Tag Archives: survival horror

video game reviews

Affraid Game Review: A Horror Experience Gone Wrong

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of AFFRAID to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Affraid?

Affraid is a third person horror survival game out now on Steam.

Nina has been kidnapped along with several other girls by the evil pharmaceutical company, Medio. Medio wants to create an age reversing cream, and willing to sacrifice as many people to get it. Unfortunately, there are unforeseen side effects. The other subjects become rabid, initiating an evacuation protocol. Nina is unaffected, and finds herself in the fight of her life as she tries to escape. Can she make it out alive?

Gameplay

Affraid is a Resident Evil clone. Players make their way through a strange facility full on monsters and using what they find along the way to defend themselves. Players must make their way through dark corridors, piece together the narrative, and try to stay alive. It is a pretty strait forward gameplay loop, but one that can be extremely unforgiving if players aren’t careful.

Review

I was drawn to this game because it looked rough, yet with enough passion poured into it to make up for it. Unfortunately, the game in its current state is unplayable. An update was pushed recently that makes me believe the developer hasn’t given up yet, but it didn’t do much to earn its price tag (even at a discount).

My game crashed during the opening tutorial. When the game finally decided to work, the movement is jarring and the controls aren’t as smooth as they need to be. It is clear that a lot of effort was put into the fan service, which is fine, but the rest of the game needs more attention. Once I finally got out of the first room, the game did not get better. Movement feels bad, and combat doesn’t feel any better. I wouldn’t mind the flaws, but there are better games you can play at the same price price point.

Without a major update to performance, there is no reason to buy this game. The game doesn’t feel finished, nor does it feel like it is close to being finished. You can pick up AFFRAID for $9.99, but your money is better spent elsewhere.

video game reviews

The Outlast Trials is the Horror Survival Game for this Summer

Leave a comment

I was sent a free copy of The Outlast Trials to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. this will be my honest review. If you enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for a fantastic budget headset to play The Outlast Trials, check out the Fifine H9 gaming headset using my Amazon affiliate link. Check out my full review. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

What is The Outlast Trials?

The Outlast Trials is an online multiplayer survival horror game out now on PC. Alone and down on your luck, you’ve accepted a mysterious job that promises to change everything. But this job is a lot more sinister and twisted than you would have ever imagined. You find yourself in a game designed by a twisted man in a house full of deadly traps, and insane people who want to kill you. You and the other patients must work together to find a way out. If you can survive long enough to complete the therapy, you can go free. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

The Outlast Trials is your typical survival horror game. Teams of four are loaded onto a map where they must work together to solve puzzles and survive the haunt. The haunts are conducted by AI-powered monsters with unique flavors, abilities, and quirks. Monsters AI can be outsmarted, but I was always too scared to do so properly. Players can use the environment to hide, set up traps, or obstruct monsters. You win a match if you can complete the objectives. The trial is over if everyone dies. 

Impressions

I thought I was getting braver and could handle horror games, but I have never been so wrong. Getting through the tutorial was incredibly difficult, and playing with others was much worse. Huge shout to the random folks who tried to carry me. I am sorry for letting you down. 

I assume normal folks who enjoy horror games will find this game a lot more enjoyable, but the whole experience is terrifying. Right off the bat, you are loaded into this terrifying world where you are surrounded by death and danger. The game design is amazing, and I would have loved to explore the world more if I wasn’t scared of monsters popping out to chase me. I appreciate the amount of detail that was put into this game’s horror aesthetic, and it is something you need to see to appreciate. 

The game’s terrifying aesthetics, creepy soundscape, and light and dark mechanics generate the appropriate amount of tension to drive this game. What makes the game truly terrifying are the monsters that chase you. The Outlast Trials has some incredible-looking monsters chasing you. These creatures are not only creative, flavorful, and hungry for blood. I am sure more level-headed players will have an easier time navigating the AI, but I never could. The haunts were always too much for my anxiety, but they were always the most fun I’ve had with this type of game.

The challenges and puzzles in this game are manageable if you can find competent level-headed folks to complete them. Sneaking, setting up traps, the chases, and even fighting back are all well designed, and run incredibly smoothly. My problem with these types of games is that they always feel clunky, but when I managed to keep my eyes open, the game seemed to run smoothly. 

While I may not be ready for this type of horror, I recommend it to everyone who is. Playing this game with friends would be awesome, but I don’t think it would necessarily make things easier. If you don’t have enough friends, the game has a decent-sized community. I didn’t have trouble finding a game, but it could definitely use more love. If you enjoy these types of survival horror hunt games, The Outlast Trials is a solid addition to the genre. 

