Exhibit of Sorrows

About This Game

Exhibit of Sorrows, developed by adayofjoy, is a short but gripping point-and-click horror game that lures you into a deceptive circus-themed exhibit called the Exhibit of Smiles. What starts as a playful exploration of interactive clown dolls—Mr. Floaty, Mr. Washy, Mr. Handy, and Ms. Stretch—quickly turns sinister as the atmosphere darkens and a menacing clown takes control. Your task is to navigate a creepy museum, solving puzzles to collect keys and uncover the tragic backstories of the exhibits, all while avoiding the wrath of the clown. With its retro 2D graphics, eerie sound effects, and a narrative steeped in themes of trauma and cruelty, this game is ideal for horror enthusiasts and puzzle solvers who enjoy a disturbing yet compelling experience. Rated for ages 12 and up due to violence and mature themes, it’s a haunting 10-minute journey that leaves a lasting impression.

How to Play

Playing Exhibit of Sorrows is straightforward but deeply unsettling, requiring keen observation to progress. Here’s how it works:

• Explore the Exhibit: Click or tap to move through rooms using arrows, interacting with clown-themed displays like Mr. Floaty’s balloon pump or Mr. Washy’s bathtub.
• Collect Keys: Interact with each exhibit to find a key, following clues on plaques (e.g., inflate Mr. Floaty to get a key). After a power outage, revisit rooms to collect red keys, but be prepared for darker interactions.
• Solve Puzzles: Tackle puzzles like pressing buttons, counting fingers, or fixing faucets. Later, puzzles turn cruel, such as breaking Mr. Handy’s fingers or overextending Ms. Stretch’s arm, to progress.
• Survive the Clown: Avoid upsetting the clown, as warned by signs. After the lights go out, the exhibit transforms into the Exhibit of Sorrows, and you must solve puzzles to escape a sinister fate.
• Use Hints: Some versions offer hints via ads or in-game clues (e.g., police tape with hidden words) to guide you through tricky puzzles. The game is linear with no branching paths, taking about 10 minutes to complete. There’s no time limit, but jump scares and disturbing choices keep you on edge. Backtracking is required after the power outage to revisit transformed exhibits.

Platforms

Exhibit of Sorrows is accessible across multiple devices:

• Mobile: iOS and Android devices, including phones and tablets
• Tablet: iPad, Android tablets, and similar devices
• PC/Computer: Any web browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux (compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and more)
• Chrome Extension: Available via the Chrome Web Store for offline play The browser version on Skipthegame, Poki, CrazyGames, Y8, or platforms like Newgrounds and itch.io requires no downloads or logins—just open the game and start playing. Mobile apps and the Chrome extension support offline play, though some users report lag on browsers, which was improved in the December 2024 update. The game uses HTML5 for smooth performance, replacing its original Flash roots.

Pop Groups

Exhibit of Sorrows appeals to a wide audience, but these groups are especially drawn to it:

• Horror Fans: Players who enjoy creepy games like Forgotten Hill: Surgery or Five Nights at Freddy’s will love the eerie circus vibe and unsettling lore.
• Puzzle Enthusiasts: Fans of point-and-click adventures like The Room or Rusty Lake will appreciate the challenging, narrative-driven puzzles.
• Story-Driven Gamers: Those who enjoy dark, hidden stories, similar to Forgotten Hill Disillusion, will be gripped by the tragic clown backstories.
• Teens and Adults: Rated for ages 12 and up due to violence, blood, and mature themes like trauma, it’s ideal for older kids and adults who enjoy horror.
• Short-Game Players: Perfect for those who want a quick, intense horror experience without long playtimes.

More Games Like This

If you’re hooked on Exhibit of Sorrows, try these similar games for more horror or puzzle fun:

• Forgotten Hill: Surgery (Skipthegames): An FM Studio horror game set in a creepy clinic with point-and-click puzzles and eerie storytelling.
• Forgotten Hill: The Wardrobe (Skipthegames): An FM Studio title with five chilling chapters centered on a mysterious wardrobe, blending puzzles and horror.
• Little Cabin in the Woods (Poki): An FM Studio point-and-click adventure with spooky puzzles and a haunting atmosphere.
• Dreader (Newgrounds): A short horror game with maze-like exploration and unsettling vibes, ideal for Exhibit fans.
• The Backrooms Game (CrazyGames): A creepy exploration game with endless eerie rooms, perfect for horror enthusiasts.

