We’re going down on a Sub Terra review
Goin’ on down, down
The brass bands are totally playing and the feet are pounding, we’re going underground in Sub Terra. You and your fellow spelunkers have fallen into an unknown labyrinth. You must get to the surface before you succumb to the evils rooted there.
Different characters bring different capabilities and talents so choose your team wisely. Or give yourself over to the luck of the draw and randomize your selections to add to the chaos. The cave can and will swallow up anyone, after all, it just doesn’t always spit them back out…
The map evolves as you explore, so there’s no clairvoyant remembrance of the route by those who have fallen underground before. Hunt for the exit quickly to escape with as many spelunkers as possible. Hope for the best and try not to find yourselves in a truly Dead End. It’s only forever… it’s not that long at all.
Dig yourself in deeper
If you get the right tiles and don’t lose all heart, you may even pull out with the whole team. Easy peasy. But take the game up a notch to Medium and it’s a whole different story… because sometimes the world really is out to get you. Crank the difficulty up yet again and discover that the world is most assuredly against you, the horse you rode in on, and your little dog too.
Scout ahead but don’t lose track of your comrades. Danger lurks in the shadows everywhere. If you lose sight of the Geologist studying a rock formation, he may just have the cave ceiling fall on his head and be down and out for good. Or if the Diver gets stranded in the shallows, he really might be eaten by a Grue.
Lights Out
You have to be quick on your feet or you won’t make it out alive. This isn’t your meandering scout troop caving trip to ooh and aah at the stalactites, there are terrifying creatures and hazards down here in the dark. Imagine the worst underground horrors you can and there you are. Better hope your flashlight batteries don’t go out before you do…
(4.5 / 5)
I give Sub Terra 4.5 Cthulus. It’s a fun collaborative game that is different every time you play. Some characters fare better than others depending on the cave system, and sometimes Lady Luck just doesn’t play nice, but that’s to be expected. Overall, it’s pretty well balanced once you get the hang of it if you don’t get spread too thin or play it too safe.
This game by Tim Pinder hails from Inside the Box Board Games. You can learn more on their website here. Please note: I have only played the original Sub Terra game, I have not explored any of the expansions. Unfortunately, the original game may or may not be available right now (it seems to be currently sold out), but there will soon be a release of the all-new Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge and it sounds like there may also be a re-release of previous editions. You can follow along on the Kickstarter page here.
Check out more game reviews on Haunted MTL 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.
- Hardcover Book
- Ito, Junji (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
- Hardcover Book
- Ito, Junji (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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!!!
-
Movies n TV5 days agoGoosebumps The Vanishing, Back on Track With The Haunted Car
-
Book Reviews2 days ago
The Midnight Feast: Come for a romp in the Woods.
-
Original Creations6 days ago
Alice – A Haunting Tale of Isolation and Betrayal by Baylee Marion
-
Original Series4 days ago
Nightmarish Nature: Invisibles Among Us
