Another game with some history with me, but not on the same level as other games. Rather it is through an MMO I need to get back to some day called The Secret World. This game was sold as a short story in it's universe, so of course I wanted in. And getting to play it as a show-off title to try to make more people away of Extra Life was an added bonus! But I finished it in a single session, and while I enjoyed it, this is probably for the best.
Story: It has been a fun day at Atlantic Island Park and it's time to go home for Lorraine and her son Cullen. But as often happens with kids, this will not be so simple, as Cullen has left his teddy bear in the park. Telling him to stay in the car, Lorraine went to the help desk (in the parking lot as well) to see if they had found it. But Cullen decided he could do a better job and ran back inside. And the sympathetic guard let her in to get her kid. But things got weird before they reached the park at the top of the escalator. One moment, the place was just shutting down for the night, the next it was as if it had been abandoned long ago. Still a good mother won't abandon their child, and he is now lost in this hellish version of such a joyous place.
From this point on you will play the roll of Lorraine in her desperate search for her child as the park around you slowly gives you both it's secrets and maybe some of Lorraine's as well. But since this story is basically the driving force of the game, I really can't say much more for fear of ruining it. Just going to confirm that what is here is not large scale, but very well written. Enjoy
7/10
Graphics: Graphically this game is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand the effects are absolutely amazing across the board. From the reflections in the puddles to the fog to even the just the pure work on lighting, everything this game does with what's on screen it does masterfully. And this is definately a good thing since, while the world still looks really good it is clear this was made a few years ago when you get close to the few characters in the game. Still the whole world looks appropriately creepy from start to finish, delivering the feel the game is aiming to brilliantly as you make your way though the abandoned park and haunted attractions.
8/10
Sound: But as often noted in many places, the true aspect to horror is what you hear, not what you see, and once again this game delivers! The backgound music will not stick with you, unfortunately, as it about as generic for horror games as it can possibly be. However, it is used exactly as it should (as well as it's absence) to build up the tension... or to slap you out of nowhere like a cold steak to the face.
Sound effects are also used well here, though they are even rarer outside your footsteps. But that is to be expected since there are not many here in the park after it closed and was abandoned. What is here, though is brilliant. And finally we have voice work, which is also limited for much the same reason. There are really only four characters who talk in the entire game, and most of the time there are only two: Lorraine and Cullen.
Still, this is going to the main way you get the story of the game as Lorraine calls to and responds to Cullen on your command and Cullen's responses, both giving you hints for in-game and clues to what the real story is.
8/10
Gameplay: Sadly I can not sing the praises of the how this game plays half as much as I can it's collective atmosphere. Make no mistake, this is nothing more at it's core then a first person walking simulator. You will wander the park as Lorraine in a first person perspective with two basic "sections." The first will have you wandering around investigating objects and riding three major amusement rids that are still working to figure out the story of the part and how it ties to the two of you. But once you finish this, it's time for the second act as you go through the final attraction in the park: The fun-house.
This is a much more linear affair starting with all the things you might expect, but slowly morphing into something much more personal forcing Lorraine to face her own secrets.
Still, for all the cool factor here there is very little for you to actually do, just enough to see to fill your short visit (mine lasted about 2 hours) before you roll credits.
5/10
Bugs: This game had no bugs I could see while playing.
Overall: Before we begin, we have another title where I have a hard time calling it a game. There is literally nothing for you to do as the gamer. Your roll is to simply observe what the experience wishes to show you. And in this case, I have to commend them for knowing their limits. It's there just long enough to entertain you before rolling credits and leaving you to go about your day. Sadly though, it did not bring all that much to the table. If you like horror, you will enjoy it, but you will be glad it's over when it's over
Score:
6/10
System Requirements:
- Core i5 or equivilant
- 4 GB RAM
- Intel HD4400, AMD Radeon 5750, or NVidia GeForce 640 (1 GB VRAM required)
- 4 GB hard drive space
- Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit versions only)
- Ryzen 7 (2700) 3.2 Ghz
- 16 GB RAM
- Nvidia Geforce 1660 (6GB VRAM)
- Windows 10 (64 Bit)
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