Murder House review

In a digital landscape filled with high-fidelity graphics and futuristic gameplay, "Murder House" delivers a deliberately retro horror experience that harkens back to the slasher era of the 1980s. Developed by Puppet Combo, the game is a unique homage to the times when horror films ruled the VHS racks and had the power to send chills down the spine with a terror both familiar and mysterious. This review delves into the pros and cons of this nostalgia-packed game while examining it from various angles.

The core of "Murder House's" appeal lies in its uncanny ability to recreate the atmosphere of a horror movie from the era of big hair and neon. Players find themselves trapped inside a dark, seemingly uninhabited house after a news crew arrives to report on a series of tragic events linked to the place. The game's pixelated graphics and VHS-style visuals are meticulously crafted to induce a sense of dread that one would experience while watching a cult-classic horror flick on a grainy television screen.

The gameplay in "Murder House" combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival tactics. As the story progresses, players must remain alert and use their wits to navigate through the ominous environment, which gives the sense that danger lurks around every corner. Limited resources and the ever-present threat of your pursuer instigate a continuous fear of the unknown, compelling players to carefully plan each move.

In this era dominated by hyper-realistic graphics, "Murder House" takes an unexpected yet welcome approach, employing low-poly models and a washed-out color palette that faithfully replicates the aesthetics of a bygone decade. The cinematic camera angles contribute to an immersive experience, often framing scenes in a way that heightens tension and amplifies potential frights. This visual design choice is likely to resonate with fans of classic horror cinema and games alike.

To complement its visual style, "Murder House" sports an eerie soundtrack and sound design that are effective in their simplicity. The audio cues often signal the approach of danger or the discovery of clues and are integral to the claustrophobic ambiance of the game. Additionally, the voice acting, while sometimes campy, fits the retro horror theme perfectly, making for an authentic late-night thriller experience.

Features such as the inventory management system and user interface are reminiscent of early survival horror games. The simplicity here may be polarizing—some players will appreciate the lack of hand-holding, while others may find it frustrating. However, this design choice reinforces the game's intent to make players feel as if they are part of an interactive VHS tape from the past.

"Murder House" is a curious piece of horror gaming that serves as a love letter to the slasher genre. Its intentional design choices transport players back to an era of straightforward, unapologetic horror that was more about the mood and less about the mechanics. While it may not cater to every modern gamer's tastes, it provides an unsettling and nostalgic experience that will be savored by fans of horror and retro gaming.