The Dark Pictures: Little Hope (2020) Review
Lots of fans were looking forward to Little Hope, the second installment of The Dark Pictures Anthology. Unfortunately, the game received quite mixed reviews, to say the least. The thing is, it’s impossible to discuss why without revealing some major plot points so please be warned going into this review. Let’s begin.
Plot
A group of university students get into a bus crash and are stranded in the abandoned town of Little Hope. It turns out that there are more than foxes lurking in the shadows, waiting for the group to split up so they can come out and play…
For me personally, the prologue was the creepiest and objectively the best bit of the game. It seems pretty random at first to watch this family burn alive in their home. However, it makes sense once you finish the game.
One cannot talk about this game without discussing the plot twist. The ‘it was all in your head’ trope does not have a good reputation as far as the horror genre goes. A lot of players felt cheated as the storyline of Salem witches ended up not being relevant in the slightest.
I am still not quite sure what to think to this day. On one hand, I am also disappointed in the twist because I feel like it ruins replay value which is a major selling point of these games. On the other hand, the narrative is an interesting exploration of stages of grief and had good merit. I just think the execution could’ve been better.
Characters
One’s opinion of Little Hope’s characters is multi-layered, especially after finding out about the twist. As just university students, their characterization feels a little lacking for me. So much of the dialogue is focused on how to get out of the town that it rarely feels like the crew have their own personalities but rather are there for the numbers.
Once we know who they really are, the writing choices make a lot more sense. However, it doesn’t change the fact the experience can get a tad aggravating when it feels like you’re always having the same conversation.
Gameplay
Right away, it’s an immediate improvement from Man of Medan both graphics and general gameplay-wise. The walking mechanics are smoother, there are fewer weird scene cuts and general lag. There’s also a nice addition of character swaps during action scenes which adds some decent tension. One thing that irks me, is that the bearings somehow are completely out of order and look messy when trying to track your choices.
Final thoughts
I do think this game had a lot of potential and even with the controversy surrounding the ending, it is still a fun experience (although as mentioned, replay value does decrease significantly). I understand what they were going for, however, I just don’t think it translated into the game as they intended which is why it’s at the bottom of the list in most people’s rankings of the anthology (including my own).
(3 / 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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