Well done Game
This review is based on my first four hours with the game, so my opinion may change later.
Technical Performance:
The developers did a solid job using Unreal Engine.
It’s not flawless, but it performs better than most games out there.
The game runs smoothly, and my PC doesn’t sound like a jet engine.
The only issue I’ve noticed so far is a strange graphical glitch during cutscenes, it looks like V-Sync isn’t working properly on single objects in zhe Scene.
Outside of that, gameplay is clean and stable without Issues.
Atmosphere and Setting:
I really enjoy the japanese setting.
The village, environments, and character designs are beautifully crafted and create a strong, immersive atmosphere.
The sound design and music are excellent so far. Hearing enemies from a distance or as they approach is intense and thrilling.
The japanese voice actors are outstanding.
Combat System:
You have a fast attack and a heavy one.
The heavy attack can paralyze enemies for a few moments, making them more vulnerable,
so you can follow up with quick strikes.
There is also a dodge button and a counter mechanic.
Countering isn’t too difficult, you can lock onto enemies, which widens the timing window for blocking (but also drains your mental stability).
So far, the enemies I have encountered were stunned afterwards, similar to using the heavy attack on R2.
Weapon Durability and Tension:
Weapons can break, but you can repair them.
It hasn’t been a major issue yet and i have three pipes atm., but I suspect it encourages avoiding unnecessary fights later on.
That said, it’s genuinely thrilling to be trapped in a tight space and forced to flee from an enemy.
The game does a great job of making you feel vulnerable.
Power-Ups and Shrines:
You can find power ups in form of trinkets or buy them from shrines, which also serve as save points.
One example is a power up that reduces enemy vision and another one giving you more health, helping you sneak through tough situations or just survive them.
To buy them, you trade items for “Praying Points”, the game’s currency.
Some items exist just for this purpose, while others are healing items, so you’ll need to think carefully before selling.
Puzzles and Exploration:
The puzzles I have encountered so far had a good balance, not too easy, not too hard (on the hard difficulty).
They aren’t spoon fed and the character doesn’t talk to herself to give hints. No radio guy either. Nothing on the map has been marked that I wouldn’t have checked myself, which keeps exploration rewarding.
Story and Themes:
I haven’t seen much of the story yet, but the intro hints at themes of parental abuse.
A small note involving foxes, the present shrines and something else i will not spoiler, also suggests something more that will go in in that regard.
It’s still relatively early, but the tone is promising.
Price and Value:
Yes, the game costs €80, which is steep, but so far I’m satisfied with what I’ve gotten.
(They’re lucky I’m doing my spooky month.) I
’m genuinely glad Konami delivered a proper single-player experience without microtransactions or shady practices.
That they gone back into that is kinda incredible, after they went full in with Pachinko and NFTs.
I’ll update this review after a full playthrough
31 gamers found this review helpful