Broken Leash is a first-person horror and stealth game created by FrenzyTimes. The story takes place during a late-night shift at Pet Haven, a quiet pet store in Gloaming Bay. The player assumes the role of a lone worker responsible for closing the shop. At first, the routine seems ordinary, but the environment slowly begins to change. Lights flicker, sounds echo through empty aisles, and something begins to move where it shouldn’t. What starts as a regular shift soon turns into a survival scenario inside a small, confined space.
Gameplay Structure
The gameplay focuses on movement, hiding, and exploration rather than confrontation. The player controls their character from a first-person perspective, moving through the shop while avoiding detection. Actions include walking, crouching, running, hiding, and interacting with doors and objects. The threat in the store cannot be fought directly, so the player must stay out of sight and move carefully between hiding places. Collecting clues and examining the environment reveals parts of the story and determines which of the multiple endings will occur.
Core gameplay features include:
· Sneaking through narrow aisles while managing noise and light
· Interacting with objects to open new areas or trigger story events
· Finding safe spaces to hide when danger approaches
· Observing the environment for visual and audio warnings
· Unlocking different endings based on player choices and actions
Setting and Design
Broken Leash is set entirely inside the Pet Haven shop, creating a small but detailed environment. The space includes animal cages, supply rooms, and storage corridors. Each section of the store holds clues about what happened before the player’s shift began. The sound of distant scratching or rattling cages builds tension without showing what causes it. The lighting changes dynamically, and darkness hides potential threats. This focus on sound, layout, and limited visibility transforms the familiar location into a tense and unpredictable space.
Player Strategy and Experience
The game’s structure encourages cautious movement and awareness. Rushing or making unnecessary noise increases the chance of being caught. Players must pay attention to sound cues and shadows to plan their path forward. Each mistake teaches something new — where to hide, when to move, and how the enemy reacts. The repetition of short sessions allows the player to explore different strategies and endings. The more time spent inside Pet Haven, the clearer the connection between the player, the store, and its secret becomes.
