Qianhao Tang

YAMI is a single-player platforming game in the horror/suspense genre, with the key mechanic of a hidden map toggle which induces uncertainty and fear elements to the game. YAMI derives its name from the Japanese phrase “darkness”, and that is what the whole game is about: for players to navigate in the darkness with momentary choices to toggle a flashlight to see the obstacles ahead. The light switch toggle is driven by a key on the keyboard that the player can choose to press on for however long they want, but there is one caveat. When the light switch is turned on, players will also inadvertently introduce ghouls that come striking in their direction. Since the game layout and platforms don’t change, the game is all about striking the balance between darkness and light, toggling and not toggling. It requires memory as much as it calls for braveness. It builds on the classic elements of horror such as darkness and fear for the unknown.