Bloodwash

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a ‘good’ game in the sense of it having deep mechanics, but for what it tries to emulate, Bloodwash offers the best form of horror entertainment this side of a video nasty VHS.

88%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

replayability, grinding

92% User Score Based on 1,512 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

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About

Bloodwash is a single player survival action adventure game with a horror theme. It was developed by TORTURE STAR VIDEO and was released on September 16, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Bloodwash" is a horror game with first-person perspective and crusty PS1-style graphics, inspired by the giallo genre. Pregnant college student Sara, living with her alcoholic boyfriend, encounters a serial killer after her washing machine breaks down and she visits a 24-hour laundromat. The game features a gory plot and two modes to play: normal or VHS mode for additional grime.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,512 reviews

story130 positive mentions

replayability4 negative mentions

Great atmosphere and sound design that effectively builds tension.
Engaging story with interesting characters and collectibles, such as comic books.
Nostalgic PS1-style graphics that enhance the horror experience.

The game is very short, taking only about 1-2 hours to complete.
Over-reliance on jump scares, which can feel cheap and predictable.
Some technical issues, including crashes and audio mixing problems.

story
356 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
59%
4%
The story of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its nostalgic horror elements and engaging atmosphere, reminiscent of classic slasher films. However, criticisms often focus on its brevity, awkward pacing, and reliance on predictable tropes, leaving some players feeling confused or underwhelmed by the narrative's execution. Overall, while the story has its strengths, such as intriguing twists and character interactions, it is often described as surface-level and lacking depth.
- “The captivating storyline, well-crafted environments, and engaging gameplay combine to create an unforgettable adventure into the depths of fear and mystery.”
- “Bloodwash is a good take on the classic PlayStation horror games and slasher films of old, providing a good array of spooks and creeps while telling the story of one woman and her fateful trip to a 24/7 laundromat.”
- “I was sucked into the story immediately; the jumpscares were good but not overwhelming and cheesy.”
- “The story was told rather awkwardly through dialogue exposition rather than through anything you find or interact with.”
- “First of all, the aforementioned story is all over the place and inconsistent.”
- “The story is predictable and spoonfeeds everything to you, the inventory system is bloated, there are no scares outside of jumpscares, and it's 8 dollars for an hour of gameplay that mostly consists of waiting for your laundry to be done in real time.”
graphics
246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
57%
4%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their nostalgic PS1 aesthetic, effectively creating a creepy atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. The combination of low-poly visuals, VHS filters, and gritty details contributes to a unique charm that resonates with fans of retro horror games. While some critiques mention a lack of polish in animations and sound, the overall visual style is considered a strong asset that complements the game's storytelling and immersive environment.
- “The first thing that struck me about Bloodwash was its stunning graphic style and immersive atmosphere.”
- “I love the crusty PS1 style graphics and the VHS mode is fun.”
- “The graphics complement the story perfectly and I was legitimately creeped out multiple times by this game.”
- “The graphics wander between minimal but effective environment art to character models that would only be acceptable in a supposedly 'retro' horror game from 2021.”
- “The graphics were fine and aesthetically pleasing for the PS1 era style, but the lack of attention to detail on the animations and sound (that scream is bad) really hurts the final presentation.”
- “A game needs a lot more than chunky PS1 graphics and a staticky VHS filter to be scary.”
atmosphere
244 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
38%
1%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and creepy qualities, effectively capturing the essence of retro horror with its PS1-style graphics and unsettling sound design. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to build tension and create a sense of place, although some note that reliance on jump scares can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making it a compelling choice for fans of atmospheric horror.
- “While it relies mostly on its story's 'shock factor' to drive its horror themes, it is underpinned by a strange and oppressive atmosphere which keeps the eeriness going.”
- “The first thing that struck me about bloodwash was its stunning graphic style and immersive atmosphere.”
- “Incredible game, absolutely nails the horror aesthetic and emotional atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is here, but I found this confusing and tedious at times.”
- “Brief horror title done in a grainy PS1 visual style that gives a strong buildup mixed with a strange atmosphere as you interact with the locals, but mechanically never really puts you in danger, which starts to detract from the feeling of being under a current threat.”
