As problematic as its predecessor - both confusing plot and gameplay that gives Deadly Premonition a run for its money in terms of frustrating bugginess.
To my delight, however, it manages to improve on many aspects: collectibles, skill systems and item crafting, whilst the norm in most games now, really enhance this experience, considering the sheer emptiness of the Felton mansion in the previous title, lacking anything but the repetitive, chase-based gameplay.
Both Remothered titles wear their influences on their sleeve: alongside the obvious Clock Tower, this game gives special thanks to 'Swery,' of said Deadly Premonition, and Keichiro Toyama, director of Silent Hill and Siren - the latter of which gets an unusual tribute as the hero, Jennifer, has the ability to explore and forsee the terrors of the colourful Ashmann Inn, using the Sightjack-esque 'Moth Eye.'
Whilst the scares of Broken Porcelain don't quite match the heights of the wine cellar in Tormented Fathers, the chaotic gameplay of being stalked by menaces are as good as ever and, alongside the hokey plot and exaggerated characters, give sense of playing a crazy giallo horror movie from the 70s - fitting for an Italian production.
It's certainly not without its problems - the 'boss fights' are silly, buggy and border on tedium. But, and call me old-fashioned, I like my games to prioritise atmosphere and eccentricity over polish and sometimes even gameplay. The story may also be silly, but the heightened emotional drama somehow cuts through to a surpisingly satisfying, albeit problematic, third act.
Overall, as a PS4 era horror title, it might be a perfect failure, outdated even, but at least it punctuates Remothered's unique brand of giallo craziness and harks back to a time when survival horror boasted a Haunting Ground or Rule of Rose for every annual Resident Evil title.
To my delight, however, it manages to improve on many aspects: collectibles, skill systems and item crafting, whilst the norm in most games now, really enhance this experience, considering the sheer emptiness of the Felton mansion in the previous title, lacking anything but the repetitive, chase-based gameplay.
Both Remothered titles wear their influences on their sleeve: alongside the obvious Clock Tower, this game gives special thanks to 'Swery,' of said Deadly Premonition, and Keichiro Toyama, director of Silent Hill and Siren - the latter of which gets an unusual tribute as the hero, Jennifer, has the ability to explore and forsee the terrors of the colourful Ashmann Inn, using the Sightjack-esque 'Moth Eye.'
Whilst the scares of Broken Porcelain don't quite match the heights of the wine cellar in Tormented Fathers, the chaotic gameplay of being stalked by menaces are as good as ever and, alongside the hokey plot and exaggerated characters, give sense of playing a crazy giallo horror movie from the 70s - fitting for an Italian production.
It's certainly not without its problems - the 'boss fights' are silly, buggy and border on tedium. But, and call me old-fashioned, I like my games to prioritise atmosphere and eccentricity over polish and sometimes even gameplay. The story may also be silly, but the heightened emotional drama somehow cuts through to a surpisingly satisfying, albeit problematic, third act.
Overall, as a PS4 era horror title, it might be a perfect failure, outdated even, but at least it punctuates Remothered's unique brand of giallo craziness and harks back to a time when survival horror boasted a Haunting Ground or Rule of Rose for every annual Resident Evil title.