SandyTheDandy
2009
2017
The mechanic just completely carries the horror. The narrative itself isn't that interesting, the environment stays pretty tame and can become repetitive. There's a more minimalist approach to its gameplay, which still delivers a haunting atmosphere. The scanner itself is a deeply original idea for horror, that might not reach its full potential here, but does set a precedent for a fresh sci-fi interpretation of the unknown.
2021
19th-century Russian Orthodox Christian folk mythology is an immediate sell to me. It’s beautiful how much attention there is for humanity, agriculture, and crafts in a very holistic and nuanced representation of culture and myth. The fusion of Christianity with paganism and local beliefs is incredibly fascinating and shows how different frameworks of faith can exist alongside each other within one ethnic group, even if they have inconsistencies.