These games offer a mix of horror, puzzles, and immersive narratives to keep the chills coming.

Developer

Exhibit of Sorrows was developed by adayofjoy, an indie creator known for crafting short, impactful horror games. Their work, supported by artist Theresa Kao and available on itch.io, focuses on unsettling narratives and minimalist design. Adayofjoy’s first game on Poki, Exhibit of Sorrows, has garnered praise for its creepy atmosphere and deep lore, with updates addressing player feedback, like the December 2024 patch for lag and typos. Support them at https://ko-fi.com/maximtsai for more projects.

Features

Exhibit of Sorrows is packed with features that make it a chilling horror experience:

• Creepy Circus Theme: Retro 2D graphics and vintage carnival fonts create an unsettling atmosphere, enhanced by eerie music and jerky camera movements.
• Disturbing Puzzles: Solve tasks like inflating Mr. Floaty or breaking Mr. Handy’s fingers, with clues hidden in plaques and police tape.
• Hidden Story: Uncover tragic backstories of clown dolls, implied to be children killed by the clown, through plaques and environmental clues.
• Short Playtime: A 10-minute linear experience, perfect for a quick horror fix with no replayable secrets or easter eggs.
• Jump Scares and Tension: Features violence, blood, and morally tough choices, like harming dolls to escape, for a gripping experience.
• Offline Play: Enjoy the game without Wi-Fi on mobile apps or the Chrome extension.
• Free to Play: Browser versions are free with ads; some platforms offer ad-free options via in-app purchases.
• Cross-Platform Support: Play on mobile, tablet, or PC with smooth performance, though some browsers may lag. Players note the game’s dark tone and lack of replayability but praise its storytelling and atmosphere.

Controls

The controls are simple and intuitive across devices:

• Mouse (PC): Left-click to interact with objects, navigate rooms using arrows, or select inventory items. The cursor changes to a pointer over interactive elements.
• Touchscreen (Mobile/Tablet): Tap to interact with objects, move between rooms, or select items. Tap and drag for specific puzzle actions.
• Hint System: Click or tap for hints (via ads in free versions) to guide tricky puzzles, though not always available. The controls are easy, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, though some players report laggy cursor response, improved in recent updates.

Release Date

Exhibit of Sorrows launched on April 23, 2022, on itch.io and Newgrounds, with wider releases on Poki, CrazyGames, Y8, and other platforms like GameNora by December 2023. Mobile apps for iOS and Android followed in July 2024. A significant update on December 16, 2024, fixed lag, typos, and puzzle interactions, enhancing the experience.

FAQ

Q: Is Exhibit of Sorrows free to play?
A: Yes, it’s free on Skipthegame, Poki, CrazyGames, and other browser platforms with ads. Mobile apps may offer ad-free play via in-app purchases.

Q: Can I play offline?
A: Yes, mobile apps and the Chrome extension support offline play, ideal for gaming anywhere.

Q: Is this game suitable for kids?
A: It’s rated for ages 12 and up due to violence, blood, and mature themes like trauma, suitable for teens with parental guidance but not young children.

Q: How long is the game?
A: It takes about 10 minutes to complete, though exploring all details may take longer. It’s a linear game with no replayable secrets.

Q: What if I get stuck on a puzzle?
A: Check plaques for clues (e.g., “Mr. Floaty” hints at inflating), use the hint system (via ads in free versions), or refer to walkthroughs on itch.io or YouTube.

Q: Are there ads in the game?
A: Browser versions include ads, which can be intrusive for hints. Ad-free options are available via mobile in-app purchases.

Q: Can I play on multiple devices?
A: Yes, play on mobile, tablet, or PC via browser, or use the Chrome extension. Progress doesn’t sync across devices.

Q: Are there multiple endings?
A: No, the game is linear with one ending, though players note a “good ending” requiring specific choices, like avoiding excessive harm to dolls. Check itch.io comments for tips.

Q: Are there similar games on Skipthegame?
A: Try Forgotten Hill: Surgery or Forgotten Hill: The Wardrobe on Skipthegames for more horror and puzzle adventures.