Kizuyami | 刻闇

My review on this is rather mixed, but I'm leaning slightly towards not positive just for a couple reasons. I can respect a short indie horror game, especially since it's not uncommon for games in this field to overstay their welcome and lose the scare factor, or miss the scares altogether. Just be aware this game is quite short. For $6.49 CAD, the entry price isn't that bad, so feel to explore The visual horror is phenomenal. Both the isolation of empty streets and homes, as well as fleshy, disgusting meat sections later. It is unnerving, to say the least. However, there is a big issue that accompanies the horror, that makes it falter. There is no real enemy. No lose condition. No way to die. You walk around, and get jumpscared, and then keep going. For me, the lack of fail condition dampened the tension, but the visuals still hold strong throughout Otherwise, the basic gameplay is just walking, looking for items, and using them in the proper spot. I guess you could think of it like a horror escape room? Neat idea in concept, however keep in mind that you can blow through the game's entire catalogue of puzzles in a crisp twenty minutes. Not a bad thing, just something to be awar…

I'm giving this a thumbs down simply because I think the reviews are too positive. I'd give it a thumbs up because of the atmosphere, price, and graphics, but I don't know if I'd actually say it's good. So I'm giving it a thumbs down just to get an opposing perspective out there. It's not really a game. You can't die. There's no fail state. It's just a short, basic puzzler with jumpscares. For me, a lot of the horror/tension went right out the window when I realized I could not fail and the "threat" was nonexistent. You can beat it in like an hour. Maybe a bit longer if you get stuck on one of the puzzles. Kind of disappointing, but there's something good here. The graphical style is excellent, but it can sometimes make it difficult to see tiny objects in the world. If you like horror games, $5 isn't too bad to experience it. If what I've said so far doesn't scare you off, it might be worth it. I want to see someone make a full-on survival horror game with this perspective and graphical style.

From the moment I entered the house I knew that was it, I wasn't going to get out of this one without being terrified. Some really great jumpscares that got me bad but also a creepy atmosphere. Some dark themes and imagery at times but no proper narrative, it's more like 3 disconnected but equally as good mini-experiences. Definitely worth checking out, took me about an hour to get through.

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There are bodies under the floor.

A short indie horror game with a great retro-style, pixellated aesthetic and a creepy story for you to unravel. Had some good atmosphere and scares, so would definitely recommend! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIEi8uedn4I