One of the fascinating aspects of human nature is how we manage to adapt and flourish no matter where we find ourselves. This is vividly portrayed in Threshold, an indie game crafted by a developer with experience on well-known titles like Deathloop and Dishonored. In Threshold, you find yourself atop a lofty mountain, taking on what has to be one of the most demanding maintenance jobs imaginable. My role is to oversee the trains, ensuring they run like clockwork. The thin mountain air makes every shift a struggle, often leaving me gasping for breath. Nearby lies the grave of my predecessor, serving as a silent reminder of the job’s challenges, while my coworker is simply relieved to have someone else sharing the load.
Interestingly, the game offers a difficulty system based on countries, at least according to its Steam page. I opted for Canada, greeted with an unsettling image of my homeland’s map and flag at the start. As I enter my modest worker’s quarters, I spot a shirt bearing the message, “I love Ottawa.” Being from Toronto, this simple detail feels like an insult—welcome to a true psychological horror.
During my first few minutes in Threshold, I’m occupied with the daily tasks of the job. The first task is choosing a two-letter name and I go with “Bo.” My companion, Mo, is there to guide me through the routine. When the train starts to slow, a blast from a large horn gets it moving at speed once more. It’s all about maintaining the flow. Trading a punched ticket earns me a vial of air—a literal lifesaver when the altitude gets to me. Using it requires biting into it, which revitalizes me, though it tarnishes the experience with a taste of blood.
Mo shows me a couple of tricks to ease the workload. For instance, scraping off some calcified muck from the sluice gate nets me an extra ticket. But the station itself is a logistical nightmare, with buildings placed at awkward angles and paths winding unpredictably. A few well-placed doors could make my life so much easier and save precious minutes per task. It’s as if the designers wanted to throw these little inconveniences in just to make things interesting.
Nevertheless, I stick with it, and soon I have a generous stock of air vials. Maybe the Canadian difficulty setting is to thank, but I’m finding the daily grind manageable. That’s when the real depth of Threshold reveals itself. Secrets are scattered throughout the game map, and unearthing them drives the narrative forward. I discover a corpse, which I decide to mention to Mo. I also come across a mysterious door that opens with a whistle, leading me to a magical place with unlimited air and opportunities to delve into everything I’ve uncovered on the job. As tempting as it is to stay there, the trains won’t keep themselves running.
The minimalist PSX-style graphics and the absence of music transform the task of managing trains into a sort of zen-like experience. Gradually, I sync with the rhythm of the train, the machinery’s hum, and the distinct chatter of a ticket being printed. Although completing Threshold takes a bit over an hour, the hidden layers and multiple endings make it worthwhile to replay.
Threshold, released on November 19 for Windows PC, was reviewed with a download code provided by Critical Reflex. While Vox Media maintains affiliate partnerships, these do not dictate our editorial decisions. However, purchasing products through affiliate links may earn Vox Media commissions. You can learn more about Polygon’s ethics policy for further details.
