Inspired by games like The Beginner’s Guide and Stories Untold, [I] Doesn’t Exist is an unconventional narrative game, whose title is derived from the message a player might get from a parser adventure game when they have referenced an in-game object that the game doesn’t recognise. Though despite containing some attractive pixel work, [I] Doesn’t Exist is too small in scope to deliver what it promises. On the most recent update post on the game’s Steam page, it states that you’ll be facing “not only the threats that lurk in the unknown, but the very essence of your own existence,” but after multiple playthroughs, I don’t know that I’ve faced either.

[I] Doesn’t Exist is the debut game from studio LUAL Games, which is based in Switzerland. The game was written and programmed by just two people, who first created the project as part of their bachelor. I went into this game with that in mind, and you should too; the game is short and small in scope. That in itself need not be a criticism, but not enough has been done to transform the game from a tech demo designed to demonstrate the developer’s abilities into a full-fledged game.

[I] Doesn’t Exist is a short adventure inspired by the parser adventure games of old, like Kings Quest. The game can be completed in under two hours, and about half of it is classic adventure game fair. The pixel artwork is easy on the eyes and is nicely reminiscent of retro games, but still has all the conveniences of a modern one. Even the main menu emulates the DOS software of old, which is a really nice touch. The software is even smart enough to work through spelling errors, so you avoid the frustration of having to re-type commands.

You start off in a charming forest area and set about solving some classic adventure puzzles, but before long the game takes a meta twist that has you directly talking to the character you were once controlling.