A splendid return to traditional survival horror with a killer aesthetic, perplexing plot and characters. Signalis is well-balanced between puzzles to solve, doors to unlock, holes to jump down, story to decrypt and fight or flight staying alive. Many awesome nods to various works of horror, especially with the quote during the introduction where I had to open my HPL book and find it. Good soundtrack that’s a mix of classical, noise and electronic that complements to the tragic and dark mood, and one I’ll be going back to.

I found joy in discovering Signalis’s cryptic intricacies post completion, as most of it went over my head and sought the help of others to wonderfully piece it together. One thing I’m critical on gameplay-wise is taking damage while tapping your way into a door or picking up an item, frustrating when you’re right in front of it and nothing happens. Overall, one I recommend for fans of the genre.

Soma tells a thought-provoking dreadful narrative pretty much perfectly, with each reveal and twist keeping me drawn in for its ~9 hour length. Never have I thought “could things get any worse?” so much in terms of the circumstances and predicament faced in a game. The well-written script and voice performances also deserves praise. Usually I’m not one to enjoy the modern approach to horror in games especially when running is the only option and means for survival. Thankfully there’s just enough enemy encounters to keep you on edge during your exploration while not becoming tedious. Absolutely recommend this one and can see it just creeping in on my top 10 horror games list.

I started Call of Cthulhu after reading H.P. Lovecraft’s work to see what a video game adaptation would be like. At the end of chapter 2, unimpressed, I decided this wasn’t worth playing further but thought to give this eerie manor that opens chapter 3 a final shot. Half-delighted I did as that’s when the story and setting became interesting. Exploring through the creepier areas and putting the pieces together was alright, mostly through the mid-late chapters where some ideas shined. Gameplay, character animations, RPG elements, etc, were mediocre and unpolished. Overall, I’d say story and mystery is intriguing enough to see it through if you’re into Lovecraft’s work.

Fallout 3 blew me away with its world, immersion, choices, freedom, RPG elements and charm that I’ve never experienced before in gaming upon its release. My first steps out of the vault was epic, and just choosing a direction and exploring was breathtaking for me. Achieving the platinum (my first!) unfortunately burned out of being interested in anything else from Bethesda Game Studios, apart from my short-lived experience with New Vegas. Praise aside, its definitely got some flaws (story, bugs) and didn’t age all that well (graphics).

SH4: The Room might have one of the most hilariously cringe yet creepy intro scenes of any game I’ve ever seen. Without a doubt this game’s a mixed bag quality-wise with a surreal unique personality and underdeveloped potential. It’s got many creative ideas, story elements and horror concepts that I do enjoy. Each moment in the apartment along with select worlds were captivating with its suffocating restraint and dreamlike atmosphere. The soundtrack, while not as strong as its predecessors is plentiful of great tracks, Nightmarish Waltz being my favourite.

However with every 2 steps forward there’s a step back, mostly due to the gameplay and questionable design choices. If the stories of the ghosts were included, maybe then they would be more tolerable. Also, the backtracking / escorting, the lack of bosses and those silly wheelchairs to name a few. Only one character (the villain) I found interesting, the others mostly lacking, notably Townsend. I’m on the fence on SH4.

There’s something about seeing the Game Over screen in Silent Hill 3 that makes me dread continuing more than any other game. Many years later and now I’ve finally got to it and beaten it.

SH3 is mostly excellent horror with that unmatched oppressive atmosphere and deep dark symbolism only really found in the first 3 Team Silent games. The Otherworld Hospital and The Chapel can be grouped amongst the most eerie and unsettling areas of gaming. Akira’s soundtrack and sound design is incredible, and its OST is just as good as SH2. So impressive visually running on the PS2. I’ve learned that selecting hard mode is no joke, especially in the later half against bosses if running low on resources. (41 long hard minutes to kill the final one). I would strongly recommend normal or lower difficulty unless you know what you’re doing.

The ultimate edition of Control is very impressive visually, smoothly showcasing its beautiful settings and effects with no issue. The Oldest House throughout is very intriguing to explore and full of detail. Destructible environments along with Jessie’s snappy abilities keeps each encounter exciting and fresh. Story is mind-bending and captivating throughout, maybe a little too much to read as I did give up half-way digesting every collectable. Music was also great coming from a fan of porcupine tree, good way to end it off. Only real negative critic is having to keep clearing space for weapon and personal upgrades, and maybe the odd long checkpoint.

Alan Wake’s story, characters and themes are unique and exciting, but not interesting enough for me to dissect its cryptic notions or give me an urge to replay. Apart from a few standout moments, I was more excited on seeing the destination and not so much on the journey for each main episode. Fending off waves of enemies grew tiresome in the later parts. It would have been better if more gameplay elements were added, like in the special episodes with the words. The special episodes were fun throughout and my favourites. Overall, worth playing and awaiting the second game.

Final Fantasy XVI is outrageously epic at times, with some of the most visually stunning moments I’ve seen in gaming. Graphics are beautiful, acting is top-notch and soundtrack is memorable, especially when “On The Shoulders of Giants” is playing. Story was solid, taking some very light worldbuilding and grimdark cues from GoT. Also, I really appreciate the active time lore feature during cutscenes. Characters are pretty well written however sometimes look expressionless, baked and stoned; especially during side mission scenes. Talking about side missions, half are as dull as rocks, and definitely impacts overall pace if doing them all. Gameplay overall is a blast to play, even if it’s a little too easy most of the time. Amazing experience and steps in the right direction for the series, even if it’s missing some noticeable key FF elements.