Kiosk is an unsettling yet strangely addictive horror game that masquerades as a simple cooking simulator. Developed and published by indie creator Vivi, this first-person adventure drops you into the role of a night-shift worker at a small, rain-drenched kiosk. What starts as a mundane job—preparing food and drinks for late-night customers—slowly spirals into a psychological nightmare.
Developer: Vivi
Publisher: Vivi
Release Date: 29 Jan, 2025
Platform: PC (Steam/Itch.io)
The game’s premise is deceptively simple: follow orders, serve customers, and survive the shift. But as the nights progress, eerie details emerge. The customers are… off. The rain never stops. And the fate of your missing predecessor lingers in the back of your mind.
Gameplay: Tension in the Mundane
At its core, Kiosk is a cooking game with horror elements. Players must prepare meals and drinks based on customer orders, managing time and ingredients efficiently. The mechanics are intuitive—drag items, assemble dishes, and serve before the customer grows impatient. But the real horror lies in the atmosphere.
The game’s seven-day cycle gradually introduces unsettling changes. Customers become more demanding. The tension builds not through jump scares, but through creeping dread.
Atmosphere: A Gloomy Work Environment
Kiosk excels in ambiance. The dim lighting, the constant patter of rain, and the muffled voices of customers create a claustrophobic experience. The sound design is minimal yet effective—every creak, every distant sound ratchets up the tension. The visuals, though simple, enhance the eerie tone, with flickering lights and shadowy figures lurking just beyond view.
The game’s slow-burn horror is its greatest strength. Unlike traditional horror games that rely on monsters or gore, Kiosk unsettles through implication. Why do some customers stare too long? The mystery lingers, leaving players to piece together the truth.
Final Verdict:
Kiosk is a refreshing take on horror, blending mundane tasks with psychological terror. It won’t satisfy those seeking fast-paced scares, but for players who enjoy atmospheric, slow-building dread, it’s a must-play. The cooking mechanics keep you engaged, while the unfolding mystery ensures you’ll be glancing over your shoulder long after closing time.
Pros:
✔️ The game has steam achievements
✔️ The game is decently priced
✔️ Cooking simulator blended with psychological horror elements
Cons:
❌ Brief run time
❌ Replayability lacks
Game score: 5.5/10
Horror score: 5/10
Kiosk is a haunting, immersive experience that proves horror can thrive in the most ordinary settings. Just be prepared to question every customer who walks in—and maybe keep the lights on while playing.
Available on Steam and Itch.io.
Review made by Go_Boom44. If you want your game or indie game review to feature on South Africa Today then email: gobooom44 (at) gmail.com
