I like trains. Not to the point where I’d ever want to collect miniatures or such but trains are pretty sweet. Generally speaking. Less so when you’re trapped inside a train (and there’s nothing you can do about it)
At least you’re not stuck on this particular train by your lonesome as a handful of other passengers are in a similar situation, and they’re certainly a varied bunch. I’d say they’re also a quirky lot, although at the end of the day, isn’t that simply one of the many things that define human beings – unique qualities? I’m not entirely convinced that’s always a good thing, but let’s start from the beginning: how did you somehow end up trapped inside a train (and there’s nothing you can do about it) in the first place?
Well, far as I can tell… actually, on second thought, let’s leave that question unanswered for now; perhaps indefinitely, and instead focus on potential ways of getting out. You’re running late for a life-or-death job interview, meaning time is of the utmost importance and your options are quite limited. Either you find a way to charge your phone, call the interviewers and reschedule, or find a way off this train, catch a cab, and make a mad dash to the interview. Even though your shot at getting the job is likely so small it can’t be measured, no matter how fast all the pieces fall into place. Provided they ever do.
Three dogs and two cats are waiting at home, and at the moment your situation is so dire that without absolutely nailing the interview, all six of you are likely going to starve. So, desperate times, desperate measures, and all that. Get with the decision-making and see if you can find a way to figure out why fate has decided to derail your entire existence with this particular conundrum. Depending on the choices you make in this visual novel, the story is going to end in one of more than half a dozen different ways. I’m not entirely certain I got to experience them all prior to writing this review, but I will say this: they were certainly… interesting!
That’s also about as much as I can get away with while avoiding spoilers, and trapped inside a train (and there’s nothing you can do about it) is best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Not because of its relatively short runtime either, clocking in at around 30 minutes for the entire experience, but more so due to the fact that – well, let’s just say there’s a reason the game is tagged with ‘mystery’ on itch.io. Remember: you’re stuck on a train… but why? There. Mystery.
But seriously, did you know that this was apparently made in 24 hours? An undoubtedly impressive feat, and the result? Well, “Kind of trippy. Kind of nonsense.”, according to its creator. Can’t say I disagree exactly, although I would add “Kind of great.” as I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of this visual novel, including its more-than-a-little eerie atmosphere. Just enough to make the player feel unease without venturing into straight-up horror territory.
Now, with all that said, at this point you’re surely more than a little curious, right? If so, then by all means, grab a copy of the game and see for yourself what it’s like to be trapped inside a train (and there’s nothing you can do about it). Oh, almost forgot: be sure to tip the creator!
trapped inside a train (and there’s nothing you can do about it) is available on itch.io.
