Aephemera

Aephemera is a rare analog horror game that explores the psychological simulation and testing genre in a completely new way. It initially introduces itself as a “neural synchronization test,” but after just a few simple steps, the player will be drawn into a series of tense, metaphorical, and… dangerous missions.

The mission is not just a game, but an assessment – ​​conducted by an unknown force. You can pass. Or be eliminated.

Aephemera gameplay

Synaptic Calibration

• The game requires players to fix their gaze on the center of the screen as it displays flashing images.
• The “stimulation” bar at the bottom increases if you move the mouse quickly, and decreases if you slow down.
• The goal: keep the stimulation level within safe limits. If you exceed it, you are eliminated immediately.

Cognitive Test

• Answer multiple-choice questions, from basic math, science knowledge, to recognizing expressions, shapes, and emoticons.
• Some questions tap into psychology: "What do you remember about yesterday?", "Do you have intrinsic value?", "Have you ever lied on this test?"

Image recognition test

• Players need to detect the smallest difference between two almost identical photos.
• Extremely difficult—many details are so subtle that they are almost invisible, forcing many players to turn on unlimited error mode to pass.

Morality Exam

A series of moral questions are presented without signaling whether you are right or wrong:

• "Is it acceptable to lie?"
• "Should you follow society's rules?"
• "Do you think you have innate value?"

Your answers will lead to one of two outcomes—either you are “purged” (erased), or you become the perfect candidate for an unknown force.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Stimulation Bar: Players must control their attention with mouse movements—too fast or too slow will result in failure.
• Time Limits and Errors: Three incorrect answers will result in elimination. Some stages do not allow any errors.
• Unlimited Error Mode: Can be enabled in the settings to help players overcome overly demanding challenges.
• The Appearance of the Eye: An unknown entity—usually appearing as an eye—watches and evaluates you throughout the game.

Messages and Themes

• Ephemera is not simply a game; it is a metaphorical psychological test of
• The game tests one's ability to maintain self-control in a state of high arousal.
• The player possesses a deep understanding of values, morality, and memory.
• The feeling of being watched, manipulated, and judged by an unknown force.
• Many moments in the game make the player doubt his experience: “What did I just choose?” “Am I being controlled?” “Am I human... or just a test subject?”

Player reviews

“Loved your take on the Analogue Horror genre and the gameplay was really well done! The way you made it gripping with the stimulation process as well as tricky and thought of different ways to use the mouse was really, really cool!” — Lucifer (itch.io comment)

“it’s impossible.” — Abra Geroni (itch.io comment)

Aephemera is one of the most unique and ambitious analog horror games. It combines psychological testing with neurotic gameplay in a way that has never been done before. If you have patience and enjoy the anxiety of being analyzed, measured and watched, this is the game for you.

But if you come to analog horror for the creepy, quiet, and unsettling atmosphere, then Aephemera's overly high challenge might overwhelm the experience. In that case, you might want to try Closing Doors—another, more lighthearted analog horror game that focuses on atmosphere and suspense rather than tension, allowing you to fully enjoy the horror style without being overwhelmed.