Antichamber

Released

Release Date: January 31, 2013

Puzzle, FPP, Indie Games, Experimental/artistic, Perspective-bending, Singleplayer

Antichamber is a first person perspective (FPP) puzzle game that defies strict genre classification. Antichamber is the work of Alexander Bruce and is a commercial development of the popular mod Hazard: Journey of Life for Unreal Tournament 3. The game involves exploration of abstract locations and solving puzzles. The puzzles are designed on the basis of modern knowledge about the functioning of the human mind.

9.5

Steam

7.8

Users

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Ratings

 Videos: 2 

Images: 12 

Antichamber is an independent psychological puzzle game almost entirely developed by Alexander Bruce alone. The project was born as a mod for Unreal Tournament 3 called Hazard: Journey of Life. After the release of UDK toolkit ( Unreal Development Kit) the author was able to develop the game as a full-scale commercial product. The finished game is much longer, more complex, and more elaborate than the prototypical modification.

Antichamber defies simple categorization. The game is played from first person perspective and relies mainly on exploring abstract locations and solving puzzles. The whole thing was based on the current knowledge about how does the human mind work, so that the consecutive puzzles altered the player’s emotions and his perception of the game. The author was inspired by the theories of Ivan Pavlov on conditioned reflexes, as well as the rules of shaping the psyche, and the virtual world was filled by reality deforming effects and physically impossible objects inspired by Maurits Cornelis Escher’s paintings.

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All this makes up a game that keeps manipulating the player, but also teaches him new things. Therefore, in the tutorial the AI may simply lie to you and lead to your death, and turning right four times may not lead you back to the original position. On the other hand, only because you cannot jump over a chasm does not mean that you cannot cross it when walking backward. Antichamber keeps breaking and distorting all the conventions, to which you got used to in other games. The instincts that you have developed over the years of interactive play here are used against you. At the same time, you are encouraged to critical thinking and constant experiments, since a method discovered before that worked to bypass a particular obstacle, rarely is effective in other challenges.

You observe the action from first person perspective, and the controls are like in a typical FPS games. Later in the game you get a special device that transforms matter around you. From time to time you encounter symbols with hints to help you solve puzzles and learn how certain mechanisms work. At the same time they should never be fully trusted. The world takes a very abstract form and is made of white corridors without textures, which often explode with pulsing colors.

Platforms:

PC Windows

Developer: Alexander Bruce

Publisher: Demruth

Age restrictions: none

Similar Games:

Portal 2

The Stanley Parable

CellFactor: Revolution

System Requirements

System Requirements for Antichamber Video Game:

PC / Windows

Recommended System Requirements:
Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 8800 or better), 1 GB HDD, Windows XP(SP2)/Vista/7, Internet connection.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Antichamber Video Game.

95%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (17,368)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Unique and Mind-Bending Puzzles: Many users praised the game's puzzles for being innovative and challenging, often requiring players to think outside the box.
Visual and Artistic Design: The game features striking visuals and a unique art style that enhances the overall experience, with some players comparing it to a modern art museum.
Exploration and Freedom: Players appreciated the freedom to explore the game world without being led by the hand, allowing for a sense of discovery and personal accomplishment.
Respect for Player Time: The game is relatively short, which some players found refreshing, as it respects their time while still delivering a fulfilling experience.
Engaging Sound Design: Natural sounds throughout the game contributed to a calming atmosphere, enhancing the experience of exploration.

The main cons of the game

Vague Storyline: Some players found the story to be too vague, which could detract from the overall experience for those looking for a more narrative-driven game.
Lack of Guidance: A common critique was the insufficient in-game guidance, particularly regarding puzzle mechanics and map iconography, leading to frustration for some players.
Difficulty and Obscurity: Certain puzzles were perceived as overly difficult or lacking internal logic, leading to a trial-and-error approach that some players found frustrating.
Technical Issues: Some users reported problems with game compatibility on newer systems, which hindered their ability to enjoy the game.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

In-Game Guidance: Players suggested the need for better in-game explanations for puzzles and map features, as well as more intuitive guidance on where to focus next.
Control Customization: A desire for the ability to rebind controls was mentioned, indicating that some players found the default control scheme limiting.
VR Compatibility: Some users expressed a wish for the game to be available in virtual reality, suggesting that it could enhance the immersive experience further.

Summary generated on: October 24, 2025

7.8

USERS Score

Average score from votes.

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Antichamber

Features

System Requirements

Ratings

STEAM Score

USERS Score