Dollmare

Dollmare is a psychological simulation game centered on repetition, observation, and gradual distortion. The player takes the role of a factory employee responsible for inspecting and repairing dolls on an automated assembly line. At first, the tasks appear routine — checking for flaws, removing broken models, and following printed guidelines. As time passes, the patterns begin to change. Machines behave unpredictably, the lighting fluctuates, and the dolls start to show signs that do not fit the checklist. What begins as simple factory work slowly turns into a process of questioning the environment and one’s own perception.

Work Routine and Progression

The gameplay in Dollmare follows a loop of inspection, classification, and response. The player receives batches of dolls and must determine which are suitable for shipment and which require disposal. New tools are introduced over time, including scanners, lights, and mechanical arms used for repairs. Small shifts in behavior — like misplaced instructions or new audio messages — suggest that the factory’s systems may not be stable. Every task seems ordinary in isolation but gains significance as patterns begin to repeat or contradict themselves. The core challenge lies in noticing irregularities before they escalate into full disruptions.

Main Systems and Player Actions

The central systems that structure Dollmare include:

·         A manual inspection station with adjustable tools and lighting

·         Dynamic anomalies that alter doll appearance or factory behavior

·         A messaging system used by management to issue unclear instructions

·         Progressive environmental changes tied to player performance

·         Multiple narrative outcomes depending on observation and compliance

These systems work together to create a sense of procedural instability. The player’s efficiency and awareness determine how much of the truth behind the factory becomes visible. Missing details or ignoring warnings leads to different results, ensuring each session unfolds uniquely.

Narrative Layers and Atmosphere

Beneath the surface routine lies a quiet narrative about control and automation. The factory operates with minimal supervision, yet unseen management continues to monitor output. Notes, sound cues, and malfunctioning systems reveal fragments of prior shifts and unseen workers. Some events suggest that the dolls are not entirely mechanical, raising questions about origin and purpose. The narrative develops indirectly, through environmental detail rather than dialogue. As the player continues, work becomes indistinguishable from investigation, and every completed shift brings the environment closer to collapse.