Aka Manto

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 472 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
Aka Manto Game Cover
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Aka Manto is a horror game based on the Japanese urban legend of the same name, where players must escape the clutches of the vengeful spirit known as Aka Manto. With multiple endings based on the choices you make, the game tests your wits and nerve as you try to survive the ghost's deadly games. Explore different locations, uncover the spirit's dark past, and avoid its various forms to escape and uncover the truth.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 472 reviews
graphics16 positive mentions
stability7 negative mentions
  • The game effectively creates a terrifying atmosphere with its PS1 aesthetic and sound design, making it genuinely scary.
  • Challenging gameplay that rewards persistence and memorization of the environment, providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
  • Unique concept based on a Japanese urban legend, adding depth to the horror experience.
  • The lack of save points and permadeath mechanic can lead to frustrating gameplay, requiring players to restart after every death.
  • Aka Manto's AI can feel unfair, often teleporting and ambushing players, which detracts from the overall experience.
  • Limited inventory space forces constant backtracking, making item management tedious and complicating puzzle-solving.
  • graphics53 mentions

    The graphics of "aka manto" are intentionally designed in a low-polygon, PS1 aesthetic that evokes nostalgia while enhancing the horror atmosphere. While some players appreciate the retro style for its immersive and creepy qualities, others find the visuals challenging to navigate, contributing to the game's difficulty. Overall, the unique art direction effectively complements the game's sound design and horror elements, making it a standout in the indie horror genre.

    • “It has good atmosphere, a terrifying villain, and a nice graphical style reminiscent of PSX era games.”
    • “The graphics are perfect for what the game is portraying itself as.”
    • “Aesthetically, aka manto does what's so popular these days with indie horror games and renders its world in low poly, pixelated VHS filter.”
    • “Pixel graphics are not an excuse to make everything impossible to see, and a limited inventory on just basic paper is laughable.”
    • “Too difficult and too loud, also graphics are in some old style so it is very difficult to see stuff.”
    • “The graphics make it hard to navigate which actually increases the difficulty, especially when you are trying to escape aka, which I would assume is a good thing if you are looking for a challenge.”
  • gameplay41 mentions

    The gameplay of this game is characterized by its challenging puzzles and mechanics that can be frustrating and sometimes glitchy, leading to a mixed reception among players. While some appreciate the atmospheric design and rewarding exploration, others find the trial-and-error nature and lack of clear guidance to be tedious and punishing. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy complex horror experiences but may deter players seeking a more straightforward or polished gameplay experience.

    • “This game will probably not be for everyone due to its very challenging gameplay and puzzles that might not be obvious at first glance, but if you're willing to put in a bit of time and effort to give it a couple of tries, I think it's worth it.”
    • “I genuinely think this is the best PS1 throwback horror game I've ever played; the mechanics are all super solid and the game, while very difficult, is very well made.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it's fun to navigate through the school, trying to remember the way and where all the items are and what they might be for.”
    • “Some gameplay mechanics either don't work or make no sense.”
    • “Glitchy gameplay and poor level design was enough for me to quit the game.”
    • “Not really a fan of this nun massacre clone; the devs seem more concerned with the game's visual filters and presentation rather than fine-tuning the AI and gameplay aspects for a more consistent experience.”
  • atmosphere36 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique graphic style, reminiscent of PS1-era games, and its ability to create a genuinely creepy and tense environment. Players appreciate the effective sound design and the unsettling presence of the antagonist, which contribute to a terrifying experience filled with jumpscares and a sense of unease. While some critiques mention gameplay issues that detract from the atmosphere, the overall consensus is that the game excels in delivering a rich, atmospheric horror experience.

    • “It has great atmosphere, good scares, and is genuinely creepy all around but it's just not for me.”
    • “Aka manto does a great job creating a tense atmosphere with its sound design and creepy PS1 style graphics.”
    • “The atmosphere it creates, the fact you don't run into anything actually threatening till you progress to a certain point, and omg the noises the aka manto makes are something out of hell.”
    • “The monster isn't that frightening; they make the atmosphere really quiet and then blast the speakers whenever aka manto appears, as well as stealing the Ju-on grunting/moaning noise to make it all seem scarier than it really is.”
    • “The game doesn't really have an atmosphere, but you are still afraid to die (because you start all over again).”
  • story26 mentions

    The story is generally considered intriguing, albeit somewhat complex and slow-paced, with a unique take on the urban legend of Aka Manto. Players appreciate the atmospheric setting and the use of tape recorders to unfold the narrative, though some feel the plot lacks depth and character development. Overall, the game successfully combines horror elements with a straightforward storyline, making it engaging for those who enjoy indie horror experiences.

