Off, a unique and surreal role-playing game (RPG), transports players into a world where they assume the role of a mysterious entity donned in a black-and-white baseball uniform, tasked with the daunting mission to “purify the world.” Released in 2008, Off faced significant challenges right from the start. As a freeware game, it was not distributed on popular digital platforms like Steam, and its designer, Mortis Ghost, along with the composer, were relatively unknown in the gaming industry. Additionally, the game was primarily in French, which further limited its initial reach.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and the influence of Off is unmistakable. Its legacy can be seen in numerous RPGs, including fan-favorites such as Omori, Everhood, Lisa the Painful, and the critically acclaimed hit Undertale, all of which share surreal storytelling and metacommentary elements. Recently, a remastered version of Off has been released for both PC and Nintendo Switch, reigniting interest in this cult classic.
Designer Mortis Ghost, who is primarily a comic book artist based in Belgium, shared his humble beginnings with the game, stating, “It was never supposed to be a big game. I was like, if I’ve got 50 players, I’m really happy about it. That was my expectations at the time, so everything since is crazy.”
The surge in popularity for Off can largely be attributed to developers familiar with its game engine, RPG Maker, as well as fans of other ethereal RPGs like Yume Nikki and the Mother series. Over time, a vibrant community formed around the game. Fans took it upon themselves to create English translations, including a widely shared version in 2011 on the forums of Earthbound, a fan community dedicated to the Mother series. The remastered version of Off is based on this very translation, allowing a broader audience to engage with the game.
With the language barrier removed, Off saw a significant rise in popularity. One notable fan, Adrienne Bazir, creator of the RPG In Stars and Time, discovered Off on Tumblr around 2013. She recalls the vibrant fan art created around the character known as the Batter, as well as numerous interpretations of the game’s dreamy narrative. “It was one of the first indie games I remember playing,” Bazir said, noting the game’s striking black-and-white monochromatic style, which has since been remastered in color. The game’s clever use of battle tracks to elicit contrasting feelings also left a lasting impression on her.
Off is renowned for its innovative use of metacommentary. From the onset, players are prompted to input a name for the protagonist, with the character acknowledging the player’s presence directly. This interactive approach has influenced other games, such as OneShot, which also engages players in the narrative in unique ways. Nightmargin, co-writer of OneShot, noted that while Off was not a direct influence, its bizarre architecture and otherworldly atmosphere have informed their creative process.
Looking back on Off, Mortis Ghost expressed admiration for Undertale, stating it resonates more with his current self. He acknowledged that while both games explore similar themes, Undertale conveys a more optimistic message. “Off is a game I made when I was 21, and I was quite a pessimist guy,” he reflected. “There’s a lot of humor in Off, but this is quite a nihilistic and negative game.”
When approached by the publisher Fangamer to remaster Off, Ghost insisted that the original freeware version remain untouched, recognizing the game's long-standing influence in the RPG community. “I think the game is now more owned by the community than by myself,” he stated. Ghost emphasized the importance of respecting the game's legacy, believing it would be inappropriate to create a new version reflecting his current worldview. “I believe in the fact that we become better people with time,” he concluded, “but I think it would be disrespectful for the fandom to make something new.”
