Released last month on Steam, Mole is a first-person horror game that explores complex ethical questions through its narrative and gameplay. The game centers on Viktor Kaminskyi, a pilot on a deep-bore vessel tasked with locating the origin of a mysterious broadcast known as the Signal. This Signal is slowly driving the population mad by showing them visions of the dead, drawing comparisons to titles like Event Horizon and Iron Lung.
Mole distinguishes itself through its presentation, featuring a post-WWII, non-specific Slavic setting. The Soviet-style vessel players inhabit contributes to the game's foreboding and claustrophobic atmosphere. While there are elements of gore and chase sequences, the horror largely stems from pushing forward into the unknown and the personal salvation Viktor seeks.
Viktor's motivation is deeply personal. Unlike his colleagues who seek the Signal for humanity's sake, Viktor's quest is driven by a desire to rectify a past injustice where he lost everything despite doing right. The game establishes that Viktor is not a fundamentally bad person, but he is undertaking a morally questionable act. Despite this, the narrative prompts players to consider whether his actions can be justified and leads to players rooting for him.
The gameplay in Mole is not designed for traditional fun but rather to serve its story. It incorporates puzzles and interactive elements, such as retro computers, contributing to its effectiveness as a horror experience. The game is relatively short, with a playtime of approximately four hours. However, the ethical quandaries it presents linger with players long after completion, prompting introspection about Viktor's choices and what one might do in a similar situation. Mole's ability to burrow into the player's thoughts long after its conclusion makes it an unforgettably unsettling experience.