You can pick up your copy of The Outlast Trials on Steam now for $39.99. 

Board Games and TCGs

Back the Survival Horror TTRPG Eldritch Automata on Kickstarter!

Leave a comment

Eldritch Automata just went live on Kickstarter and has already made 13k on the first day. There is still a bit to go before they get to their $65k goal, so go back if you’re looking for a horrific mech tabletop RPG.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Story

The world is overrun by unspeakable horrors that have left humanity hanging by its last tread. Those unfortunate to survive must face off against the ever-present threat of bloodthirsty eldritch abominations and nightmares. Hope sits on the shoulders of those few in the world who can pilot the mighty Automata, giant mechs that appeared at the start of the calamity. Piloting the Automata is no easy feat. Pilots must be of strong resolve, because the pressures of responsibility, the strain of piloting the Automata, and the constant threat from monsters and other survivors constantly eat away at their morale. 

The world of Eldritch Automata is no easy picnic. Do you have what it takes to survive? 

What is Eldritch Automata

Eldritch Automata is a survival horror TTRPG that uses the award-winning Year Zero Engine. I’ve played a few games that use the Year Zero Engine, and love it so far. It’s easy to pick up, and not an impossible transition from D&D. What makes Eldritch Automata unique is the giant mechs, Automata. I am very curious to see how the Mech and Kaiju fights work, especially when players have to worry about their morale. I bet it not only makes for fun roleplay, but will also make things tense and exciting. 

Kickstarter also mentions that there will be a focus on a social aspect where players need to navigate different factions, worry about treacherous factions, and form different alliances. I already have some cool ideas for roleplay, and I am excited. 

The rulebook will be about 400 pages long and include accessories, depending on the tier you support and what stretch goals get reached. 

If you’re looking for a horror survival game with the potential for epic kaiju battles, go back the Eldritch Automata Kickstarter today! The campaign is live until February 1st, and the product plans to ship in August. 

Kickstarter Levels

Civilian (Digital Edition) – $30

  • Digital copy of core rule book
  • All Stretch Goals

Manufactured (Digital Bundle) – $45

  • Digital copy of core rule book
  • Digital copy of the starter set
  • All Stretch Goals

Pilot (Core Rulebook) – $55

  • Digital copy of core rule book
  • Physical copy of the core rulebook
  • All Stretch Goals

Automata (Physical Bundle) – $70

  • Digital copy of core rule book
  • Digital copy of the starter set
  • Physical copy of core rule book
  • Physical copy of the starter set
  • All Stretch Goals

Horror (Physical Bundle) – $100

  • Digital copy of core rule book
  • Digital copy of the starter set
  • Physical copy of core rule book
  • Physical copy of the starter set
  • Game Master screen
  • Equipment and Armor Cards
  • Horror Dossier Pack
  • All Stretch Goals

Higher Levels get you more goodies!

gaming news, video game reviews

Sorry We’re Closed Demo Review – Classic Survival Horror Bliss

Leave a comment

When I saw the Sorry We’re Closed trailer on this year’s Indie Horror Showcase, I knew I needed to try the demo. Sorry We’re Closed looks like a fun and quirky homage to the classic era of survival horror, and I am here for it.

Michelle wakes up in the demon world after having been cursed by a demon. With the help of whatever she can find lying around, she must brave the horrors that roam this terrifying new world to find a way out. Do you have what it takes to set her free?

If you are looking for a spooky title to play, try this demo. The game does a terrific job of creating a spooky ambiance with its fixed cameras, music, and design. I loved the use of color, its edgy tones, and the gameplay. Exploration feels good, and combat feels even better. If you are a fan of the original Resident Evil game, this game should be on your wishlist.

I don’t normally do horror games, but I had to make this the exception. I’m hoping to grab a copy on release. Until then, make sure you play the demo, and add Sorry We’re Closed to your wishlist. 

If you enjoy my content, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!

gaming news

The 5 games I am most excited about from DREADXP’s Indie Horror Showcase

2 Comments

DreadXP just had their Indie Horror Showcase featuring a lot of cool and spooky games you are going to want to wishlist. It was very neat to see all the different ways these companies tackled the genre. I didn’t want this post to be too long, so I chose five games I am most excited about. It was very hard to narrow down the list to just ten, so make sure you go check out the video and the official Steam Page to see all the awesome games I couldn’t fit on this list. If you’ve been enjoying these updates, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends! Don’t forget to wishlist!

