Title: World of Horror Review: An Eerie and Relevant Adventure Game

Subtitle: Experience the haunting allure of a fictional Japanese town in the 1980s while delving into the depths of suspense and uncertainty

Date: [Current Date]

By: Pierre Herubel

Renowned Polish dentist Pawel Kozminski presents a game that captures the essence of our post-Covid existence – World of Horror. This hybrid, developed over six years, intertwines various gaming genres to create a truly captivating experience that reflects the alienation and anxieties we face in the 21st century. With its release on multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac on October 19, 2023, World of Horror has certainly made an impact.

World of Horror is a roguelike adventure game that incorporates RPG-like character progression, branching narratives reminiscent of Choose Your Own Adventure books, and elements of hidden-object games. This unique combination allows players to immerse themselves in an experimental campaign inspired by Fighting Fantasy, where the rules constantly evolve, keeping players on their toes.

Throughout the game, players are tasked with unraveling a series of paranormal mysteries in a fictional Japanese town called Shiokawa. The ultimate goal is to gain access to the lighthouse overlooking the town and prevent the arrival of an elder god. With 24 different scenarios, each offering multiple endings, players find themselves entangled in a web of investigations, usually engaging in four or five scenarios per playthrough.

Exploring different districts, deciphering clues, encountering challenging scenarios, and grappling with life-or-death decisions enhance the gameplay experience. Allies can be recruited, equipment purchased, and spells learned to improve chances of survival. However, time is of the essence as players must utilize their resources wisely before the impending darkness engulfs their hometown.

What truly sets World of Horror apart is its remarkable presentation. Inspired by renowned manga artist Junji Ito, Kozminski’s vivid and unsettling visuals breathe life into the horrors of modern society. The grotesque and distorted representations of our fears, designed in MS Paint to replicate the aesthetic of the time the game is set in, create an uncanny atmosphere that is both horrifying and intriguing. The captivating 1-bit palette enhances the overall experience, immersing players in a world shrouded in mystery.

One of the game’s standout features is its ability to immerse players in their protagonist’s disorientation. World of Horror continually subverts and obscures its fundamental mechanics, injecting unexpected elements into investigation gameplay. As players navigate through extradimensional locations, they encounter bizarre and surreal challenges with hidden interactions and secret connections. Unlocking these enigmas requires careful observation, note-taking, and multiple playthroughs, providing an overwhelming sense of fascination and curiosity.

World of Horror perfectly captures the feelings of isolation, mistrust, and paranoia that plague the world within the game. Players discover mysteries close to home, involving familiar people and places, lending an unsettling familiarity to the proceedings. This sense of unease permeates even the sanctuaries players seek refuge in, mirroring the desolation that accompanies attempting to save a world plagued by darkness.

Despite its haunting atmosphere, World of Horror offers accessibility options, allowing players to enjoy the game using only a mouse or standard controllers. Different palette choices and adjustable window sizes further enhance the user experience. Additionally, the game is playable in seven languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Having engaged with World of Horror during its Early Access phase and playing approximately 12 hours of the final version, I can confidently say that it is an extraordinary game. Its combination of immersive gameplay, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking narratives will keep players engaged for hours on end. Prepare to be captivated by the mysteries within World of Horror and succumb to the chilling allure it offers.

For those seeking more spine-tingling adventures, check out our list of the best horror games and the best indie horror games available today.