Pippin Barr, a renowned underground video game developer, has once again pushed the boundaries of gaming with his latest release, "It's As If You Were On Your Phone" (IAIYWOYP). Known for his thought-provoking and unconventional games, Barr's new project delves into a surreal near-future where societal pressure to appear engaged with your phone, yet not actually using it, is overwhelming.
In IAIYWOYP, players find themselves navigating this bizarre world by completing prompts and mimicking phone usage. The game challenges players to act as if they are on their phone, even though they are not, highlighting the absurdity of such social expectations. This unique concept is both strange and intriguing, especially when experienced on a mobile device.
While the gameplay itself may not offer much beyond following prompts, the artistic statement behind IAIYWOYP is compelling. It goes beyond the typical narrative of "phones are bad" to explore deeper themes of conformity and societal pressure. The game's visuals, such as a gray screen with prompts like "Stretch Your Neck Quickly" and a pink ball to drag, add to its surreal atmosphere.
**It's aaaart!!!**
Whether you should play IAIYWOYP depends on your openness to experimental gaming. If you're willing to engage with its underlying message and reflect on what it says about you and society, it's worth a try. Pippin Barr's previous works have been valued for their unique experiences, and IAIYWOYP continues this tradition.
However, if you're seeking a more conventional gaming experience, you might want to explore our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.
