Look Outside: Kissing Update is Now a Permanent Smooch Mode

Look Outside, the indie cosmic horror game, has made a peculiar update permanent: a “smooch mode” that allows players to kiss a variety of NPCs, including monstrous ones. Originally introduced as an April Fool’s Day gag, developer Francis Coulombe has decided to keep the feature available for players who enjoyed the unexpected romantic interactions.

The update, first released on April 1st, added the option to kiss enemies and neighbors within the game’s cursed apartment building setting. Dialogue and character sprites were altered to reflect the smooches, resulting in reactions ranging from stammering to blushing, even from eldritch horrors. While April Fool’s Day has passed, Coulombe announced on social media that players can still access the feature.

“If you started a game on April 1st and kissed the wounded neighbor, that save file is now permanently in smooch mode!”

Francis Coulombe via social media

Players can also activate “smooch mode” on a new save file by naming their character “Casanova.” According to reports, not every character is kissable, but a surprising number are. This includes the Rat King, Pierre, and even a bug-like creature in the basement that consumes bandages.

Look Outside initially gained attention for its unique blend of cosmic horror and unsettling atmosphere. The game tasks players with surviving within a haunted apartment building, interacting with bizarre neighbors, and uncovering the secrets of a strange, otherworldly presence. The addition of “smooch mode” adds an unexpected layer of absurdity to the already unsettling experience.

The decision to make the April Fool’s update permanent was met with positive reception from fans, as evidenced by discussions on platforms like Reddit. One user expressed hope that the feature would become a dedicated mode, allowing for “kiss everything speedruns.”

“I hope it turns into a special mode. Like if you name yourself “Casanova” in the future you can do the kiss everything speedrun.”

Reddit user via r/LookOutsideGame

Coulombe has also indicated that a more substantial, non-silly update is in development, promising continued support for Look Outside. The game is available on Steam, and the “smooch mode” is accessible to all players who either started a game on April 1st and kissed the wounded neighbor, or create a new game and name their character “Casanova.”

The unexpected addition of romantic interactions highlights the game’s willingness to embrace unconventional gameplay elements and engage with its community. While the core experience remains rooted in cosmic horror, “smooch mode” offers a lighthearted diversion for players seeking a different kind of interaction within the cursed apartment building.

The game’s popularity continues to grow, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming non-silly update. The developer’s responsiveness to player feedback and willingness to experiment with unique features like “smooch mode” contribute to the game’s enduring appeal.

Look Outside is developed by Francis Coulombe and published independently. The game has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, unsettling visuals, and unique gameplay mechanics. The addition of “smooch mode” further solidifies its position as a standout title in the indie horror genre.