The remarkable resilience of humanity never ceases to amaze me. No matter the circumstances, we always seem to find a way to adapt and thrive. This is beautifully illustrated in Threshold, an indie game crafted by a developer with experience on titles like Deathloop and Dishonored. Imagine yourself at the top of a towering mountain, responsible for one of the most demanding maintenance jobs you can imagine. As trains pass by, it’s your role to ensure they stay timely. The air is thin, leaving you gasping as you battle through each shift. Not far from where you work lies the grave of your predecessor, and your coworker, relieved to have someone sharing the load, offers a comforting presence.
This game introduces a unique challenge system based on different countries, as advertised on its Steam page. I picked Canada, greeted by a slightly menacing display of my homeland’s map and flag. Upon entering my modest workspace, I immediately spotted a shirt bearing the words “I love Ottawa.” As a Torontonian, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Already, the game had hit me with a bit of psychological horror.
Initially, my time in Threshold involved a straightforward performance of my duties. I adopted the two-letter name “Bo,” and my colleague, Mo, guided me through the job. Whenever a train slowed, I’d blast a big horn to wake it up. After punching a ticket, I received a vial of air, a critical resource when the struggle to breathe became too real. The vials, though essential, required biting to release—a process that, while rejuvenating, left me spitting out blood.
Mo shared a few strategies to streamline the shift. By descending to the sluice gate and scraping off some calcified residue, I earned a spare ticket. The station’s layout didn’t make things easy, forcing me to weave through buildings and take roundabout paths. A few strategically placed doors could have saved valuable time on every task. Yet, it felt intentional, as though the designers desired these small frustrations, much like the air vials designed to break.
Despite these hurdles, I managed to stockpile plenty of air vials. Whether it was due to that country-based difficulty or my growing expertise, I could breathe a little easier. This is when Threshold reveals its true depth. Secrets lie scattered across the map, advancing the storyline as you uncover them. Discovering a corpse prompted a conversation with Mo, while another find—a secret door that responded to my whistle—led to a remarkable place filled with endless air and fresh mysteries to ponder. As tempting as it was to linger, the persistent needs of the train kept pulling me back.
With its minimalist PSX-style graphics and absence of music, Threshold transforms the task of running the train into a surprisingly meditative experience. The rhythmic chugging, the clatter of machinery, and the whir of a printing ticket create a soothing cadence. Completing the game takes just over an hour, yet its hidden secrets and various endings provide ample reason to return.
Threshold made its debut on November 19th for Windows PC. This review was based on a download code from Critical Reflex. As a note, Vox Media maintains affiliate partnerships but ensures editorial integrity isn’t compromised. Purchases made through affiliate links may benefit them—for more on this, check out Polygon’s ethics policy.
