“I can’t imagine being stuck down a well all alone like that. How long could you survive?”
“Seven days.”
Dead by Daylight: Sadako Rising welcomes the Ring to the asymmetrical horror game, up’ing the scares to an entirely new level. And I can’t overstate how excited I am! Sadako (or Samara) is now available to play for PC players on Dead by Daylight’s Play Test Build. For those on consoles, you’ll have to wait until March 8 for her official release.
The trailer for Dead by Daylight’s new chapter: Sadako Rising
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Sadako joins the Entity’s ranks as a stealth killer. Her special ability allows her to project herself through TVs scattered through the map, which will apply a “condemned” status effect on nearby survivors. Once their condemned meter is fully filled, Sadako will be able to deliver a gruesome mori, a kill animation that stays true to her character.
Sadako also comes with three unique killer perks which I’m sure will find their way into some unique builds. Her new perk, Merciless Storm, would be absolutely evil on an impossible skill check doctor.
But Sadako hasn’t come to test servers alone! Yoichi Asakawa, the son of the main protagonist in Ringu joins the survivors in the fog. Yoichi’s build leans towards support and stealth, which reflects his role in the Ringu films.
Final Verdict
Five, yes, five!!! Cthulhu heads! The Ring was one of the films that brought my love of horror to new heights, so I might be biased. But Dead by Daylight: Sadako Rising brings true fear back to this horror multiplayer. Her playstyle is unique and, in the hands of a skilled player with great map knowledge, she can be devastating. And for those who just love her character, like me, there are so many little details that just get it right. The bloody sores where her nails used to be? The TV effects when she’s demanifested? Just perfect. Sadako is undoubtedly the best edition to the game in a long time.
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.
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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.
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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)
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!!!