Game Reviews

What really surprised me is how the game handles fear. Yes, there are jumpscares, but they're not the main attraction. Instead, the game relies on natural tension - dark, sprawling environments, eerie silence, and the unpredictable behavior of the ghost itself. The dread never really fades. Even after visiting the same location for the twentieth time, I still feel genuine anxiety stepping through that door. And because the game doesn't overuse jumpscares, the ones that do happen still pack a punch.

The voice recognition feature was something I was skeptical about at first. I wasn't sure if it would feel gimmicky or just fall flat. But honestly? It's one of the best parts of the experience. Actively speaking to the ghost, trying to provoke it, taunting it to show its power. It's thrilling and terrifying at the same time. You're risking your life for the mission, but it has to be done. The way the game reacts to what you say makes everything feel incredibly immersive, and that immersion is one of the game's biggest strengths.

Speaking of immersion, it's huge here. I constantly feel like I'm actually inside the level. And it's not just about being the one wandering through the haunted house; being in the truck, monitoring movement and activity, tracking the ghost's every move, is just as gripping. One of my favorite moments so far was when my friend got impatient waiting for clues, stormed into the house, and started insulting the ghost, only for it to immediately lock the door and start hunting him. Hilarious and terrifying at the same time.

Now, let's talk about what could be improved. Currently, the only mission type is identification: go in, find clues, figure out what kind of ghost you're dealing with, and get out. I don't have an issue with the map design, it's solid but I'd love to see more variety. For example, full on removal missions would be amazing, especially since the game mentions that your team is just doing the research for a future removal squad. Another idea: investigating how the person died and became a ghost. The journal hints at this a few times, and piecing together the backstory of the spirit would add so much depth to the gameplay.

Sanity is another mechanic I hope evolves further. Right now, from what I understand, it doesn't really matter until you hit 50%, at which point the ghost becomes more aggressive. That's interesting and can be useful for drawing the ghost out, but I'd love to see more consequences like visual or auditory hallucinations. It would add another layer of psychological horror that the game is already so good at building.

And finally death. When you die, you become a ghost and wander the map as an invisible observer. That's cool, but I think it could be so much more. Imagine being able to interact with the world in a limited way: flickering lights, writing short phrases on walls, or speaking in a ghostly whisper for just a few seconds to give your teammates a clue. If it was done in a way where it's not always clear whether the interaction is from the hostile spirit or your fallen friend, it would easily be the most unique mechanic I've ever seen in a coop horror game.