Indie Game World Rating: 8/10

It’s summer vacation. Your father suddenly goes on a business trip, so you’re left to you’re own devices for three days. You’re in charge of Pochi, the family dog. And you’re hungry. This is the setting for Urayama, Yamato’s third title.

Urayama Story Synopsis

The story starts with your character visiting a traveling yatai (food cart) for a bowl of ramen. You share some idle chitchat with the shopkeeper. You chow down eagerly, savoring every last slurp. But then, a local boy goes missing and strange things start happening in your home.

Gameplay Thoughts

Exploration is minimal – with very few things to interact with aside from light switches and doors. The only “gameplay” comes in the form of a mini game on your computer. However, it is an effective walking simulator. The limited actions capture the feeling of paranoia and isolation. It is easy to imagine yourself as a young kind, home alone and afraid. You’d want to turn all the lights on and check every closet too.

Is Urayama Worth Playing?

Though there are some good scares, the ending is a bit lackluster and some scenes drag on a little too long. That said, the game excels in building tension and crafting an immersive world. The art style and pacing feels similar to a Chilla’s Art game. So if you’re into The Convenience Store or Parasocial, you’ll probably like Urayama. Both developers share a talent for turning the ordinary into something unsettling – creating an eerie atmosphere from the most everyday situations.

For $2.99, Urayama is worth a play. It’s short and sweet (and a little savory) and doesn’t try to overstay its welcome. But if you’d rather sit back and watch, be sure to check out CJU’s playthrough below.