1. WORLD OF HORROR

I am most excited about WORLD OF HORROR because of its unique art style and terrifying scenes. WORLD OF HORROR is a retro roguelite RPG for PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch featuring turn-based combat and decisions that matter. 

The Old Gods have reawakened and terrorized a small seaside town. Sanity dwindles as its population endures hellish horrors as grotesque creatures terrorize their home. Watch it all unfold through the perspective of 5 playable characters. Do you have what it takes to survive the horrors?

You can pick up WORLD OF HORROR now on Steam $14.99 (normally $19.99) until November 2nd. The Switch version comes in the summer.

2. Sorry We’re Closed

Sorry We’re Closed just looks like a good time. I love the homage to the classic era of horror. Sorry We’re Closed seems like the perfect blend for traditional fixed-camera survival horror and arcade-style first-person shooter. I love the Lofi quirky aesthetic, and the soundtrack seems amazing. The combat looks great, the third eye mechanic is neat, and the game will have multiple endings for replayability.

Michele has been cursed by a demon, and must now travel through their realm to break it. With the power of her third eye and anything else she can find, she must brave the dangers that surround her. Will she be able to break her curse?

The Sorry We’re Closed Demo is out now, and I don’t see why you wouldn’t try it. The game plans to release sometime next year, but no date has been set yet. Make sure you wishlist!

3. Hunt The Night

I am a sucker for pixel art games, and Hunt the Night looks fantastic. The combat system looks like a blast, the world looks impressive, and the story looks interesting. 

Hunt the Night is a retro action-adventure game for PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games. Play as Vesper and explore the world of Medhram and fight its horrors. Conquer its dungeons and defeat its bosses in what promises to be a fast-paced skill-based dark fantasy. 

You can pick up Hunt the Night for $19.99, or try the demo Steam if you need more convincing. You can pick up for $15.99 on GoG until October 26 and Epic Games until November 1st.

4. Hollowbody

Hallowbody looks terrifying. It definitely gives me early survivor horror vibes, and I am here for it. The setting is ominous, the story seems interesting, and the gameplay looks fun. 

After a mission goes wrong, you find yourself in a decaying abandoned city, but you are not alone. Horrors hide in the shadows, and you need to find a way out. Push your way through the zone as you solve puzzles, manage resources, and fight your way to safety. Do you have what it takes to survive?

Hallowbody is fully voice-acted with multiple endings and promises a terrifying narrative. A release date hasn’t been set yet, but you can at least add it to your wishlist. 

5. Post Trauma

Last but not least, I have to mention Post Trauma. This game looks trippy in the best way, and I need to know where the developers take it. 

Post Trauma is a survival horror game coming to PC. Play as Roman as reality twists around him. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and try to find a way out of this nightmare. 

Post Trauma plays homage to the classic era of the genre. It promises a dense, nonlinear story with a surreal mind-bending world full of horror. No release date has been set, but you can at least add it to your wishlist. 

Make sure you check out the rest of the showcase, there were a lot of cool games that you might want to look into. You can also go to the official Steam Page and look up the ones that are most interesting to you. Make sure you do the things. Thanks for reading!

gaming news

The final trailer for El Paso, Elsewhere just dropped, and its amazing!

2 Comments

The final trailer for El Paso, Elsewhere just dropped, and I can’t wait for the release. The trailer is epic, and I recommend you check it out even if you have no intention of buying the game. El Paso, Elsewhere is a quirky retro shooter where players hunt hordes of vampires, werewolves, and other demons. The voice acting sounds great, the story and gameplay seem fun, and I am excited to hear what they put on the soundtrack. El Paso, Nightmare, the game before this, had an amazing soundtrack. 

El Paso, Nightmare is a lot of fun. I’ve reviewed Nightmare in a previous post, make sure you check it out if you want more details. The game is a lot of fun, and worth the $4.99. If you are looking for a casual game and enjoyed the retro era of gaming, go get El Paso, Nightmare. 

El Paso, Elsewhere releases on Xbox and Steam on September 26. No price has been announced yet, but make sure you wishlist it! If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Bonus Music Video

gaming news

El Paso, Elsewhere coming soon to Xbox and PC

Leave a comment

I just saw the trailer for El Paso, Elsewhere, and I can’t help but feel excited. I’ve played the previous title, El Paso, Nightmare, and loved every minute of it. Make sure you check out my full review. 

