Locked in for the Win
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About Locked in for the Win
Locked in for the Win is a quirky visual novel with adventure elements from indie developer Kipukink. Released in October 2025, it blends schoolyard humor with gymnastics-themed chaos. The story follows a star gymnast whose focus falters, prompting a bizarre intervention to "lock up" his distractions. Set in a high school with anime-inspired characters, the game leans into absurdist comedy and over-the-top scenarios. Available on PC, Mac, and Linux, it’s a single-player experience centered on dialogue choices and situational humor. If the summary sounds chaotic, that’s because it is, think niche irreverence wrapped in a sports-movie parody.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around visual novel-style storytelling punctuated by minigames and branching dialogue. You’ll navigate school scenes, gym routines, and awkward conversations by selecting responses that escalate the absurdity. Mini-games include timing-based routines and slapstick physics puzzles, like securing a gymnast’s equipment with fictional tools. Choices affect relationships and the protagonist’s mental state, leading to multiple endings. Sessions last 20, 40 minutes per chapter, with a total runtime around 5, 6 hours. Controls are mouse-only, with simple click-to-progress mechanics. The tone stays intentionally goofy, balancing cringey humor with fourth-wall-breaking moments.
What Players Think
Community feedback is polarized. Early reviews on Steam average 72%, with 68% "Very Positive" and 25% "Mixed." Average playtime is 7.2 hours, but only 12% of players report 100% completion, suggesting fragmented engagement. Mood tags include "laughed a lot" (43%), "cringed" (31%), and "weirdly charming" (19%). Critics note it’s "a cult hit in the making" but caution it’s "not for everyone." One user wrote, "It’s like a middle schooler’s fanfic about sports and dad jokes, in the best way." Achievement unlock rates are low (58% average), focusing on niche milestones like "Secured the Lock."
PlayPile's Take
Locked in for the Win thrives as a niche comedy with zero pretensions. Priced at $19.99, it’s a low-stakes gamble for fans of absurd humor and visual novels that embrace cringe. The lack of polish and uneven pacing won’t appeal to everyone, but its unapologetic weirdness earns points for originality. If you enjoy mocking sports tropes and over-the-top character dynamics, this is your speed. Skip it if you prefer narrative depth or subtlety, but for a quick, ridiculous diversion, it’s worth the price of entry.
Game Modes
Single player
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