13 Steps

About

13 Steps is a single player action adventure game. It was developed by Embernight Games and was released on October 18, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Find a way out in this horror/time loop Game. Hide, run, and uncover the mysteries of the "EOS Complex" as you are pursued by the automated security bots gone rogue. They only move when you do, so tread carefully, every step could be your last.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

music2 negative mentions

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 genuinely spooky environment that keeps players on edge.
There is a lot of replay value with multiple endings and secrets to discover, making the game engaging and rewarding for players.

The save system can be punishing, with the potential for losing progress if the integrity bar reaches zero, which can frustrate players.
Some players may find the gameplay mechanics and instant-death scenarios to be overly challenging and not suited for everyone.
The storytelling is considered lackluster, with insufficient narrative development that leaves players in the dark about the plot.

gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
23%
33%
The gameplay is characterized by a unique and engaging mechanic that creates tense and terrifying moments, particularly with the presence of the "sharkboi." While it is generally smooth and accessible, allowing players to learn and progress through repeated attempts, some minor issues have been noted. However, the reliance on its mechanics may not appeal to everyone, as the gameplay can overshadow the plot.
- “Short and sweet little horror game based around a cool mechanic executed well.”
- “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.”
- “I'm not the biggest fan of horror, but 13 Steps features a super unique gameplay system that gives the player back power and makes it super accessible to everyone!”
- “This boils down to a matter of preference, but the gameplay is not suited for everyone.”
- “Gameplay is out-of-the-box and the learning curve makes you want to step up, but they also cast shadows that swallow the trivial plot whole.”
- “Every track has a purpose, and they come in stages where there’s first the giant mechanical thudding when a security bot is nearby and your heart is playing a different kind of song as it approaches closer as if it can tell where you are…”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's story is compelling and appeals to fans of horror and non-linear narratives, encouraging players to engage with its mysteries. However, some reviewers feel that the main plot is overshadowed by gameplay elements, with key story details relegated to background data logs and a focus on the characters' incompetence. Overall, while the narrative has potential, it may not be as prominent as some players hope.
- “Definitely recommend for fans of horror or people who like non-linear storytelling and digging into mysteries.”
- “Story: compelling!”
- “This game is bound to have a story - of that, I am sure.”
- “The only thing I’ve gathered story-wise is the incompetency of the personnel to misplace and forget their keycards.”
- “Whereas the crux of the story is treated as background noise, limited to a handful of 'workplace hazard' data logs.”
- “Gameplay is out-of-the-box and the learning curve makes you want to step up… but they also cast shadows that swallow the trivial plot whole.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
100%
The music in the game is purposefully crafted, with no filler tracks, enhancing the immersive experience by aligning with gameplay elements. Each piece serves a specific function, such as the intense mechanical thudding that heightens tension when a security bot is nearby, effectively complementing the player's emotional state.
- “Every track has a purpose, and they come in stages where there’s first the giant mechanical thudding when a security bot is nearby, and your heart is playing a different kind of song as it approaches closer, as if it can tell where you are...”
- “I simultaneously dug and loathed how there is no filler music, because it would distract and take away from the quality of that human-based research!”
- “Every track has a purpose, and they come in stages where there’s first the giant mechanical thudding when a security bot is nearby and your heart is playing a different kind of song as it approaches closer as if it can tell where you are…”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
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.”
- “There are some very minor performance issues and spelling mistakes in the UI, but nothing game-breaking that detracts from the experience the game provides.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the indie horror game to have significant replayability, enjoying the discovery of hidden secrets and the challenge of optimizing gameplay sections. This encourages exploration and experimentation, enhancing the overall experience.
- “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.”