    • “The effects, scares, story, and a play on the original folktale is absolutely amazing.”
    • “The story is actually quite interesting even if you know nothing about Japanese culture, and the in-game story coupled with the recordings you can find that explain new things are a great addition to the game.”
    • “Tense atmosphere, great art direction, and an interesting backstory that highlights personal conflicts within Japan that happens quite frequently, which was a nice touch.”
    • “The story is hard to keep up with, but it's kind of interesting.”
    • “The plot is very simple, based on the urban legend of the same name, an evil spirit asking if you want red or blue paper while using the last stall at the girls' restroom and killing you the way the color represents.”
    • “There is a short story that's explained via records you find around, but nothing very deep or linking it to aka or why the girl is there.”
  • music12 mentions

    The music in the game is a polarizing aspect, with many players praising the intense chase music for its ability to create a horrifying atmosphere filled with jumpscares. However, some find it overly loud and annoying, detracting from the overall experience, while others note the lack of a cohesive soundtrack. Overall, the chase music stands out as both a highlight and a source of frustration for players.

    • “The chase music is great; it's unbelievably loud and you're less running away from aka and more the music itself, which is a garbled mess of screams and bass.”
    • “If you're looking for a horrifying, completely unsafe atmosphere filled with jumpscares and probably the most bumpin' chase music I've ever heard.”
    • “This is the feeling the song delivers.”
    • “Enemy's chase music is annoying.”
    • “Soundtrack is non-existent, but the music that plays when aka manto finds you is very loud and annoying.”
    • “Also, the scariest part of the game is the chase music: it's unbelievably loud and you're less running away from aka and more the music itself, which is a garbled mess of screams and bass.”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurd and terrifying scenarios, particularly involving a malevolent spirit with a quirky obsession with bathroom stalls. Players find amusement in the game's glitches and exaggerated animations, which create a blend of fear and laughter, making it entertaining even in its scariest moments. Overall, the comedic elements are woven into the gameplay, providing a lighthearted contrast to the horror experience.

    • “The sheer turmoil of having to sprint away from a malevolent spirit with a penchant for bathroom stalls is both terrifying and hilariously absurd.”
    • “It's a game that keeps you on your toes—and laughing at your own misfortune.”
    • “Very funny story behind this ghost and their love for public bathrooms.”
  • stability7 mentions

    The game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, affecting various aspects of gameplay, such as item interactions and AI behavior. While some glitches can be amusing, they detract from the overall experience and reflect poorly on the game's quality. Despite these issues, players may still find enjoyment if they can overlook the instability.

    • “There are bugs upon glitches upon bugs upon, you guessed it, bugs again.”
    • “The game is also very buggy; sometimes pausing and unpausing will make you unable to open doors (which is a death sentence), sometimes items can't be dropped, and sometimes aka manto will just spawn literally on top of you.”
    • “Overall, this is a promising game marred by some pretty buggy AI.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to the lack of a save feature and the limited inventory space, which can lead to frustration after repeated deaths. While the game's difficulty may appeal to some, many reviewers feel that the grind required to achieve the harder ending detracts from the overall experience.

    • “While it is pretty spooky the first time around, there is no way to save your progress, so every death is just tedious.”
    • “It is also very difficult, which will appeal to some people, but for me, the game does feel too tedious.”
    • “The game has two endings, the hardest of which is pretty tedious to achieve if the player doesn't know where to look for items.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers high replay value thanks to its random route patterns, particularly appealing for speed runners. However, some players feel that the lack of saves and checkpoints diminishes its overall replayability, leading to mixed opinions on this aspect.

    • “High replay value due to the random route patterns, especially if you participate in speed running.”
    • “The replayability is impressive, offering new experiences with each playthrough.”
    • “I can't see much that would merit the game's replayability value, due to the lack of saves and checkpoints.”
    • “The replayability is mediocre.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

19hMedian play time
13hAverage play time
1-25hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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