2 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 3.3 hrs on record
Posted: 31 Oct, 2024 @ 9:56pm

tldr:
Great graphics and animation
Great Story
Unique and Memorable characters
Excellent attention to detail in the mood and atmosphere
A great and well used OST
A not annoying maze that's wrongly called a "labyrinth" probably because that sounds cooler than "maze"

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I've been following Ken for a while now, since before this game was even started, however it's only now that I've finally had the treat of playing it!

I'm certain the art sells itself, the cutesy DS-reminiscent style catches the eye easily! But what really impressed me was the full-on animated sequences! I won't say anymore about them but they are excellent and add a lot to the game!

Being a Story game, I wanted to say it has a great balance of clearly laid out, and followable story with twists and turns, while still leaving a great deal of details, easter eggs, and questions that get my "theorist senses tingling".
The main story itself manages to surprise and delight, without anything feeling like it's coming out of nowhere.

Speaking of the main story, there's a very memorable cast of characters, each being unique and likable in their own ways! Some interesting choices to make when interacting with at least one of them as well.
I can't say much more, only that I like the plushie I bought even more now that I've met his in-game counterpart. Yes I bought a plushie for a game I hadn't played yet. Yes it was very worth it!

The controls and gameplay, while simple, are very fun, and the puzzles are very enjoyable as well.
Nothing in this game is too difficult, so don't expect a challenge, unless you're very new to video games of course.

The game also uses cartoony gore very infrequently, and very few meaningful jumpscares, drawing most of it's scares on psycological horror. I didn't die very often though, so perhaps jumpscares are more common if you do.

I'm personally not frightened by games very much, but plenty of scenes felt tense, and the vibe and atmosphere was excellent throughout!

Speaking of which, the soundtrack and visual ambiance of this game is probably one of my favorite parts! There's so many little details and droning sounds, and even clever use of silence during certain moments that really brings the whole game together!

As far as criticism is concerned, I don't really think anything meaningful is warranted. Only that there's plenty of room for growth and experimentation in future chapters/games, which I'm very much looking forward to! I'm also uncertain if the game is very easily replayable, but there doesn't seem to be multiple endings so there might not be much reason to.
Still, being a short and sweet game, replayability is often a good thing to try to include. Not at all required tho.

Also, I just wanted to say I really liked the maze! Mazes are usually annoying, but this one is really good at not being annoying at all, which is impressive for a maze! Good job Ken! ^.^

Oh but uh- it's called a "labyrinth", and "labarynths" technically don't have dead ends, nvm the praise Ken, 0/10! worst game called a maze a labyrinth >:(
jk lol

This game, in my opinion, succeeds at everything it tries to do, and it's trying to do some very cool stuff!
Would highly recommend to anyone in the mood for a short but sweet spooky game! ^.^
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