Out to Lunch (video game)

Out to Lunch is a 1994 adventure game developed and published by Swiss company Visual Energy. It was initially released for MS-DOS and later ported to the Amiga. The game features a surreal and humorous storyline centred around Walter Kromm, an advertising copywriter who finds himself trapped inside a bizarre animated world after being hypnotized by a television commercial.

Gameplay in Out to Lunch involves navigating a series of nonsensical environments, interacting with strange characters, and solving puzzles to progress. The game is notable for its use of digitized graphics and animation, which contribute to its distinct visual style. The puzzles are often logic-based but can also be quite obscure, reflecting the game's overall absurdist tone.

The narrative is presented through dialogue and cutscenes, which are often filled with satirical commentary on advertising, consumerism, and popular culture. The player must gather items and utilize them in unconventional ways to overcome obstacles and advance the plot.

Out to Lunch received mixed reviews upon release. While some critics praised its originality and humour, others found its puzzles frustrating and its visual style somewhat jarring. Despite its reception, it has developed a cult following among fans of adventure games and those interested in unique and unconventional gaming experiences. The game's offbeat sense of humour and surreal setting contribute to its enduring appeal.