game. The puzzles aren’t confined to the cabin; instead, they’re interwoven with a small, vintage MS-DOS computer running a rudimentary adventure game that initially seems simple but quickly becomes crucial to the game’s twisted design.

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? cleverly blends two worlds into its puzzles. Actions within the computer game (which you’re playing within a computer game) directly affect the cabin’s environment, and vice versa. Puzzles in both spaces are connected, meaning progress in one can unlock or alter something in the other. For example, solving a puzzle in the computer game might open a door in the cabin, or triggering a trap in the virtual game could have deadly consequences in the “real” world. The result is constant tension between exploring the cabin and interacting with the computer game.

This dynamic creates a cross-progression system that makes Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? incredibly inventive. The puzzles, while not particularly difficult, are never predictable. You’ll frequently be unsure whether the next step involves the computer game or the cabin. This push and pull between spaces keeps the gameplay unpredictable and encourages constant back-and-forth.

The use of the computer game isn’t just a clever mechanic; it also enhances the horror. The way the game-within-a-game changes your environment makes the cabin feel deeply haunted, making you worry about unpredictable consequences. It evokes psychological fear, more about what could happen than what’s visible, similar to Amanda the Adventurer.

The eerie interaction between the computer game and the cabin keeps you on edge. This unease is one of the game’s greatest strengths.

In terms of puzzle design, Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? strikes a balance between challenge and satisfaction. The puzzles are diverse and unique, and while the solutions aren’t immediately obvious, they’re not overly challenging. While it’s difficult to predict solutions, things often fall into place easily with exploration and basic deduction.

The game is short, taking most players about three hours. This feels like a good length—it’s tight, focused, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, if you prefer longer experiences, the short playtime might be disappointing. At $15, it might feel pricey for only one or two playthroughs, especially if you’re looking for replay value. Of course, this is subjective; some will find it worth the price, given its originality and design.

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? is a highly creative and engaging puzzle game. By blending a real-world environment with a game-within-a-game, it creates unique tension and unpredictability. The puzzles are well-crafted and challenging but not frustrating, and the eerie atmosphere makes the experience tense and immersive.

While the game’s length may be short for some, it feels complete, delivering an enjoyable mix of challenge and suspense. For those who appreciate innovative gameplay and psychological horror, it’s well worth the price, even with limited replayability.

Try Hard Guides received a PC review code for this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! Is this Game Trying to Kill Me? is available on Steam.