Game Start and Initial Setup
The game opens with a loading screen, revealing the title 'SHAWARMA KIOSK: ANOMALIES' and an update log detailing new anomalous customers, events, and screamers. The player character, 'E_David,' arrives at the kiosk, walking through a snowy, desolate night. Inside, a welcome message sets the stage for the night shift. The first order of business involves checking the CCTV cameras, offering glimpses of the kiosk's interior and the dimly lit back alley. Pink hexagonal lights adorn the wall, adding to the kiosk's quirky atmosphere.
Deciphering the Cryptic Rulebook
Crucial to survival is the rulebook posted on the wall. These instructions are vital for distinguishing normal customers from anomalous ones: A smiling customer receives a soda; a 'wet, moving bundle' found under the counter must remain sealed. Every Friday at 2 AM, a car with no driver signals an inspection, requiring the player to exit through the back door without looking at the shawarma stand. If the meat on the skewer pulses and moans, the grill must be turned off, and the player must leave. A faceless customer should be served without direct eye contact, while other specific anomalous customers must be turned away by immediately closing the window. Lastly, in case of unknown anomalies, players are instructed to assess the threat via cameras and take reasonable measures.
First Two Customers: Normal Transactions
The first customer, an older man, orders one shawarma, specifically requesting it not to be 'too greasy.' The player processes the payment of 150 units and proceeds to prepare the shawarma by taking lavash, adding sauce, cheese, salad, and meat, then rolling it before serving. The customer accepts it with a grumble but acknowledges it's 'still warm.' Soon after, a second customer, a man in a white suit, approaches, demanding his order be made fast with 'no grill, no onions.' The player again prepares the shawarma but initially forgets a soda, prompting the customer to point out the missing item. After retrieving a Pepsi, the customer leaves, remarking 'Good. Keep it up.'
The First Anomaly: Pulsing Meat and Shadowy Figures
As the night progresses, a woman in a gray dress orders one shawarma. During its preparation, the atmosphere within the kiosk noticeably darkens. The meat on the rotating skewer begins to pulse with an ominous red glow, and faint, unsettling sounds emanate from it. Simultaneously, a shadowy, monstrous hand appears from beneath the counter near the fridge. Despite these disturbing events, the player serves the customer. After she leaves, the anomaly under the counter becomes more distinct, revealing a grotesque, red-fleshed head and arm, hinting at a growing threat. The player checks the rules sheet again, perhaps to find guidance for this developing situation.
Fourth Customer and Escalating Anomalies
Another customer, a woman in a grey hoodie, requests two shawarmas and a soda, specifically 'not grilled.' The player begins preparing the orders. The game reminds the player to include the soda, which they retrieve from the fridge. After preparing and serving both shawarmas and the soda, the customer departs. However, the presence of the growing anomaly near the fridge, visible just barely on the floor, indicates the situation is becoming more perilous, despite the outwardly normal transaction.
The Smiling Anomalous Customer and The Inspector's Warning
The calm is shattered when a naked, smiling man appears outside the window. Consulting the rules, the player is faced with a difficult choice: one rule suggests handing a soda to smiling customers, while another implies some anomalous customers should not be served, requiring the window to be closed. The player chooses to close the window. This decision is immediately met with a terrifying jumpscare as the smiling man becomes enraged and lunges through the window. A 'Shift Ended' screen appears, proclaiming 'Multiple anomalies detected, acceptable limit exceeded. Inspector assigned for correction. Contact verified. Employee Neutralized.' A monstrous, red-skinned entity, presumably the Inspector, looms over the player, marking the end of the shift.
Post-Mistake: The New Normal (and the End)
Despite the grim end, the player is offered a chance to 'Continue Shift' by paying virtual currency. New red-highlighted rules are now visible, clarifying the mistake: 'Serve normal customers - closing the window on them is a mistake' and 'Don't serve anomalous customers - serving them is a mistake,' with a chilling warning that 'Each mistake summons the Inspector - if there are too many, he'll 'fix' you.' Two more customers arrive, a man in a grey shirt, and another bald man, both ordering standard shawarmas. The meat on the skewer, now continuously pulsating, serves as a constant, terrifying reminder of the looming threat. As the bald man orders two shawarmas, the meat on the skewer glows even more aggressively. The player attempts to shut down the grill, only to be met with the definitive 'Shift Ended' screen and a final, horrifying jumpscare from the Inspector, who has now arrived to 'neutralize' the employee.
Conclusion
The night shift at Shawarma Kiosk is a relentless test of observation, quick decision-making, and nerve. The game masterfully builds an atmosphere of paranoia, forcing players to second-guess every customer and every action. With the omnipresent threat of the 'Inspector' and the escalating anomalies, every successful order is a small victory against overwhelming odds. The chilling blend of routine work and supernatural horror makes for an unforgettable, albeit terrifying, experience. Remember the rules, stay vigilant, and try to make it to 7 AM – if you can.