Red Finger

Red Finger is a short but atmospheric indie horror game by kenforest, created in 72 hours for Ludum Dare 57 under the theme «Depths.» Despite its small scale, the game manages to captivate from the very first seconds.

Meet the New Employee

You take on the role of a newcomer hired to work at an old research facility. You’re promised that everything will be safe—if, of course, you have good intuition and can make quick decisions.

The main mechanic is simple, though it becomes more intense over time. You operate an elevator by holding down a large red button. Holding it is physically demanding—literally: after a while, your finger starts to “redden,” indicating fatigue. To prevent overstrain, you can use an icy water faucet installed in the elevator. It temporarily restores your ability to press the button, which becomes crucial during long rides or sudden situations.

Light, Numbers, and the Unknown

As you descend deeper, more questions arise. On two floors, you’ll encounter panels with codes: you must cross-check them with a notepad and quickly enter the correct combination. The notepad is part of the interface—your character literally holds it in their hand, scanning it while operating the machinery, which adds a strong sense of immersion.

On the final level, you’re met with a countdown: exactly 20 seconds to leave the area, or it will be flooded with a mysterious red liquid. Is it part of an experiment or a disaster? There are no answers—and that’s where the tension comes from. The ending reveals that this was only your first day on the job, and tomorrow it will all start again. Most likely, this is a demo version, but even so, it makes the game’s potential very clear.

What’s unsettling isn’t the visual design (which is deliberately pixelated), but rather the atmosphere and unexpected events. For instance, at one point, a robot appears. It seemingly reacts to light. If you don’t turn off the lamp in time, it may spot you—what happens next is left to the imagination. The light switch is also heavy: it needs to be held with effort, and your hand starts reddening again. It quickly becomes instinctive that letting go of the light is a risk, but keeping it on might be dangerous too.

Why You Should Play It

Red Finger is a great example of how a game can create a tense and engaging experience with minimal tools. It’s not overloaded with jump scares or complex puzzles, but it uses interface, mechanics, and sound design in a way that keeps players on edge. It’s ideal for those who appreciate original concepts, a feeling of isolation, and hidden meaning. On the surface, it’s just an elevator, buttons, and a timer—but behind it all is a disturbing sense that nothing is as simple as it seems.

Especially intriguing are the elements whose purpose remains unclear. For example, one note mentions a goose (though it doesn’t appear in the game), which creates a sense of ambiguity. This works in the game’s favor—Red Finger constantly keeps the player guessing, creating tension in moments of uncertainty.