https://qwertyprophecy.itch.io/mortholme

The Dark Queen of Mortholme: A Short, Powerful “Anti-Game” That Has Fans Hooked

Some games want you to win. Others want you to think. And then there’s The Dark Queen of Mortholme, a 20-minute interactive narrative that throws traditional game structures out the window in favor of philosophy, inevitability, and power dynamics.

Billing itself as an “anti-game,” this short yet emotionally charged experience puts players in the role of the Dark Queen, a seemingly all-powerful villain whose domain is threatened by an unrelenting hero. No matter what you do, they keep coming back.

Why Is This Game Gaining Traction?

The comments alone tell the story—players are deeply engaged, not just with the mechanics, but with the themes and emotions behind them. Some praise its unexpectedly philosophical nature, while others wish for more endings (or, as many put it, a romance route for the hero-killing protagonist).

“Surprisingly philosophical and emotional.” — JulienBrightside

“Thank you for creating this masterpiece.” — YueKaveh

“I am genuinely in awe of how good this game is.” — doomsterr

Meta-Narrative Meets Player Choice

At its core, The Dark Queen of Mortholme plays with the illusion of agency. You are given power, but only to a point. The hero’s progression and persistence mirror classic Souls-like tropes, but this time, the player is the boss—the one meant to fall so the story can move forward.

Some players have even tried gaming the system, finding ways to manipulate the hero’s patterns and force them to quit rather than achieving a conventional victory. Others feel deep sympathy for the Queen, lamenting her inevitable fate at the hands of an unrelenting protagonist.

What Fans Want Next

While the game is being received overwhelmingly well, fans have one major request:

📌 More endings. 📌 More interactivity. 📌 A romance route for the Queen. (Of course.)

With its strong writing, compelling gameplay loop, and powerful themes, The Dark Queen of Mortholme has already cemented itself as one of those indie gems that sticks with you. Whether the developers choose to expand on it remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this game is making people feel something, and that’s always worth celebrating.

Here is a Link to Gameplay Footage https://youtu.be/ih5d7cLxiN8?si=SfnJPGC9EouoosuU