One of the most fascinating aspects of human nature is our ability to adapt and flourish no matter the circumstances. This theme is artfully explored in Threshold, an indie game crafted by a developer with credits on Deathloop and Dishonored. The game is set atop a towering mountain, where you step into the shoes of a character tasked with one of the most nerve-wracking maintenance jobs imaginable. My daily duties involve ensuring the trains run smoothly on schedule. The thin mountain air is a constant struggle, and there are moments that leave me gasping through my shifts. Close by lies the grave of my predecessor, a reminder of the job’s challenges. Thankfully, my coworker appears thankful for some assistance in bearing the load.
The game teases a country-specific difficulty setting, at least that’s what the Steam page suggests. Curious, I opt for Canada. This choice leads to an eerie introduction featuring my home country’s flag. Upon spawning in my cozy worker’s quarters, I notice a t-shirt proclaiming "I love Ottawa." As someone from Toronto, it’s a bit off-putting. The game seems to be teasing me already. This, it turns out, is the real psychological horror.
The opening half-hour in Threshold has me settling into the routine of my duties. I choose the simple moniker "Bo" for my character. Mo, my colleague, patiently shows me the ropes. A loud horn blast helps to speed up the trains when they slow, and in exchange for a punched ticket, I receive a lifesaving vial of air. Desperate for breath, these vials are essential, even though biting into one for relief leaves me with bloodied lips.
Mo guides me with some handy tips to ease the workload. For instance, scraping off some calcified gunk at the sluice gate earns a second ticket. The station’s design, however, is a maze of inconveniences. I navigate around buildings and weave through narrow paths. A few strategically placed doors could save valuable time with every task, but it seems these obstacles were purposely left in place. Like the fragile air vials, everything here seems deliberately challenging.
Dedicated to my work, I soon accumulate a small stash of air vials. Perhaps it’s the difficulty level I chose, but I’m breathing somewhat easier now. That’s when Threshold begins to truly expand. Scattered throughout are secrets, each with the potential to propel the storyline forward. Stumbling upon a corpse, I decide to inform Mo. A hidden door, unlocked with a whistle, opens up to a magical realm filled with boundless air and opportunities to question the mysteries I’ve uncovered. Part of me is drawn to remain in this sanctuary, but the trains demand punctuality.
With its minimalistic PSX-style visuals and absence of music, Threshold transforms train management and ticket collection into a strangely calming routine. I find myself in step with the clattering gears and the rattle of issued tickets. Though finishing Threshold takes just over an hour, its concealed secrets and multiple endings invite multiple playthroughs.
Released on November 19 for Windows PC, Threshold was reviewed courtesy of a download code from Critical Reflex. While Vox Media maintains affiliate partnerships, our editorial opinions remain unaffected by these. These collaborations may provide commissions for purchases made through affiliate links. Further details on Polygon’s ethical practices can be found on their website.
