Sally Face

Sally Face is a point-and-click adventure game with a side-scrolling perspective. The player primarily follows Sal, as he explores environments, solves puzzles and progresses the narrative. However, at certain points other characters are controllable.

The player can talk to non-playable characters (NPCs), as well as interact with objects. Players are encouraged to look for hidden details and solve optional puzzles so that they can unlock more of the story. They can also return to previously explored places and see how things have changed.

Note: This summary is told linearly; in-game, the main plot (of the first four episodes) is told as flashbacks recounted by an older Sal.

In 1984, young Sal Fisher wakes up in a sterile hospital room, his face wrapped in bandages. As he gets up to explore, the atmosphere quickly turns eerie. The room appears normal at first, but as Sal moves through the hospital corridors, things begin to change. Blood splatters the walls, the lights flicker, and strange whispers echo around him.

Sally Face was developed by Portable Moose, composed of solo developer Steve Gabry, who also composed the soundtracks. The game took five years to develop. It was developed using the Unity game engine. While Steve first invented the concept and world of Sally Face around 2006/2007, development on the game did not officially start until 2015.

Steve cites 1990s cartoons and personal nightmares as his main inspiration. In 2016, an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, netting the game $13,697, allowed Steve Gabry to start working on Sally Face full-time. io and December 14 on Steam. Episode Two: The Wretched was released July 7, 2017.

Sally Face has been positively received by critics. The Gamers Decide website put Sally Face in their Top 10 Best Indie Narrative Games. Nerdvana called it "a psychological horror masterpiece" and praised the game for evoking strong emotions. Adventure Gamers criticized Sally Face for being convoluted and for hiding important story elements behind optional puzzles, but ultimately said it "is a worthwhile and wholly unique gaming experience that has to be played to be believed".

Winner, "Indie of the Year 2018" - IndieDB