▸ WARNING! ◂
The game features the following triggering content:
Foul language.
Depictions of violence.
Distressing topics such as abuse and neglect.
▸ Introduction ◂
OFF is a single-player, role-playing video game made by the Belgian team Unproductive Fun time, with its members consisting of Martin Georis ("Mortis Ghost") and Alias Conrad Coldwood. Originally, the game was released in French only, but eventually got an official English fan translation in 2011.
The game itself starts out in Zone 0, and introduces an enigmatic humanoid entity called "The Batter" who is supposedly on a "sacred mission" to "purify" the in-game world to the player. Throughout the game, you will play as the Batter, going through the four zones of the world and learning more about the curious and quriky story itself, as well as the character you're playing as— whom despite his seemingly noble goal isn't exactly who he appears to be.
In the four zones, you'll meet a variety of interesting characters, such as your beginning guide, "The Judge", a refined cat who helps the Batter during his journey even if he's doubtful of his success rate, or the main residents of all the zones, the Elsen, a particularly timid bunch. There are, of course, four different bosses for each zone— the imposing creature called Dedan, the pompous giant bird refered to as Japhet, and the gleeful and burly man named Enoch. There's also a merchant character— who is one of my personal favorites outside of the Batter- dubbed Zacharie, who provides you with weaponry and items in exchange for credits.
▸ Why You Should Play It (Or At Least Give It a Peek) ◂
Besides the intriguing and enthralling characters it features, OFF also has some stunning visuals created by that of Martin Georis and a striking soundtrack as well as lovely sound design done by Alias Conrad Coldwood. Between the unique character designs and the just as unique in-game sprites, it's hard to take your eyes off of the screen even for a moment. The soundtrack adds even more to the experience as well. Since OFF is a turn-based RPG game, it of course has battle screens. One of the most surprising things within those battle screens is the jarring but also somehow charming music that plays during them. The most iconic song out of the entire soundtrack— at least in my humble opinion— would be the fourth track for the soundtrack of the game titled "Pepper Steak". Just like the name might imply, the song itself is a bit goofy, but also in an odd way both a bit eerie as well as enchanting.
If neither of those things caught your attention, there's also the multitude of secrets for players to find. With hidden enemies and the like, you could spend hours to days exploring the world of OFF. However, those are secrets I won't reveal, and instead will leave as something for you to find out for yourself!