Scary Game Review: Into the Gloom

Into the Gloom is a pixelated game that scared the hell out of me. I was going to say, crap, but who wants to admit that. It didn't. But if you thought pixel games couldn't scare you, I would like you to watch/play this game. Maybe you have nerves of steel. I know I don't, but I do know the guy I watch does and that is Harshly Critical on YouTube. We'll get to a video later. 

This is where I usually put "About the Game", but even that would spoil it. So, I'll give you a tiny bit of detail. Into the Gloom is one of those unique indie games only found on PC. It is a first-person pixel game, that only relies on the colors: black, white, and red. That's not the creepy part. The creepy part is the game is all about atmosphere, which are sometimes the best games you can play, or in my case, watch. Just like many survival-horror games, to move further in the game you have to explore and solve puzzles. Much like other survival-horror games like Amnesia or Outlast, you can not fight the enemies (or in Gloom's case, enemy) and all you can do is run away. 

My Review (from a spectator's point of view): 

This game had me chilled. It's the first game since Outlast: Whisteblower (which I will review soon) that had creeped me out. Though Whistleblower scared the hell out of me more, but comparing these two is like comparing apples to oranges. Into the Gloom is a different breed of terror. Whether it was the music, the shadow antagonist, or the chase scenes, the game is very well done. And only one guy did it. Fantastic for him. (For some odd reason, I couldn't find his name - if I do find it, I will put it in this review.)  

The true story of the protagonist and antagonist isn't revealed until the end, so this game does make you wonder, what the hell is going on here? But once it tells you, it's brilliant. 

There's not much more to say. It's a a short game (1-3 hours, depending on your speed/skill), but it's intense. Don't let the shortness of the game turn you away. The game is only $2.99 on Steam, which is very cheap and well worth the price (from what I've read on some gamer reviews). You can find it on Steam. 

Video: 

As you can see, I posted a video below. This is my favorite moment of the game. There is a couple jump scares, but nothing heart attackish, I don't believe. Then again, I've watched it a couple times now (both for this review and my own enjoyment), so I could be used to it. Be warned, it does include the ending. 

Scary Game Review: Outlast for PC and PS4

 

(Keep in mind: Generally I am not a big gamer. I love watching other people, whether it may be commentators playing the game, friends or family, play these games. But I do not play horror games. I do, however, enjoy them for the story. So this is more of a story, atmospheric, etc. type of review, rather than a review on gameplay. There are plenty of those around though, so you'll have no problem if that's what you're looking for.)

For awhile I thought, Amnesia: The Dark Descent was the scariest game I've ever watched. It still ranks up there, and is still number one, but a there is a new sheriff in town. A scary sheriff at that. 

And that is the newest game, Outlast.

The Story (No spoilers):

This is the type of game that when I first heard of it, I thought it was going to be a cookie cutter like game, that relies solely on jump scares, weird creatures that don't revolve around the plot, and a plot with so many holes in it. 

Not at all! Actually I was quite surprise by it. 

Here's how it goes, we follow the horrific adventures of an investigator journalist by the name of Miles. There's been some reports of shifty malpractice at the once abandoned Mount Massive Asylum in a remote part of Colorado. The asylum was reopened by a research facility by the name of Murkoff Corporation. Miles takes the task of being the first to exploit the facilities secrecy. He is sorely going to regret it. 

Upon finding a way into the asylum, he finds out that all of the guards are dead and there is a massive break out of asylum patients everywhere. Miles is in for a long night, between playing a horrifying game of hide and seek with psychos who want to kill him; a metal patient religious zealot who wants to help him; a mad doctor who wants to torture him; and, oh yes, this mysterious Walrider. 

----

Scare Factor:

Oh boy. I will by lying if I said I didn't jump during this entire game. I did in quite a few places. And just when you think you're used to it, they change it, and you're biting your nails once again. Between mental patients chasing you in long and frightening sequences, two deranged (plus naked) patients who want to skin you like a deer, and a monstrous man who wants to rip your head off; you will have plenty of chest pounding moments if you watch or play the game. 

Also, the atmosphere in this game is really nice. Very well done.

----

Some videos to watch: 

The first video is courtesy of video game commentator, and my personal favorite, The Rad Brad. This has to do with a particularly crazy doctor who says he wants to be your buddy, but has something else in mind. 

Please note before watching: There is gore, there is swearing, and there is one part with vomit. So if you don't like any of those or if you plan on playing the game and don't want any spoilers ... don't watch! 

The next video is the part that scared the hell out of me! Holy jeez, I thought I was going to have a heart attack at one point. For all my paranormal friends out there, there is some paranormal like activity in this video. This video comes from AestheticGamer and the same warning as above still applies with this, except for this one is a bit more...scary! 

----

Rating: 8/10. Damn good! Highly recommended. The only reason why it's 2 down from a perfect ten is because some of the objectives are repetitive, as well as some of the enemies the player faces. 

Outlast is currently on sale for both the PC and soon for the PS4. 

 Next game I'll be reviewing is Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Possibly. I am in the process of watching other games right now, such as Eleusis, so either or.