BLACKOUT
- May 26, 2021
- INNERVISION
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"BLACKOUT" is a first-person survival horror game where you play as an office worker alone in your house, hearing strange sounds and receiving eerie messages. The game is set in a dark and ominous house with mazes and dead rooms. The game may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy and contains themes of alcohol and drug abuse, making it suitable for mature audiences.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a strong atmosphere with effective lighting and ambient sound design that enhances the horror experience.
- Some jump scares are well-executed, providing genuine moments of fright for players.
- It's an inexpensive title that may appeal to fans of atmospheric horror, offering a visually appealing experience despite its shortcomings.
- The narrative lacks depth and world-building, leaving players with many unanswered questions and an abrupt ending.
- Gameplay mechanics, particularly the platforming sections, are frustrating and poorly executed, detracting from the overall experience.
- The pixelated art style feels disjointed, combining high-resolution textures with a pixel filter that undermines the visual appeal.
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong atmosphere, enhanced by effective lighting and ambient sound design, creating an immersive and creepy experience. However, it is noted that while the atmosphere is commendable, the game lacks depth in storytelling and gameplay execution, leaving players wanting more. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile option for fans of atmospheric horror, especially given its low price.
“Very good price for a game like this; it's very creepy and atmospheric. Not as long as I thought it was, but it has a good atmosphere.”
“It's an inexpensive title worth considering, especially for fans of atmospheric horror, but it leaves much to be desired.”
“Blackout has strong elements, including its atmosphere and some scares, but ultimately falls short in storytelling and gameplay execution.”
“The game's use of lighting and ambient sound effects is commendable, effectively enhancing the mood and immersing players in the terrifying atmosphere.”
“A game with strong atmosphere but lacks depth.”
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story in Blackout is criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, primarily revolving around familiar horror tropes without providing substantial context or resolution. Players feel that the narrative fails to engage them meaningfully, often leaving them confused and unsatisfied with an unfinished ending. Despite its atmospheric qualities and ability to evoke fear, the storytelling aspect does not meet expectations.
“This game is really pretty and one of the only horror games that could actually scare me, but I think I'm too dumb to understand the story.”
“The story does very little to explain anything other than the classic trope of 'you've done something bad and the ghost or supernatural has come back to create spooky shenanigans.'”
“It's like a walking simulator that doesn't really try to tell you a story, leaving you to wonder what the point of your 30+ minute journey was and then ends with an unfinished conclusion.”
“Blackout has strong elements, including its atmosphere and some scares, but ultimately falls short in storytelling and gameplay execution.”
“The story does very little to explain anything other than the true old 'you've done something bad and the ghost or supernatural have come back to make spooky shenanigans.'”
“Like a walking sim that doesn't really try to tell you a story, leaving you to wonder what the point of all of your 30+ minute journey was for and then leaves you with an unfinished ending.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been criticized for their disjointed pixelated art style, which fails to cohesively align with the horror genre. Reviewers note that the combination of high-resolution textures with a pixel filter results in a mismatched aesthetic, detracting from the overall visual experience.
“Most games that have this type of art style will also have low poly and low quality textures to bring the whole style together, but in Blackout, the game sticks with modern high poly and high resolution textures with a pixel filter slapped on top.”
“+ pixel graphics”
“The graphics are visually striking and create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience.”
“However, the pixelated art style feels disjointed.”
“It would benefit from a more cohesive design that aligns with the horror genre, avoiding the pitfalls of a mismatched aesthetic.”
“Most games that have this type of art style will also have low poly and low quality textures to bring the whole style together, but in Blackout, the game sticks with modern high poly/high res textures with a pixel filter slapped on top.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Blackout is visually impressive, showcasing strong atmospheric elements and effective scares; however, it suffers from underdeveloped mechanics and a lack of engaging storytelling, leading to a disappointing overall execution.
“Check out my full gameplay here if you wish to.”
“Blackout has strong elements, including its atmosphere and some scares, but ultimately falls short in storytelling and gameplay execution.”
“While the game looks amazing, as they have nailed the style and lighting, the actual gameplay is immensely undercooked.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as decent and effective in setting the mood, enhancing the overall experience. However, some reviewers feel that despite its strengths, the game falls short compared to other horror titles that are more deserving of attention.
“The music was the only thing that was good at setting the mood.”
“The soundtrack, while decent, complements the overall experience.”
“- pretty decent soundtrack”
