They’re saying do what you like, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life. As an indie game creator, I’m successfully juggling my dual identities: a ruthless assassin and a passionate DIY enthusiast who brings warmth to spaces through interior design. As I pored over the glossy pages, my trigger finger twitched in anticipation, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins like Swedish meatballs on a Saturday morning. Wrapped in a singular narrative, this peculiar dualism unfolds as two distinct video game-inspired experiences, connected by the trials and tribulations of an endearingly hapless protagonist and a courteous yet inquisitive neighbour.
As you step into the shoes of Barry, a fully-grown adult, you find yourself amidst the stark simplicity of his dwelling, a space that might have inspired a thread on Reddit’s r/MaleLivingSpaces. I’m financially strapped, which forces me to consider taking on a deadly hitman job. The contract negotiation process typically unfolds at a relatively rapid pace. As I sit in contemplative silence, I await the manifestation of my deepest desires, focusing my intentions and igniting the spark within. As I struggle to meet the demands of my enigmatic superior, every missed deadline is met with a scathing rebuke and a corresponding reduction in my paycheck, leaving me with no choice but to hasten through each task with laser-like focus.
Barry’s despondent tone echoes through his now-empty home, a poignant reflection of his unfulfilled existence. The scarcity of a few key supplies, combined with the ridiculousness of the situation, left me in stitches. As the CEO’s assistant reaches out to schedule an appointment, my husband settles in, primed for a lengthy discussion about his next objective, only to be left waiting for what feels like an eternity as he anticipates the arrival of our special visitor. Throughout his daily routine, a persistent concern preoccupies him: the lack of storage space for his shirts, resulting in their perpetual wrinkliness. With his final breaths, he’s no longer tethered to this mortal coil, leaving behind a longing to meticulously design harmonious settings – be it a carefully curated lamp arrangement or a thoughtfully positioned potted plant.
Betty, a neighbour of his, dropped in uninvited, bearing a casserole of leftover lasagna and an almost imperceptible hint of persistence. As the conversation unfolds, Sarah candidly reveals her growing fascination with Barry’s meticulously curated abode, a peculiar admission perhaps, yet understandable considering the intriguing interior design project that now lies within her grasp. As soon as I rearrange her living room to perfection, she lavishes me with effusive praise and offers me additional projects to tackle. As the following factors are what I do know, I’m deliberately sidestepping sniper contracts to meticulously orchestrate a harmonious setup at my dining table.
As downtime between missions allows, I find myself vigilantly watching over Barry’s home, where I have the luxury of browsing through a catalog to personalize my surroundings, or taking snapshots of my meticulously curated sweet arrangements. If I linger, Betty is likely to take her time in asking me discreet questions and potentially offer me a lucrative freelance opportunity, such as transforming a teenager’s bedroom or rejuvenating a lackluster living space into something vibrant. It’s akin to a visual representation of Barry’s career milestones, punctuated by significant events and achievements. After I’ve got a financial emergency and crave a substantial windfall quickly – say, to afford a sleek new TV – I can opt for a high-stakes sniper contract, where I monitor a vibrant web page of intricate characters until I pinpoint my target, then set up the perfect shot.
Available freely on itch.io under the title “Value Your Personal Worth”, a Windows game. Initially conceived for a recreation jam, the game was refined by co-creators Cukia “Sugar” Kimani and Henrike Lode, who released a subsequent version that smoothed out rough edges and added depth to the gameplay. As a respite from the constant threats of my mob boss, I found solace in meticulously planning a relaxing day, making each activity that much more enjoyable due to its contrast with the pressures of my criminal empire.
