Just like any other kid, I’ve always dreamed of transforming into a giant snake and devouring the innards of my slain peers. So naturally, I was thrilled to discover the popular new game “Slither.io.” In the past few weeks, the app and computer game “Slither” has taken over the lives of college students, elementary schoolers, and famous Youtubers. In this addictive multiplayer game, participants control a brightly colored serpentine creature with a mantra in mind: kill or be killed.

In “Slither,” the sole objective is to destroy as many players as possible. When another snake is killed, they release glowing points; the snake that consumes these points grows bigger. The goal of the game is to become as large as possible, and if you’re lucky, you’ll land a spot on the sacred top-ten leaderboard that’s displayed in the corner of the game. In order to kill other snakes, a snake simply needs to bump into the player. The graphics are minimal, you’re in a black void with other snakes, there’s no music, and everyone is just eating each other. So what’s the appeal?

Despite the simple concept, “Slither” is exciting due to the numerous strategies players can use. All snakes can “boost,” or move at a quickened pace. Boosts are commonly used to cut other players off so snakes are forced to collide. Players often engage in long boosting battles where two snakes race beside each other while simultaneously trying to cut the other off. One popular method to capture prey is “circling,” my signature move. A large snake forms a loop around smaller snakes and coils closer and closer until the snakes within the loop eventually run into the offender.

The strategic possibilities are endless. Although a snake may defeat another, several more snakes can act as vultures and snag the points before the killer can claim their prize. It’s invigorating to fight against other players and defend the piles of substance you stumble upon, while dodging other snakes is a challenge that will literally spike your heart rate. When a big snake dies, up to 20 snakes can rush for the points at once, resulting in more collisions and more chaos. Aggressive player interactions are what makes this game interesting, as the concept of mercy is nonexistent in the world of “Slither.”

It may seem somewhat terrifying, but “Slither” will truly have players hitting the replay button in frustration over and over again. The game is fun and has a sense of humor about it-where else would you find a place that boasts such quality usernames as “Trumps_Wall” and “ShrekIsMyFather?” The cartoon-style drawings of the snakes ease the morbid implications of the game, and players can also decorate their snakes in unique patterns like the American flag.

The main complaint about “Slither” is that, likely due to the influx of players, glitching is apparent. Snakes often freeze or shoot off into the distance without player command, something that is unforgivable in a game that involves careful navigation. A short glitch usually equates to instant death.

Despite its flaws, “Slither” has captured the hearts of millions of people, and has been a prime source of procrastination for many students. It involves critical thinking, intense competition, and the strangest usernames you’ll ever see. As communications junior Grace Sullivan said, “There’s something so satisfying about being able to see yourself grow bigger as a snake. You never want to stop playing ‘Slither.’”