Ennuigi is a 2015 freeware browser game created by Josh Millard using the PICO-8 fantasy console.  You can still play it here.

This game, Ennuigi: A Time For Monsters, is a freeware reimagining of that project for a different political time and developed for the actual 8-bit NES.

You can play the game in browser or download the ROM and play it on your emulator of choice or on original hardware via a flashcart.

Although a narrative walking simulator at its heart, Ennuigi: A Time For Monsters is concerned with philosophical musings, how to give life meaning, and the rise of fascism in the United States circa 2025.

The writing consists of a mix of edited and unedited quotations from writers and philosophers along with my own writing. It's a slow burn, but hopefully a meaningful one for some people.

Millard's Ennuigi is now 10 years old, and should be considered a classic. Hopefully this small art project allows people to rediscover that game. Furthermore, 2025 also marks the 40th anniversary of the U.S. release of Super Mario Bros. and the NES. Let this art project celebrate both of those milestones.

This free game is considered a critical art project. It is considered fair use under the "transformative use" clause. This work adds new expression, meaning, or message that wasn't there in the original.  This work is also used for the purposes of criticism, commentary, and education.

Never apologize for fighting fascism.

At the end of all things, let there still be love.

CONTROLS

On Keyboard

A / Left Arrow -- Move Left

D / Right Arrow -- Move Right

W / Up Arrow -- Reflect

S / Down Arrow -- Smoke

On Gamepad

Left / Right - Move

Up / A - Reflect

Down / B - Smoke

In the web-based emulator: ESC -- Menu (for resetting)

Emulator by NinjaDynamics