Buckshot Roulette

From the moment you enter the dimly lit underground arena, the ominous atmosphere of Buckshot Roulette grips you. This psychological horror game wastes no time immersing you in its twisted world, where a simple round of Russian roulette takes on cosmic implications.

Developed by the enigmatic Mike Klubnika, Buckshot Roulette combines intense gameplay with an eerie, mind-bending narrative that will leave you questioning reality itself. In many ways, Buckshot Roulette feels like a more in-depth version of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard's blackjack minigame.

At its core, the game is a harrowing test of nerves and luck. You'll face off against the enigmatic Dealer in best-of-three rounds of Russian roulette using a 12-gauge shotgun. With each pull of the trigger, the tension mounts as you wonder if this will be your final moment. It's a simple premise executed with chilling effectiveness, thanks to the game's incredible ambient design and unsettling visuals that border on the surreal.

Also, the Dealer is one of the creepiest horror monsters ever created.

Beating the House

The first thing that strikes you about Buckshot Roulette (other than a possible faceful of buckshot, of course) is the bizarre, almost otherworldly presence of the Dealer. This entity sets the rules and oversees the deadly game. As you engage in this high-stakes game of chance, you can't help but wonder about the true nature of your opponent and the stakes at play.

In this regard, Buckshot Roulette shares DNA with other mind-bending horror games like FAITH and Inscryption, where the lines between reality and madness blur. The Dealer's motivations and the true purpose of this lethal game remain ambiguous, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the proceedings.

If you've ever played another of Mike Klubnika's games, then you'll know precisely the sort of horror stuff he loves to make. Similar to Iron Lung, what scares you about Bucksot Roulette isn't necessarily the Dealer himself, but the overall creepiness and off-putting nature of your predicament.

The Arena's Secrets

While the core gameplay revolves around intense Russian roulette showdowns, Buckshot Roulette offers much more than a simple game of chance. The arena itself is a character, as it changes and shifts with each round and powerup you collect.

From secret easter eggs to hidden details in the background, Buckshot Roulette will have you scrutinizing every minute detail of its low-poly horror world, looking for details that might explain a bit more of why you decided to play Russian roulette with a shotgun. I mean, that's not precisely the sort of thing that happens in the backrooms of a normal club. Right?

Double or Nothing

For those seeking an even more intense challenge, Buckshot Roulette offers a "Double or Nothing" mode that tests the limits of your nerves and luck. In this mode, you can continue playing Russian roulette indefinitely, with the stakes rising ever higher with each successive round.

This is also how you unlock the game's true ending, so keep that in mind as you play. This is, after all, a game of luck and trial and error, so just enjoy the ride, and don't fret if you don't get the right ending on your first try. Or your twelfth. Or thirtieth.

Pros

• Intense, nerve-wracking gameplay
• Creepy, atmospheric visuals and sound design
• Mind-bending narrative with layers of mystery

Cons

• Short overall playtime
• Limited player agency in the story
• Gameplay can feel repetitive after multiple playthroughs