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ZOONOMALY

Introduction

 LIGHTS ARE OFF LLC is the developer and publisher of the independent horror-puzzle game Zoonomaly, which will be released in March 2024. The game places players inside a zoo where mutated creatures and mysterious anomalies have taken over.  The environment must be explored, puzzles must be solved, key shards must be collected, and players must survive encounters with hostile beings. Zoonomaly places an emphasis on exploration, environmental storytelling, and clever problem-solving rather than combat or intricate mechanics. Its small-scale approach allows it to create tense and immersive moments while remaining accessible to players new to horror or puzzle games.  A short but memorable horror experience is provided by the game's clever puzzle design, atmospheric tension, and light survival elements. Narrative & Characters

 Zoonomaly has a very simple structure for the narrative. In the game, players take on the role of an unidentified investigator who goes into the quarantined zoo to find the cause of the anomaly. Notes, audio logs, and environmental cues provide context and background for the animals and the deterioration of the zoo in storytelling. There are no character arcs or voiced protagonists. Instead, immersion and player-driven discovery are the primary goals. While some players may desire a deeper narrative, the sparse story design suits the puzzle-oriented gameplay and allows tension to build organically through exploration and encounters.

 World & Atmosphere

 The game's tension and charm come primarily from its world. Thematic areas like aquatics, aviaries, nocturnal houses, and predator exhibits distinguish each zoo enclosure. Environmental hazards, mutated creatures, and altered layouts contribute to the sense of unease.

 Lighting and sound play a critical role in atmosphere.  Dim corridors, flickering lights, and distorted ambient noises create suspense.  Creature movement and unpredictable events add tension, requiring players to observe, plan, and react strategically.  The zoo’s nonlinear layout encourages exploration, allowing players to tackle enclosures in different orders and promoting replayability.

 Gameplay Mechanics

 Main Loop Players explore enclosures, solve puzzles, collect key shards, and use tools to evade or manipulate threats.  To unlock the central anomaly, you need shards, which encourages in-depth investigation and attention to detail. Puzzle Design

 The core of Zoonomaly are environmental puzzles. To solve problems, players can change the level of water, reroute power, start machinery, or use objects strategically. While most puzzles are intuitive, some require trial-and-error, maintaining a balance between challenge and accessibility.

 Tools & Abilities

 The "Bloom O'Bang," which temporarily stuns enemies and reveals hidden threats, is available to players early on. Resource management is minimal, keeping tension high without burdening players with micromanagement.

 Enemy Encounters

 Enemies are designed to challenge observation and movement rather than combat.  Players must evade or manipulate the environment to survive encounters.  Creature AI is predictable enough to be fair but still creates suspense during exploration and puzzle sequences.

 Exploration & Shards

 Shards are scattered across the zoo and hidden behind puzzles and environmental obstacles.  Collecting all shards is essential to unlock the anomaly.  The nonlinear placement of shards encourages multiple playstyles and adds replay value.

 Technical Execution

 Zoonomaly’s visuals are stylized and atmospheric rather than photorealistic.  Textures and models are functional, while lighting, shadows, and environmental design heighten the horror mood.

 Performance is stable on mid-range PCs, with occasional minor camera or collision quirks that do not significantly impact gameplay.  Audio design is strong, using ambient sounds, creature noises, and sparse music to reinforce tension and immersion.

 Strengths

 Inventive Zoo Setting: Each enclosure is creatively designed and integrated with puzzles.

 Puzzle-Focused Gameplay: Environmental challenges are rewarding and engaging.

 Nonlinear Exploration: Players can approach the zoo in a variety of ways, which makes the game more replayable. Atmosphere and Sound: The design of the lighting and the sound effectively create suspense. Simple tools and evasion mechanics keep the focus on the puzzles with accessible mechanics. Weaknesses & Concerns

 Puzzle Clarity: Some puzzles are obscure or require trial-and-error.

 Minor Technical Issues: Occasional camera quirks or glitches may appear.

 Sparse Narrative: Limited story content and character development.

 Limited Enemy Variety: Repetition in creature behavior may reduce late-game tension.

 Niche Appeal: Mascot-horror style may not suit all players.

 Community Feedback

 Zoonomaly has received mostly positive feedback from players, particularly for its creative puzzles and immersive environments.  Its unique enclosures, replayability, and tense moments have been highlighted by streamers and content creators. The narrative's lack of depth, occasionally ambiguous puzzles, and minor technical flaws are the primary targets of criticism. The game maintains a small but active community of dedicated players.

 Final Decision Zoonomaly is a compact, puzzle-driven indie horror game that delivers a strong sense of atmosphere and tension.  While it lacks a deep narrative or expansive creature variety, its environmental puzzles, nonlinear exploration, and effective audio-visual design make it a memorable experience.  Players seeking clever puzzles and atmospheric horror will find it satisfying, while those looking for a story-driven or action-heavy experience may want to temper expectations.