Off-Peak is strange. It is random. It's seemingly insane and nonsensical, and yet open to a lot of interpretation.

You play as this unknown stranger who is on his way to a town. However, you found yourself stuck in a train station with no means of paying passage to your next destination. An altruistic man gives you a way out, and it'll involve having to explore most of what this train station has to offer.. but is it really a train station in the literal sense of the word?

Off-Peak asks you to find out. I'd describe this as an artsy indie walking simulator that takes around 30 minutes to complete. So not a lot of action, but definitely a lot of crazy. Potentially pretentious and vapid of course, but in my experience I've found it to be rather thought provoking after mulling it over some. If nothing else, I'd check it out for the soundtrack. They weren't messing around when they mentioned that you'd get "hypnotized" by the soundtrack. It's damn good. So yeah. Definitely check this one out.


Now here goes my personal interpretation of the game's messages and ending. Could be way off, but it's fun to write about. Spoilers from here on out.

I think the clue starts in the name itself: Off-Peak. Like you've ascended, but something... something seems off. The station, for one. It barely even looks or operates like one! In fact, upon closer inspection, one could say it's more like an oppressive dystopian town ruled by an iron fist mayor, whose inhabitants appear to exist in a state of monotony, routine, and order.

The merchants act like business as usual, taking a jab at consumerism saying that their few customers that do purchase vinyls or music sheets can't even play an instrument and are only there for the thrill of buying something new.

The bartender who runs a small board game pub enjoys routine so he already had all his schedules planned out in order to maximize profits. The patrons seem content to just spend their entire existence on their board game marathons, because if they leave, they fear they won't be able to make time again to come back.

It is a beautiful place filled with art everywhere, like it just breathes creativity, yet it contrasts with the dull mechanical lifestyle of just about everyone in the station. There's even a huge piano whose player refuses to play, staying in quiet contemplation, forever. As if any attempt to actually create art is forbidden, you have to go with what's already available.

It felt like that as time went on, I'd come to realize that perhaps this train station was a kind of Purgatory, except the train wasn't the final destination. Muriel's Circus was, as she and the 3 strange ladies are taking you there by the time Off-Peak's over. Maybe they're taking you to like Heaven or something. Or it may have been an alien abduction after all, who knows.

I'm sure I'm overthinking this a whole lot and half of what I just wrote is nonsense. But considering Off-Peak only lasts 30 minutes and made me write all this does say something.

I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.

[h1]Short Thoughts (No Spoilers)[/h1] Off-Peak is strange. It is random. It's seemingly insane and nonsensical, and yet open to a lot of interpretation. You play as this unknown stranger who is on his way to a town. However, you found yourself stuck in a train station with no means of paying passage to your next destination. An altruistic man gives you a way out, and it'll involve having to explore most of what this train station has to offer.. but is it really a train station in the literal sense of the word? Off-Peak asks you to find out. I'd describe this as an artsy indie walking simulator that takes around 30 minutes to complete. So not a lot of action, but definitely a lot of crazy. Potentially pretentious and vapid of course, but in my experience I've found it to be rather thought provoking after mulling it over some. If nothing else, I'd check it out for the soundtrack. They weren't messing around when they mentioned that you'd get "hypnotized" by the soundtrack. It's damn good. So yeah. Definitely check this one out. [h1]Plot Thoughts (Spoilers Ahoy)[/h1] Now here goes my personal interpretation of the game's messages and ending. Could be way off, but it's fun to write about. Spoilers from here on out. [spoiler]I think the clue starts in the name itself: Off-Peak. Like you've ascended, but something... something seems off. The station, for one. It barely even looks or operates like one! In fact, upon closer inspection, one could say it's more like an oppressive dystopian town ruled by an iron fist mayor, whose inhabitants appear to exist in a state of monotony, routine, and order. The merchants act like business as usual, taking a jab at consumerism saying that their few customers that do purchase vinyls or music sheets can't even play an instrument and are only there for the thrill of buying something new. The bartender who runs a small board game pub enjoys routine so he already had all his schedules planned out in order to maximize profits. The patrons seem content to just spend their entire existence on their board game marathons, because if they leave, they fear they won't be able to make time again to come back. It is a beautiful place filled with art everywhere, like it just breathes creativity, yet it contrasts with the dull mechanical lifestyle of just about everyone in the station. There's even a huge piano whose player refuses to play, staying in quiet contemplation, forever. As if any attempt to actually create art is forbidden, you have to go with what's already available. It felt like that as time went on, I'd come to realize that perhaps this train station was a kind of Purgatory, except the train wasn't the final destination. Muriel's Circus was, as she and the 3 strange ladies are taking you there by the time Off-Peak's over. Maybe they're taking you to like Heaven or something. Or it may have been an alien abduction after all, who knows. I'm sure I'm overthinking this a whole lot and half of what I just wrote is nonsense. But considering Off-Peak only lasts 30 minutes and made me write all this does say something.[/spoiler] I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.