A lot of people would probably find a role as a nightclub door manager or bouncer - an "I Am Security" role - easy. The role itself seems to be quite straightforward. Just watch the line for suspicious activity, check the people on the list of banned persons entering the club (banned guests) and check prohibited items before they are allowed entry. However, most roles have unexpected complications; this one does too. Guests will often try to conceal these prohibited items or try to lie about them when questioned by management. These actions can cause you to inspect each guest's item more thoroughly than the original design suggests. This contrasting progression in difficulty levels provides much of its challenge and humor. The role begins as a typical security check, but quickly evolves into a comedic-type inspection type game where observing the guests' items takes precedence over how quickly they can get inspected.
Key Controls
- Move: W,A,S,D or ARROW KEYS
- Aim: MOUSE
- Interact with items: E
- Use Items: Q
Game Overview
The core of the gameplay (the basic loop) is relatively simple. A group of people form a line at the entrance to the club, you go down the line, determine who has the authority to enter, and then scan their persons or possessions for prohibited items. While some patrons are perfectly fine, others may have an ulterior motive. There are scanning devices, metal detectors, etc. -- in other words, you can use whatever means necessary to make this decision. If you allow someone to pass who shouldn't, you've failed. If you stop a patron for no good reason, you're wasting time and losing control. The game derives much of its tension from this ongoing struggle.
What ultimately allows the game to function as more than simply a procedural experience (a dry checkpoint simulator), is that it incorporates elements of awkward patrons, hidden contraband, and slightly absurd situations. As players rush down the line as if each inspection was identical (they usually aren't), they often become frustrated. For example, one patron will be clear of all contraband; the next will be hiding something obvious somewhere ridiculous; and another patron will appear suspicious due to player's initial impression being influenced by the games desire for the player to second guess themselves. This is where the best aspects of the game arise.
The browser-based version adds a new layer of physicality to the position of security guard. The player doesn't merely tap buttons on a menu bar. The player moves about, picks up objects, uses specific tools directly, and occasionally must physically restrain unruly patrons. This provides I Am Security with a more interactive experience than would be typical for a standard checkpoint simulation. Although it remains relatively simple, the added level of interactivity provides the feeling that working the "door" is far more chaotic than processing paperwork.
Good runs typically occur when players remain methodical while avoiding becoming too slow. Start by checking for the most obvious items, utilize available tools prior to making educated guesses, and avoid allowing a single unusual patron throw you off your rhythm.
Key Features
- There is a night club entry system to decide if people get in or are refused entry
- The guest will be checked by means of a scanner, detector and/or the direct checking of items for hidden contraband
- Browser controls allowing the user to move, check and/or manipulate items with various tools (i.e., pick up an item) as well as take care of issues yourself
- Comedic elements added to ensure the simulation does not feel like it has been over-simplified
Tips for Beginners
New player's normally have way too much faith in there first impressions. Someone that appears harmless may actually be transporting some form of prohibited item. Additionally, someone that appears as though they are the "nutcase" is also rarely the main problem. In order to make the safest choice you should verify your guest(s) prior to judging them.
- Inspect your guests using available tools before deciding whether or not they appear suspicious.
- Verify what your guests are bringing (belongings), in addition to how they are displaying themselves physically (body language).
- Continue inspecting your guests at an even pace rather than rush through the entire line.
Advanced Tips
Once you have learned the basic loop for an inspection, it is easier to see how to use your knowledge in reading patterns. A guest can be suspected based on many factors other than just a single item. The guest's body language (posture), their hesitation at the checkpoint, or even if they try to rush through all can provide clues to what part of the bag to inspect next.
- Do not automatically consider any strange actions as probable cause; instead treat them as additional search clues.
- Always utilize the proper tool first in order to minimize unnecessary movements.
- Reset your position immediately upon completion of each inspection in order to continue to maintain control of the queue
Common Mistakes
Players make the wrong assumption about an odd guest, then panic slightly, and end up making decisions based on appearance rather than going through their normal inspection process. Players also tend to use excessive force with the tools when they could have used them in a cleaner way. While this simulator allows for a somewhat less-than-clean approach, it does not necessarily indicate the best method. One of these types of simulators builds negative habits slowly. As players stop thoroughly inspecting items, as well as assume some things without thorough evidence, many parts of the line will feel longer than they are.
- Just because someone looks questionable does NOT mean they have something they shouldn't.
- Handling poorly usually means you did not properly check the item.
FAQ
What is I am Security?
It is a nightclub Security simulator game which allows you to check out all the guests as they arrive, check them for any banned items, and determine if you will let the guest enter the nightclub.
How to play I am Security?
You are to check every single guest using your available tools; inspect any suspicions items found during the search and make a decision based upon your findings about whether the guest should be allowed to enter or rejected.
Where to play I am Security?
You can also play I am Security online at Rocket Games in your browser.
Is I am Security a bodyguard game?
Not exactly. More like a bouncer/check point Security officer. Not like a body guard.
What makes the game harder later on?
Guests do get more sneaky, therefore the scanning becomes much more important (you have to scan carefully) whereas first impressions become less important.
Final Thoughts
I am Security works best when it remains small & specific. One line - One guest - One decision at a time. This job is simple but people try to get into clubs with all sorts of unusual things so its always unpredictable. You start by checking each door. After some time it feels like managing your own little white lies.
More Games Like This
What i am Security does well is take controlled spaces and create a couple of pressure zones where judgment matters. Same feeling from different angles. Whether you are focused on escaping or getting in undetected or dealing chaos because you are on the wrong side of the situation, the picks fit that feeling.
- Obby Prison Escape shifts focus to movement / escaping control rather than enforcing control.
- Bank Robbery game plays similar high-risk environment as i am Security but from criminal perspective rather than Security perspective.
- Bank Robbery 3 has similar pressure-heavy setup as i am Security and adds an action-focus.