Shadowed
Unnameable horrors in a superbly creepy survival from first time game developer.
The panic and unrelenting horror we uncovered
as we trace the last actions of the Dead Artist is in a league of its own. Shadowed is set as the world is sinking. The apocalypse has been released in the artist’s
dying moments. It is only a matter of time before we sink with it, as our
transformation into a horrific creature of the deep hastens. Panic intensifies
as the crippling cut scenes show our body transforming into one of them: the not-quite-human-fish-creatures
with their harsh gurgling voices and jolting awkward movements.
This survival horror role player uses music and sound effects to further
terrify us, with its well-chosen moments of silence and disturbing imagery. Shadowed is reminiscent of the
Irrational Games first person shooter, Bioshock,
set in the dystopian Rapture. Fans of that franchise will be equally impressed
with this horrific gem.
We play as Mortimer, the last surviving member of the human race, but
things are bleak. We have been infected with what has contaminated the rest of
the world. But what was it? How did it come to be? Our journey to find the cure
and save the world starts with the only information we have- an exploration of
the apartment where it all started, the building swarming with a mass of
tentacles. And the information we find hidden in this room sets up the sequence
of events leading us through the game.
Twisted Oliver Productions Manager, Rikki Platinum, warns us:
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‘Walk away from the screen at the wrong moment
and you will miss vital information. Character exploration of the
environment is crucial, if you don’t find the clues, you won’t have a clue’
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It is a huge stylistic gamble for the first time game developer. But it
works.
Plagued with frightening dreams of razor-toothed mermaids and
half-remembered folklore, we must piece together the clues to work out what to
do next. The game doesn’t physically leave the building, and this sounds like a
bad move, but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The story and atmosphere are
enough to keep us engrossed, as well as the disturbing memories and dreams that
come at random chapters. Large chunks of the building fall away revealing
bulbous wet monsters but never linger too long next to the exposed tentacles.
This game is not for those wanting an easy Sunday afternoon.
The gameplay doesn’t offer anything you won’t find in other role playing
games, but it does intensify psychological horror. This is best played alone,
in the dark with a set of good headphones – just have your Mum’s number on
speed dial for those really scary moments, which, there are plenty. Don’t say
we didn’t warn you!
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