Post by Bytor on Aug 4, 2009 20:41:37 GMT -5
-Visuals- 7.7/10
The graphics are at times stunning in their look and feel, then at other times they fall off a bit. It reminds me of a combination of Rule of Rose, Primal and a touch of Silent Hill, unfortunately it fails in a few areas at these combinations. It is not quite as stark as SH, not quite as beautiful as RoR and the animations, especially the cut scenes, are in no manner as good as Primal. The camera angles and switches certainly do not help, instead they often will drive you crazy.
-Sound- 8.7/10
The primary weapon of sound here is the organ, and it's done masterfully. It will build in crescendo and then fall as the situations become more relaxed. The game and sound go together simply wonderfully and the sound build up will keep you on the edge of your seat.
-Gameplay- 7.2/10
OK...now for the weakest part of the game. I understand it is a survival game based on a horror motif, BUT, the fights should at least be challenging. And while they will seem so at first once you get your timing down they are all, most especially the boss battles, very, very simple. The fear gauge is pretty neat though, very similar to Haunting Ground (as are the hiding places for that matter, although here you will pretty much always successfully hide, way too simple)) as in the fact that as your fear rises you will become more incapable of doing things until it your terror subsides.
-Story- 9/10
You play as Alyssa Hamilton, who receives a note from your Mother telling you to get as far away from home as you can and do not come home for your birthday, of course that is exactly what you do do. Once home you...well...I'm not going to ruin it, it's really a truly riveting storyline which will keep your attention
-Overall- 7.9/10
Bad fights, horrible cut scenes and a game that can be finished in 12 hours or so tops ruin a game with an excellent story and wonderful ambiance, too bad, it's really close to being a wonderful game, simply falls a bit short.