The Vision of Glasshouse

Set against the backdrop of a post-capitalist world on the brink of catastrophic war, Glasshouse presents players with an isometric turn-based CRPG experience that channels the intense, narrative-driven spirit of titles like Disco Elysium and Pathologic. You assume the role of Wealdmaer, a deputy head of condominium grappling with the weight of expectation as you navigate the murky waters of morality, leadership, and survival within the confines of your crumbling apartment complex.

A Crime Scene in Lundonstoch

Trapped amidst a crime scene filled with dead bodies, your immediate concern is the welfare of your neighbors in Dormitory 73B. Every decision you make has monumental consequences, as the fates of those around you hang in the balance. The narrative unfolds through complex dialogue trees, where each choice ignites new possibilities and reveals layers of character depth, pushing players to confront their perceptions of righteousness and duty.

Dynamic Political Landscape

Glasshouse empowers you to construct your political identity while navigating a diverse array of characters, each with differing beliefs outlined on their own political compasses. Recognizing these nuances can open up new paths in dialogue, allowing for deeper interactions and potential ideological conflicts. Your choices, whether combative or conciliatory, shape the narrative and expose bleak truths about life in a city teetering on the edge of oblivion.

Engaging Turn-Based Combat

Combat within Glasshouse invokes classic mechanics inspired by turn-based gems like Final Fantasy, integrating a unique twist that blends strategy with dialogue. Each encounter is structured as a boss fight, requiring you to either attack or negotiate with foes. Your verbal prowess can sway opponents, determining whether you use brute force or deft persuasion to achieve victory, driving home the game's emphasis on choices and consequences.

Underlying Themes of Fear and Despair

The thematic core of Glasshouse is a simulation of a societal collapse, underscored by the looming threat of an atomic conflict. As quarantine measures take hold in Lundonstoch, the fragile minds of residents begin to unravel, amplifying the sense of dread. Players are urged to investigate their roommates' secrets and confront an encroaching political conspiracy, adding layers to the foreboding atmosphere.

Crafting Your Escape

Your journey is not merely about survival; knowledge and resourcefulness are paramount. Through reading and exploration, you will acquire new skills and piecemeal equipment from the Workbench, enabling you to confront challenges more effectively. The tactile mechanics of crafting and strategic planning become vital as you navigate a world rife with tension and ambiguity.

Consequences Beyond the Choice

Glasshouse is a narrative playground where every move could result in one of over 8 possible endings, none of which promise satisfaction. In this unforgiving setting, the impact of your actions shapes both personal fates and broader societal trajectories. As political upheaval looms, players must grapple with the stark reality that, in both life and war, happy endings are a rarity.

The Chorus Within

A unique storytelling device in Glasshouse is the omnipresent Director, whose narration peers into the minds of characters, enriched by the Chorus of inner voices echoing through the protagonist's thoughts. This dramatic, theatrical approach offers an engaging lens through which to view each unfolding scene, imbuing the experience with a sense of inevitability as you confront the harsh realities of a world unraveling at the seams.