Jollibae cashes in on an entertaining trope- something familiar with a horror spin on it.
This free to play horror game is developed by L3x, and is a puzzle/walking sim as you explore a fast food restaurant to collect burgers in search of a reward.
Jollibae First Impressions
It’s pretty impressive just how much restraint the game shows- rather than go quick to body horror, Jollibae spends a lot of time simmering in your discomfort- from claustrophobic hallways to some straight-up Backrooms-type levels.
In fact, one of the stages even features a single Jollibae, just sitting there menacingly sorting through ketchup packages as you complete the challenges. It’s not like it’s even chasing after you or ever about to- but as you sort through the buttons and burgers, you’re always teased by its laughing to itself.
The puzzles are also simple and interesting – just testing your ability to navigate the stages while keeping an eye out for buttons or burgers.
It’s not a massive horror sprawl, but if you like the idea of seeing a beloved fast food mascot have the menacing aura of murderous intent while you complete a scavenger hunt, you’re definitely going to have a fun time with this one.
Horror parodies are a genre unto themselves, with movies like Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey relishing in the idea of a beloved mascot character draped in entrails.
A big chunk of Jollibae’s appeal is its aforementioned restraint in that affair- it’s a more atmospheric jaunt that would rather creep you out for longer than single-burst cash-outs.
