Monsters, spectres, and other things that go bump in the night are a big part of Southeast Asian mythology. Tales of the supernatural are a natural draw; after all, who isn’t up for a good ghost story?
Well, if terrifying tales are right up your alley, you should turn your attention to a certain video game – one made by Malaysians, to boot.
“Kabaret” is the second release by independent studio Persona Theory Games, and it’s certainly one to try for anyone who loves a good scare.
Available for PC and console, it’s described as “a dark fantasy folklore narrative game”. Quite the mouthful, but also accurate.
“Kabaret” follows the character of Jebat, a layabout youth who has lost his direction in life. A chance encounter with a powerful being turns him into a half-serpent, half-human creature, and leaves him trapped in a realm of monsters.
With little choice, he takes up the position of “tea master” at the Kabaret, a club where monsters from all over Southeast Asia meet.
It isn’t long before he realises a power struggle for control over the Kabaret is in full swing. Its patrons are starving for human flesh, even as the club itself is literally collapsing.
Thus, Jebat has to determine his fate, as well as that of Kabaret’s, while making friends – and enemies – with the many monsters he meets.
‘Choose your own adventure’
The first thing of note is that “Kabaret” is a visual novel; essentially a “Choose Your Own Adventure”-esque storybook with illustrations and dialogue boxes. You, as the player, are given the liberty to make decisions that will affect the plot and the ending of the story.
One mistake often made by visual novels is the illusion of choice, in which players think their decisions matter, only to later discover that isn’t the case.
For example, say you have to save either person A or person B. Optimally, either choice would result in long-term consequences for your character and the plot.
Some works, however, make the mistake of rendering players’ decisions pointless. In other words, it doesn’t matter who you save – you still get the same ending. So why bother?
Thankfully, “Kabaret” avoids this pitfall, with each selection you make changing the fate of Jebat and the Kabaret.
It also should be noted that with the way the game is written, it’s hard to determine if there’s a “correct” moral option. Given the game’s setting, perhaps it’s appropriate there might not be one!
In one instance, you have to decide whether to agree to a man’s wish to suffer for all eternity as long as he can be with his wife. Alternatively, you can kill him as an act of mercy.
So, should Jebat preserve his humanity by acting in good faith, or embrace monstrosity in more ways than one? Choose wisely!
The world of “Kabaret” is also interesting, with creatures you may be familiar with making an appearance alongside some you might never have heard of.
The classic Pontianak is among the earliest characters who greet you, but you will also be acquainted with a whole host of creeps from other countries.
Ever heard of the Filipino Tikbalang? He shows up and is, admittedly, quite an attractive fellow – though you’d have to look past the horse head.
What about Rangda? If not for the fact that she’s a powerful Balinese demoness, she’d probably be a great granny, given how doting she is towards Jebat.
The cast of characters is probably the game’s greatest strength, with each having a unique personality and backstory.
No doubt you’d grow fond of some of them, as Jebat does. That said, others are less lovable, their actions just as horrendous as their form.
Other than choosing dialogue options, the game includes mini-games such as tea-making, congkak, and marbles. Yes, you get to engage in these classic pastimes, but be careful: winning or losing will ultimately affect your relationship with your opponent.
Tea-making is probably the most interesting of the three, with creatures pouring their hearts out to you if you are a good tea master. Who knew brewing for beasts could be so therapeutic?
Therein lies the magic of “Kabaret”: its ability to make you care for literal monsters, and proving that regardless of what form you take, you’re still human at heart.
‘Kabaret’ is available for purchase on Steam, Epic and XBox. Learn more about Persona Theory Games here and on Instagram.