Dark Nights with Poe and Munro: A Review
Dark Nights with Poe and Munro is the third full-motion video (FMV) game by D’Avekki Studios. The game is one of D’Avekki Studio’s FMV trilogy which includes The Shapeshifting Detective and The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker. The studio specializes in FMV experiences, which includes the Murderous Decisions dinner-party murder mystery game as well as the previously mentioned video game titles.
Dark Nights with Poe and Munro is about two radio talk show hosts investigating odd occurrences in the town of August. The two main characters Poe, played by Klemens Koehring, and Munro, played by Leah Cunard, are lovers and colleagues who manage to be in the middle of it all. The game has six more or less stand-alone episodes which took me about 3 hours to play through. The entire game is fully FMV, with a cast of fifteen actors and eleven guests just for voice overs.
Overall, I liked the game, and was especially fond of the high-quality cinematography and acting. This was the first time I had played an FMV game before, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was impressed with the production quality, which I found much better than some well-known games with similar mechanics (like the Dark Pictures series recently reviewed by Eve here). The shot types were varied, interesting, and worked to elevate the narrative, instead of being boring or distracting. There were also a wide variety of choices given each episode, which made the game fairly engaging. I really liked that at the end of an episode the game gave you a summary of your choices and how they compared to other players.
While I enjoyed Dark Nights with Poe and Munro, there was a little bit missing for me. One of my biggest gripes was the script, which was corny, campy, and more than a little suggestive. These qualities are not inherently bad in a script, especially an FMV script, however it had a tendency to fall flat for me. I think this was largely due to the characterization of Poe and Munro as not very likable. As previously mentioned, the actors did a great job, however, it was hard for me to connect with Poe and Munro as main characters when I didn’t know very much about them (other than that they are adulterers, operate a failing radio show, and are not particularly kind). I also found the episodes to be inconsistent in their quality, length, and magnitude of choices available.
For $13 on Steam, I would recommend Dark Nights with Poe and Munro if you are a fan of FMV games or want an introduction into the medium. I would definitely be willing to try other FMV games by D’Avekki Studios in the future. If you are fond of weird and campy mysteries, this game will be enjoyable, however if you are looking for a scarier or more character-based FMV experience this game may not be for you.
(3.5 / 5)
I received this game as part of the Jingle Jam 2022 Charity Bundle available on Tiltify through December 14th. Read my announcement about this year’s Jingle Jam here.
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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