Am I? does indeed exist now on Steam

Written by Jack Allin — March 27, 2022 at 10:40

In 1957, Laika was perhaps the most famous dog sent by the Soviet Union to outer space. But what exactly went through her mind up there before her death? There's no way to know that for sure, but indie developer Pixel Quail has used that experience as a springboard for theoretical exploration in the newly released Am I?

Laika is the name of this game's canine protagonist as well, who finds herself "exploring some asteroids, meeting weird and obnoxious characters and solving puzzles" after being launched into space. In doing so, she hopes to "figure out what the hell is happening to her." Her existential journey will cause her to "lose herself in time, space and even in herself," to the point of asking the question: is she dead? The answer is "probably yes," though the developer insists that isn't a spoiler, as it merely represents "the premise of the game and the starting point for a bigger question."

Described as a "tiny, absurd hand-drawn point-and-click game," Am I? is presented in a charming cartoon art style accompanied by a suitably atmospheric soundtrack. Laika must traverse three different planets, populated by "curious characters with ambiguous morals and revolting personalities." There will also be "a lot" of puzzles to solve along the way, which will test your understanding of "the concept of time, space and your own individuality."
 
If you'd like to join Laika on her sci-fi quest for meaning, you can do so right away as Am I? is available now to download on Steam for Windows PC, currently at a discounted launch price.