El Paso, Nightmare is a fun little Doom clone that you should pick up if you want something fun that isn’t a huge commitment. Battle against endless waves of monsters and demons as you make your way through a nightmare of a labyrinth. My only complaint is that it can feel a little repetitive, but it earns its $5 price tag.

El Paso Elsewhere is bringing a story to this delightful indie title, and I am here for it. The trailer gives off some fun Noir vibes, and the new bullet time mechanics look like a blast. It looks like Blade meets The Matrix, and that seems like a good time. If this game is anything like its predecessor, El Paso, Nowhere is going to be a fun quirky game with a fantastic soundtrack. I’ll be following its development closely and will do my best to play it as soon as it becomes available.

El Paso Elsewhere comes out sometime this fall on PC and Xbox. A demo is available on Steam if you want to try it first. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist, and make sure you try out El Paso, Nightmare while you’re at it!

gaming news

The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation – The creepy looking survival game that is looking to be a solid scary story

Leave a comment
If you have been enjoying my content and want to support what I do make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. You can also buy me a coffee

The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation is a horror game coming to PS5, Xbox, and Switch. No release date has been announced yet, but preorders for the physical copies of this game go on sale on the 15th for PS5 and Switch only. There are also collector editions of the game for those interested in the swag.

Six university friends investigate a well-known urban legend, but what they find is a lot more than they bargained for. The group has awoken an ancient curse. Now they must survive the night as vengeful ghosts hunt for them. Do you have what it takes to solve the mystery and survive the night?

Play as one of the students and try to survive one of the longest nights as you stealthy explore a creepy and immersive setting, solve puzzles, and experience what looks to be a well-presented narrative. The art and graphics look great, the setting looks scary, and the voice acting is fantastic. Of course, this opinion is based on the trailer, but the trailer did enough to creep me out.

I don’t really play horror or stealth games, but this is going on my watch list. Hopefully, I can muster enough courage to play through this game, even if it has to be with the lights on. If you don’t want to wait for the console release, you can pick it up on Steam for $19.99. It is currently on sale for $13.99 until the 13th. There is also a demo you can try if you need more convincing.

Folks looking for a physical copy of this game, you can preorder your copy for the PS5 and Switch on the 13th.

You can also get the collectors edition for the PS5 and the Switch if you are interested in the artbook and a few extra goodies:

  • The Bridge Curse Collector’s Box
  • The Bridge Curse Game (region free)
  • The Bridge Curse Manual
  • The Bridge Curse Original Soundtrack CD
  • The Bridge Curse Artbook
  • The Bridge Curse Numbered Certificate
Series Reviews

Series Review: Resident Evil (2022)

5 Comments
Source

After the disappointment that was Welcome to Racoon City, I had the lowest expectations for this series. I was not ready to love again, but the show grew on me. I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would. It may not be perfect, but I feel it is a step in the right direction.

The series focuses on the fall of New Racoon city as experienced by Jade and her sister. The show will skip from the present zombie-infested world to the past when the Umbrella was still covering up what happened in Old Racoon City.

This series is fine, especially if you want a zombie survival show with some solid stakes. The acting is good for the most part, but there are some inconsistencies. The monsters and special effects are fine, but they are limited by the show’s budget. This is a low-budget series, and it shows, but they do well with what they have. I have seen more expensive shows do worse. It is a bit cheesy, but I was able to forgive it because there are some solid narrative beats.

The story is good enough. The jumping between narratives is impressive. There is some solid editing at play. The story also holds enough suspense and drama to keep most audiences entertained. There are moments where the series slows a bit, but I never thought it was unwatchable. The series doesn’t offer too much world-building if you have at least seen the movies. The series is another narrative about survival told from a different perspective. This isn’t a bad thing, but I am not sure how canonical this series will be.

My favorite part of the series is the villains. They were fun, competent, and had clear goals that helped move the narrative organically. The heroes were equally as competent, but they still get infected with those convenient ex-Machina zombie powers. It isn’t as ridiculous as I have grown used to, but it is hard to ignore. Fortunately, the powers don’t kill much of the tension, and there was enough suspense to keep me engaged. 

I can’t speak on how it relates to the games since I haven’t really played them. There are references to events from the game and the movies, but I never felt like I needed to be up-to-date on the lore to understand what was going on. It might help to give you a better appreciation for the narrative. If you like zombie survival dramas, this is a solid one if you can get past the cheesy overtones. I am at least curious to see where this series goes from here. You can watch it on Netflix.

Gaming News and Review