Love Letter to Creature Feature: The Quarry Review
After the success of Until Dawn, horror became common in interactive story games. While the Dark Pictures Anthology was available, there was still a need for a longer feature, which led to The Quarry. Being an avid fan of the Supermassive Games projects, I was determined to play this one soon as I could. Now it’s time to put my thoughts into a coherent structure, spoiler-free.
Plot
With an abundance of famous names, The Quarry sets up the homage to 80’s horror perfectly – camp counsellors get picked off one by one by an unnatural force. The first few chapters take the opportunity to develop the characters through various dialogue options. Soon enough, action gains speed as monsters show up, leaving the players to try and make sure everyone survives the night (or not, depending on their preference). While not inventing the wheel, the story provides its fair share of thrills.
Characters
Horror is known for putting its characters in stereotypical boxes. While it rings true here to some extent, everyone gets a decent amount of development. Though they’re not always the most likeable (I’m sorry Jacob but dooming everyone to a night of torture cause of a girl was not the smartest thought you’ve ever had). While their traits are affected by the player’s choices, each one still feels like their own person. It helps the writing of the dialogue has gotten a massive upgrade. The voice acting is definitely on a good level and you can tell the actors enjoyed being there. Special mentions have to go out to the Laura and Max relationship, as well as Dylan and his dynamics with Ryan and Caitlin.
Gameplay
This is where some small flaws with the game show. Being triple-A, it is not exactly ground-breaking in terms of graphics and mechanics (animation of water being a glaring issue). It seems Supermassive adapted what worked from previous games and essentially copy-pasted that formula into The Quarry. While not a bad choice necessarily, it also feels a bit too safe. Amendment of quick-time events does remove some stress for players that are purely there for the story. The path choice VHS tape mechanic looks pretty cool as well.
Final thoughts
Overall, it needs to be said that the game is not perfect. There aren’t nearly the number of deaths for each character as was advertised and the ending chapter lacks the ‘umph’ factor. Certain characters do get pushed into the forefront for better or worse. Despite all these, it is definitely one of the best of its kind and a great addition to your collection. While a lot of fans have said it is still no Until Dawn, you know what? Sometimes it’s okay to not surpass your predecessor. It doesn’t mean it’s not damn good.
(4.5 / 5)
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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