The Mantis
The Mantis is a short first-person horror project created by JagoTheArtist (JagoEdition). It was developed using the Godot Engine, a free and open-source platform for 2D and 3D games. Your goal is to move through a compact environment, uncover key events, and reach the end. If the credits roll, you’ve completed the run. The game contains sudden loud sounds ⚠️ and needs hardware acceleration enabled in the browser.
Gameplay 🎮
The structure is simple: you walk, look around, and interact with objects. Each trigger (a note, a switch, a sound) unlocks the next stage of the sequence. The experience is linear, and progress is measured by whether you can activate all required events until the story ends. Runs usually take 5–15 minutes.
How to play — quick steps 🕹️
- Click Play in your browser (turn on hardware acceleration if asked).
- Move: WASD or Arrow Keys. Look: Mouse or swipe.
- Interact with prompts like doors, notes, or switches.
- Follow new sounds or visual changes to find the next unlocked area.
- Continue until the credits appear — that’s your win condition.
Tips for new players 📝
- Keep headphones on for directional audio 🎧, but lower volume to avoid jumpscares.
- After a big sound, backtrack — usually a new door or path is open.
- Don’t rush past notes; text often points to your next task.
- If performance is low, close other tabs or enable GPU acceleration.
Why players enjoy it 👍
- A clear and short loop: explore, trigger events, finish with credits.
- Works well for a quick break session.
- Retro visual style and sound design create tension without complex mechanics.
- Built as a Godot learning project, but polished enough to deliver a complete one-sitting run.
Mini-review
The Mantis is best seen as a focused experiment in horror design. It teaches observation and timing, rewards careful attention to cues, and keeps playtime short. As a project from JagoTheArtist, it also shows off how Godot handles events, cutscenes, and interactive triggers.
