Pretend It’s Not There

Pretend It’s Not There – A Haunting Psychological Horror Experience

Pretend It’s Not There is a chilling adventure horror game that takes a unique approach to fear—rather than relying on jump scares, it immerses players in slow-building dread. Created by indie developer Dreadloom and available to play on KBHGames.com, this browser-based title puts players in the shoes of a student returning home, only to realize that something sinister has followed them inside.

A Terrifying Premise

The game’s premise is simple yet deeply unsettling. Upon arriving home, players must go about their usual routine—doing homework, tidying up, and completing everyday chores—all while suppressing the growing realization that an unknown entity is lurking nearby. The key mechanic is avoidance: acknowledging the presence of the Monster—by looking at it or reacting—results in certain doom. As the night progresses, the game tests players’ nerves with subtle audio cues and environmental changes, making every moment tense.

Psychological Horror at Its Finest

Unlike many horror games that rely on sudden scares, Pretend It’s Not There focuses on psychological horror. The Monster, an unseen yet omnipresent force, preys on the player’s awareness. The more they acknowledge its existence, the greater the danger becomes. The game masterfully plays with paranoia, keeping players on edge as they attempt to maintain an illusion of normalcy.

A Never-Ending Cycle of Terror

The horror doesn’t end with one playthrough. If the player successfully ignores the Monster, they might make it through the night. However, the game’s narrative takes a tragic turn when the protagonist’s mother arrives home. Unlike the child, she is unable to ignore the entity, sealing both of their fates. This cycle of inevitable doom adds an extra layer of horror, reinforcing the game’s theme of helplessness.

Gameplay and Controls

With a minimalist control scheme, Pretend It’s Not There is easy to pick up yet difficult to master. Players use:

• W/A/S/D to move
• E to interact
• Left Click to take or throw objects
• Right Click to drop items

The mechanics emphasize immersion, allowing players to focus on the eerie atmosphere rather than complicated gameplay.

Pretend It’s Not There is a must-play for fans of psychological horror. Its blend of atmospheric tension, simple mechanics, and psychological terror makes it a standout experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick, eerie session or a deeply unsettling horror story, this indie gem delivers. The question remains—can you truly pretend it’s not there?