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Of all the unsettling sights on this gruelling polar expedition, perhaps the most ominous of all is nowhere near the ice. Rather, it’s in The Pale Beyond’s menu, where the narrative branches of this choice-driven adventure are clearly laid out. Most are fairly short, ending at points where key decisions took us down a different path; points from which we are able to continue should we choose to turn back. But the one we are currently heading down, more than 30 weeks in, is terrifyingly long and straight, each previous week represented by a padlock that tells us we cannot go back from here. Several of our crew are freezing; a few are malnourished; a handful deeply demoralised; two are no longer with us. Yet even with barely any food in the hoosh pot and our fuel supply having run out several weeks before, the idea of retreat seems unthinkable. Onward, then, we grimly march. But to where? For what purpose? And, most importantly, at what cost?

Still, you’re made aware from the beginning that this won’t be easy. Replying to an advertisement for a dangerous expedition, you’re told it will pay poorly, involve spending months in darkness and that there will be “slim chance of safe return” Yet, in all caps, you’re also told there is “glory to be hand in the event of success”. Hirsute captain Hunt informs you that, five years ago, the crew of the Viscount (and the ship itself ) disappeared en route to locating magnetic South, and your job is to find out what happened to them. It’s an onerous task, one made all the more difficult when the Temperance gets stuck in the ice and Hunt abandons ship, along with three of the crew. As first mate, you’re placed in charge. Unaware of the captain’s whereabouts, you’re encouraged by science officer Templeton (a man who seems constantly to look at you through suspicious eyes) to declare him dead to the crew, a decision that might come to haunt you later on. Starting your command with a lie seems unwise, but if they think their captain is out there somewhere, it could undermine your leadership.