The RPS Advent Calendar 2025 has commenced, unveiling one of the year’s standout games daily, with a finale on December 24th that highlights the top choice. Among the featured titles is “Look Outside,” a unique blend of turn-based RPG, survival horror, and metroidvania elements. This game has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and an absurdly dark narrative filled with grotesque humor.

In “Look Outside,” players take on the role of Sam, an ordinary man who wakes up to find a massive cosmic entity threatening the very fabric of reality outside his apartment. Anyone daring enough to open their curtains faces a grim fate, transforming into grotesque forms. The game’s narrative is amplified by a rich, interconnected world filled with bizarre creatures and surreal events, ranging from infant creatures formed of teeth to sentient paintings.

The combat system in “Look Outside” is punishing and requires players to engage in turn-based battles that test their resource management skills. With no initial allies, surviving relies on either strategic thinking or recruiting unlikely companions within the game’s eerie environment. The difficulty is heightened by formidable enemies that can invade early areas, leading to unexpected setbacks.

Adding to the challenge, the game operates on a 15-day timer, where every choice affects the unfolding story. Players are frequently prompted to make critical decisions, many of which can have dire consequences. These moments are often laced with humor, as exemplified by the storyline involving Rafta, a talking pipe with a romantic inclination. The tale takes a dark twist when Rafta turns out to be a parasitic entity, leading to an unforeseen but entertaining series of events that showcases the game’s willingness to embrace absurdity.

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Look Outside” is how it adapts to player failures, creating a narrative that evolves based on choices made. Players can find unexpected rewards from the chaos they might inadvertently create, such as befriending a worm character named Kevin, who offers unique items and abilities.

The game provides a refreshing take on player agency, allowing mistakes to lead to surprising developments rather than game over screens. For instance, showing respect to the Rat King during a challenging encounter yields beneficial outcomes, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Overall, “Look Outside” stands out not just for its eclectic mix of genres, but also for its emphasis on player-driven storytelling, embracing failure, and the delightfully absurd scenarios that ensue. It reflects a broader trend in modern gaming that values narratives shaped by player actions, encouraging exploration and creativity even amidst the horror. As the RPS Advent Calendar continues to unveil more games, “Look Outside” remains a compelling highlight worth exploring.