Ancra
- October 29, 2021
- For7s
Get on Steam"Ancra" is a narrative-driven puzzle-horror game where players explore a dying photographer's home, solving cryptic puzzles to uncover a haunting story. With open level design and multiple routes, players must decide who to trust and navigate unreliable sources of information. The game features classic survival horror puzzles, dynamic environments, and multiple endings based on player choices, with secret unlockables and a hidden true story to discover.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an excellent, well-polished atmosphere that is both eerie and compelling, drawing players into its mysterious story.
- It offers intelligent and original puzzles that are organically integrated into the narrative, providing a satisfying challenge for players.
- The multiple paths and endings encourage replayability, allowing players to uncover secrets and experience different outcomes.
- Some puzzles can be overly cryptic or illogical, making it difficult to progress without external help.
- Achieving all endings and completing the game can require multiple playthroughs, which may be frustrating for some players.
- There are occasional technical issues, such as game crashes, which can lead to lost progress.
- story7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story of the game is praised for its creepy and compelling atmosphere, featuring a cryptic narrative filled with mysteries and enigmatic characters. Reviewers appreciate the integration of complex puzzles that enhance the storytelling rather than detract from it, and many highlight the game's multiple endings as a significant strength. Overall, the narrative is described as intriguing and original, keeping players engaged throughout.
“Creepy and compelling atmosphere, cryptic story with many mysteries to uncover, intelligent and often original puzzles.”
“It really knows how to keep us on our toes with its mysterious story and enigmatic characters.”
“Ancra is a really amazing game; it offers an extremely unnerving environment and a pretty good story with multiple endings.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving me feeling disconnected from their motivations and actions.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises or emotional impact.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its excellent polish and eerie, creepy qualities, effectively creating a compelling horror experience. Players appreciate the combination of ominous sound effects, mild jumpscares, and graphical glitches that enhance the unsettling ambiance, while also noting the intelligent and original puzzles that contribute to the overall intrigue.
“Creepy and compelling atmosphere, cryptic story with many mysteries to uncover, intelligent and often original puzzles.”
“The atmosphere is wonderful, it shivers down my spine.”
“The horror atmosphere is very well done using ominous sound effects, mild jumpscares, and graphical glitch effects.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Gameplay in Ancra is praised for its innovative mechanics and clever puzzles, offering a unique blend of horror and adventure. The combination of a gripping story and nuanced gameplay elements creates an engaging experience that stands out in the genre. The game's aesthetic, described as both grim and beautiful, further enhances the overall immersion.
“I love the mechanics, the puzzles, and the story; it's something I haven't seen in a video game like this.”
“Ancra is an intriguing puzzle horror adventure game with very innovative gameplay and a gripping plot.”
“The aesthetic is grim but beautiful, and the gameplay and documents are nuanced and clever.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for creating a compelling horror atmosphere, characterized by a unique art style and effective use of graphical glitches. The aesthetic is described as both grim and beautiful, complemented by nuanced gameplay and strong sound design.
“The horror atmosphere is very well done using ominous sound effects, mild jumpscares, and graphical glitch effects.”
“The aesthetic is grim but beautiful; the gameplay and documents are nuanced and clever.”
“Unique art style and great sound design.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“Character models look flat and lifeless, making it hard to connect with the story.”
“The environments feel bland and uninspired, failing to create an immersive experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is generally solid, with users noting that the horror atmosphere is effectively enhanced by sound effects and graphical glitches, which contribute to the overall experience without causing significant disruptions.
