Lexip Games’ latest indie release, Them, offers a different approach to psychological horror by combining first-person tension with 2D platforming and Metroidvania-style progression. Unlike traditional horror titles that rely solely on dark corridors or jump scares, Them balances unsettling narrative elements with playful platforming mechanics. The game can be completed in roughly an hour, yet its layered design makes the experience feel larger than its runtime.
A Story That Starts in the Shadows
Players take on the role of Tommy, a nine-year-old attending a video game club in the early 1990s. After one last turn on an arcade machine, Tommy finds the club completely empty. The building is dark, except for an old television screen flickering with distorted images. The story quickly shifts from familiar arcade nostalgia to unsettling psychological horror when Tommy encounters a black painting with two red crescent-shaped eyes above a small altar with candles. The painting serves as the source of a mysterious voice that encourages Tommy to play a seemingly innocent 2D platform game.
Them Psychological Horror Preview
Combining Platforming and Progression
The gameplay in Them centers on guiding a small ghost character across platforms, completing objectives that gradually expand the player’s abilities. New abilities, such as double jumps or wall bounces, allow players to revisit earlier sections and access previously unreachable areas, reflecting a classic Metroidvania structure. The mix of light platforming with a dark, psychological narrative creates a unique tension, setting Them apart from Lexip Games’ previous titles.
Them Psychological Horror Preview
Development and Design
Them was primarily developed by Saman Kazemi, one of Lexip Games’ original members. The concept emerged from the experience of a childhood game called Replay, combined with personal memories from Kazemi’s own youth. Lexip Games, which began as a two-person team based in Iran and now operates internationally with members in Sweden and Germany, is known for psychological horror titles such as Silence Channel and its sequel. Unlike those earlier projects, Them balances fear with approachable gameplay, making it accessible while still maintaining a sense of unease.
Them Psychological Horror Preview
Short but Impactful
Despite its short length, Them provides a layered and memorable experience. Each platforming section requires players to retrieve items for the painting, which unlock new abilities and progression. The game also features multiple endings, allowing for replayability and potential expansion through downloadable content in the future. Kazemi has indicated that while the initial focus was on a short experience, there is interest in developing longer projects in a similar style.
Them is available exclusively on the Epic Games Store. Its combination of psychological horror, 2D platforming, and Metroidvania progression makes it a notable entry in the indie horror genre.
Source: John Walker, Epic Games
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Them about? Them follows a nine-year-old boy named Tommy who becomes trapped in an empty video game club and encounters a mysterious painting that compels him to play a 2D platform game.
Who developed Them? Them was developed by Lexip Games, an indie studio originally founded by two developers in Iran, now operating internationally. Saman Kazemi led development for this title.
How long does it take to play Them? The game can be completed in roughly an hour, though its Metroidvania-style progression encourages revisiting sections to explore new areas.
What platforms is Them available on? Them is currently available on the Epic Games Store for PC.
Does Them have multiple endings? Yes, the game features multiple endings, allowing players to experience different outcomes and encouraging replay.
Is Them purely a horror game? While it includes psychological horror elements, Them also features 2D platforming and Metroidvania mechanics, creating a mix of tension and gameplay progression.
