Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a Japanese-style RPG developed by Housekeeping, a solo Texas-based developer, and released in 2018 for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Drawing heavily from SNES-era titles such as EarthBound, Final Fantasy 5, the Breath of Fire series, and Yume Nikki, the game unfolds entirely within the dream of an eight-year-old boy named Jimmy. When an alien entity called the Pulsating Mass emerges and endangers both his family and the dream world's stability, Jimmy embarks on a full-length adventure to confront the threat. Combat is classic turn-based with some modern refinements, and exploration is a central focus throughout. A distinctive mechanic allows Jimmy, as an empathetic child, to imagine himself as encountered monsters, unlocking new ways to interact with the world and upgradeable abilities. Thematically, the game addresses family, childhood, and escapism through a child's perspective while telling a story aimed at adult sensibilities.
