13 Steps
- October 18, 2022
- Embernight Games
- 8h median play time
"13 Steps" is a horror/time loop game where you must escape the automated security bots of the "EOS Complex" while managing your limited steps. Every loop resets the world but keeps your items and knowledge. Use strategy and stealth to evade the pursuing bots, including peeking around corners, hiding in lockers, and learning their behavior. The Shadow Step technology adds an extra layer of stealth and tactical options to help you survive.
Reviews
- The game features a unique mechanic where time only moves when the player does, creating a strategic and tense gameplay experience.
- The atmosphere and sound design are immersive, contributing to a sense of impending doom and keeping players on edge.
- There is a lot of replay value with multiple endings and secrets to discover, making the exploration rewarding and engaging.
- The save system is punishing, and some players find the camera visual filter annoying and unremovable.
- The game can feel overly difficult at times, leading to frustration when trying to progress or find new endings.
- Minor performance issues and spelling mistakes in the UI can detract from the overall experience, though they are not game-breaking.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the horror game is praised for its unique mechanics and smooth execution, creating tense and terrifying moments with the presence of the "sharkboi." Players find it easy to pick up, and despite minor hiccups, the design encourages a sense of progress with each attempt, making it accessible even for those who are not fans of the horror genre.
“Short and sweet little horror game based around a cool mechanic executed well.”
“The 'sharkboi' has a genuinely threatening presence and can lead to very tense and terrifying gameplay moments.”
“Gameplay is easy to pick up, and with each unsuccessful loop, you still feel like you're making progress by learning things to make your next loop more successful.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
“The controls are clunky and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“There are numerous bugs and glitches that disrupt the gameplay, making it frustrating to play.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of 13 Step is highly praised for its immersive quality, effectively creating a sense of tension and danger as players navigate the eerie environments and solve puzzles. The sound design further enhances this experience, keeping players engaged and on edge throughout their journey.
“13 Step is a solid indie game with a surprisingly good atmosphere that keeps the player constantly looking out for danger.”
“The atmosphere and sound design are very immersive, keeping you on edge as you solve the puzzles and explore the eerie EOS buildings.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is highly recommended for horror enthusiasts and those who appreciate non-linear storytelling, offering a compelling narrative that invites players to explore and unravel mysteries.
“Definitely recommend for fans of horror or people who like non-linear storytelling and digging into mysteries.”
“The story is compelling!”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally solid, with only minor performance issues and spelling mistakes in the UI that do not significantly detract from the overall player experience.
“There are some very minor performance issues and spelling mistakes in the UI, but nothing game-breaking that detracts from the overall experience the game provides.”
“The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
“Despite its potential, the game is plagued by poor optimization, making it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems.”
“I encountered numerous bugs and performance hitches that severely impacted my overall enjoyment of the game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the indie horror game to have significant replayability, enjoying the discovery of hidden secrets and the challenge of optimizing their gameplay through repeated playthroughs.
“Cool indie horror game with what seems like a lot of replay value. So far, I've had fun finding little secrets all over the place and trying to optimize the sections I've been able to figure out.”