PAX East Spotlight - Speaking Simulator
Speaking Simulator follows a robot that is attempting to blend into human society by successfully completing conversations.
Described as a "FPS for speaking", the player moves the tongue with the WASD keys, in an attempt to have the tongue press certain buttons in the mouth. The mouse is used to drag the lips into position. The player will have to mimic realistic tongue and lip positions to correctly pronounce syllables, all within a certain amount of time. Failure to do so causes the audience/other person to become suspicious. Additionally, mistakes made by the player cause the robot's face to spasm and malfunction.
Speaking Simulator certainly stands out in appearance, as the facial malfunctions on the robot are comical, if not also a little uncomfortable (we're at the bottom of the uncanny valley here).
Later levels feature more mechanics, requiring the player to focus on more things, such as maintaining eye contact. Overall, this game knows what it is, and has fun with the concept. It is absolutely worth a look.
Checkout our interview with developer Jed (presumably a human) below, then head over to Steam for more details.