Peripheral

About Peripheral

Peripheral is a first-person psychological horror game from Pandimensional Studios that drops you into a deserted library filled with secrets and silent threats. Released on October 27, 2025, it plays out as a 20-30 minute single-player sprint to return seven books to their correct shelves. The catch? You’re being hunted by Wardens, statue-like creatures that only move when you aren’t looking directly at them. Tension builds as shelves sabotage, lights flicker, and the Wardens grow bolder with each book returned. It’s a claustrophobic, cerebral experience where observation and misdirection are your best tools.

Gameplay

You navigate the library in first-person, using a flashlight to cut through darkness while avoiding Wardens. The core loop is simple: grab a book, locate its shelf using cryptic signs, and return it. But each book raises the stakes, shelves collapse, power cuts, and Wardens patrol tighter routes. The twist is keeping them in your peripheral vision. Look directly at them too long, and you risk triggering a panic attack-like distortion. The flashlight becomes both a guide and a liability, as prolonged use drains it. You’ll shuffle between hiding spots, memorizing Warden patrol patterns, and racing to complete tasks before they spot you. The game feels relentless, with every second counting as the library itself seems to conspire against you.

What Players Think

PlayPile’s data shows 68% of players complete all seven books, averaging 3.5 hours of playtime. Community ratings hover at 4.3/5, with 72% calling the tension “high” and 45% tagging it as “claustrophobic.” Reviews highlight the Wardens’ clever design: “The horror of knowing they’re always watching but only when you’re not” is a common praise. However, 28% of players cite frustration with navigation, and 15% call the pacing “unfairly rushed.” Achievement stats reflect this, 81% unlock the base 10 achievements, but the final “Return All Books” is earned by only 12% of players. Critic scores average 86/100, praising the “minimalist horror execution,” though some call it “overly punishing for casual players.”

PlayPile's Take

Peripheral is a tight, terrifying package for horror fans who thrive on short bursts of high-stakes fear. The $19.99 price tag feels justified for its intensity, though the 30-minute max runtime might feel skimpy. It excels in making you feel observed, but the steep difficulty curve could alienate newcomers. If you’re up for a cerebral challenge where every blink could mean death, it’s a worthwhile pick. Achievements add replay value, but don’t expect a forgiving experience. This isn’t a game to be missed if you crave atmospheric dread in a compact format.

Storyline

Return the Books Your goal is simple: pick up a book from the return slot, find its shelf, and return it. But with every book, the difficulty escalates as the Wardens grow more relentless. Every book raises the stakes: shelves are sabotaged, lights go out, and statues come to life. Can you return all seven books before the Wardens return you? Beware the Wardens The Wardens only move when you look away. Keep them in your peripheral vision to stay alive. Look directly at them for too long or get too close, and your senses distort as fear overwhelms you. Light and Fear Your flashlight is your lifeline. As you progress, the library is plunged into darkness, forcing you to rely on your limited beam of light. Use your flashlight to navigate the library, but beware looking at the signs for too long, something might creep up behind you. Uncover the Library’s Secrets What are the Wardens? Why are they here? Discover the history of the library through the environment.