Midnight Mass

Midnight Mass Overview

What is Midnight Mass?

Midnight Mass is a short, atmospheric horror game developed during the Based Game Jam 2024. The game plunges players into a tense, eerie situation involving a priest, a gruesome ritualistic murder, and a disturbing conversation that must unfold before sunrise. The story takes place in a remote precinct where seven people have been found murdered, their hearts devoured in a grotesque ritual. The sole survivor, a terrified woman, has demanded to speak only to her former priest, who hasn't seen her in seven years. As the priest, your goal is to extract a confession or uncover the truth behind the killings.

The game explores themes of ancient Roman influence on modern-day practices, particularly focusing on the Roman Catholic Church. Its inspiration for the story stemmed from the game's jam theme, S.P.Q.R aka Rome, but instead of focusing on ancient Rome itself, Midnight Mass delves into how Roman customs and beliefs have carried over into the present day. Combining elements of horror with a strong narrative, the game’s plot unravels like a haunting interrogation, with multiple possible endings depending on the choices you make. The tense atmosphere and morally complex decisions make Midnight Mass a psychological and immersive horror experience.

How to Play Midnight Mass

Midnight Mass is a dialogue-driven horror game with a strong focus on narrative exploration and decision-making. The game is designed to be played in a single sitting, offering around 13 minutes per playthrough, but it features enough depth to encourage multiple playthroughs for different outcomes.

Here’s how to play:

• Starting the Game Players take on the role of a priest called to a remote precinct late at night. You will be asked to interrogate a woman—the sole survivor of a horrific crime involving ritualistic murder. Your goal is to get her to talk, uncover what happened, and decide whether she is a victim or something far more dangerous.
• Dialogue Choices The game is heavily focused on dialogue. You will be presented with different dialogue options throughout the conversation with the woman. Each choice you make can lead to different revelations and outcomes. Pay close attention to what the woman says, and consider your options carefully, as your responses can shape the story’s direction. Some options will lead to dead ends, while others may unlock crucial details about the murders.
• Exploring Multiple Endings Midnight Mass features four unique endings, determined by your choices and how the conversation unfolds. Depending on how well you navigate the conversation and the moral dilemmas presented, you may uncover one of these various conclusions. The endings range from uncovering a dark truth to leaving with more questions than answers. To experience all of the content the game has to offer, players are encouraged to try multiple playthroughs, experimenting with different dialogue choices.
• Managing Time The game adds urgency by making time a factor. The events take place throughout one late-night conversation, and the priest must get answers before sunrise. The ticking clock adds a layer of tension, forcing you to make quick decisions. This creates a feeling of pressure as the conversation deepens and the stakes rise.
• Atmosphere and Immersion The game’s dark, moody setting and narrative create a tense atmosphere perfect for horror fans. The remote location of the precinct, the ominous subject matter, and the unsettling behavior of the woman all contribute to an immersive, unnerving experience. The dialogue is designed to keep you on edge, as you slowly unravel the truth behind the murders and the woman's role in them.

Features of Midnight Mass:

• Short, Replayable Experience: Each playthrough is about 13 minutes, but with four unique endings and branching dialogue, the game offers around 52 minutes of total content.
• Narrative Depth: With 3,000 words in a single playthrough and 12,000 words total, Midnight Mass is a rich, dialogue-heavy experience that focuses on storytelling and decision-making.
• Multiple Endings: Four different outcomes ensure replay value and allow players to explore different narrative paths.
• Atmospheric Horror: The combination of a chilling setting, mysterious characters, and tense dialogue choices creates a gripping horror experience.

Midnight Mass is a must-play for fans of short, story-driven horror games. Its focus on narrative choices, the eerie setting, and the moral dilemmas presented through the priest's conversation make it an intense psychological experience. With multiple endings to discover, players are encouraged to dive back into the game to uncover every secret hiding in the darkness. Can you extract the truth and survive the night? Or will you fall victim to the terrifying forces at play?