- “The sound design pales in comparison to the angular discomfort of Puppet Combo or the brooding minimalism of Chilla's Art; atmosphere and soundscapes are never built effectively, but are consistently broken regardless by predictable, ineffective jumpscares.”
gameplay
110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
71%
9%
The gameplay of this title is primarily a walking simulator, featuring a creepy atmosphere and a compelling murder mystery to uncover, with around two hours of exploration, NPC interactions, and item collection. While the game offers engaging storytelling and nostalgic PS1-style visuals, some players found the pacing slow and criticized the lack of meaningful gameplay mechanics, particularly during segments that involve waiting for laundry. Overall, it combines exploration and light puzzle-solving with a unique aesthetic, though it may not satisfy those seeking more action-oriented gameplay.
- “Fun gameplay with a creepy atmosphere, detailed environments, tons of stuff to explore, and a murder mystery to uncover.”
- “The captivating storyline, well-crafted environments, and engaging gameplay combine to create an unforgettable adventure into the depths of fear and mystery.”
- “While the gameplay leans towards the 'walking simulator' genre, there are moments of action and exploration.”
- “The story is predictable and spoonfeeds everything to you, the inventory system is bloated, there are no scares outside of jumpscares, and it's 8 dollars for an hour of gameplay that mostly consists of waiting for your laundry to be done in real time.”
- “Most of the game was atmosphere building and not actual gameplay; a walking simulator.”
- “The gameplay of laundry and research felt off and distant from each other, given that you just play a character who wants to do their laundry.”
music
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
52%
6%
The music in the game has received high praise for its ability to create a creepy atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of an 80s-themed soundtrack and haunting sound design. While some noted that the music occasionally plays at inappropriate times, the overall quality of the soundtrack and voice acting significantly enhances the horror experience. The combination of solid music, engaging voice work, and a nostalgic aesthetic contributes to a memorable and immersive gameplay experience.
- “I thought that the PS1 graphics and the 80s theme music really added to the game.”
- “The voice acting and music in this game is top-notch and creepy, and the well-written dialogue got me fascinated with Bloodwash's universe.”
- “Mxxn did a great job with the soundtrack; the chase music was terrifying.”
- “The music is pretty solid, though there isn't much of it, and it plays at inappropriate times occasionally.”
- “Other than the music that plays in the pizza parlor, which is second only to peepaw as the best thing about bloodwash, we get hardly any environmental sounds to help build atmosphere, which is absolutely vital to a horror game like this.”
- “And oh god, that song she sings... shit's gonna haunt my dreams tonight, I swear.”
humor
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
2%
2%
The game is praised for its unique blend of dark and unsettling humor, often juxtaposed with chilling moments and gruesome elements. Players appreciate the comedic commentary, funny character models, and amusing jumpscares, which contribute to an overall entertaining experience. The humor resonates particularly well with those familiar with the struggles of adulting, making it both relatable and enjoyable amidst the horror themes.
- “The game is kind of humorous in an unsettling sort of way.”
- “[*][i]So this is adulting[/i] - very comical take on a somewhat desperate situation anyone who's been through some 'cup noodle years' can relate to; good mix of humor and seriousness makes this a blast to play.”
- “Ps1-style games are an absolute joy to me, and this one stands a cut above the field for its excellent blend of humor and over-the-top villain.”
- “Some funny bugs.”
replayability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The game has limited replayability, primarily offering value for achievement hunters and those interested in collecting comic book collectibles. Players generally find that once the short story is completed, there is little incentive to replay, making it feel somewhat pricey for its brief two-hour experience.
- “Not much replay value aside from finishing the short list of achievements and seeing the story through to the end.”
- “Doesn't offer any replay value once you've beaten it unless you're just an achievement hunter and missed some achievements.”
- “You could argue that it's a bit pricey since it's a two-hour game, and there really isn't much in the replay value apart from finding collectible comic books (which are fully readable, a super cool touch) and getting the few remaining achievements.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it is not overly difficult, it can feel tedious and confusing at times. Many suggest that completing the game may require significant time investment, potentially necessitating multiple playthroughs.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The atmosphere is here, but I found this confusing and tedious at times.”
- “Not hard or grindy, but you probably wouldn't finish them on your first casual playthrough.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game exhibits occasional minor glitches and technical issues, such as item loss and time freezes, which can be distracting but are generally not game-breaking. Overall, while stability is a concern, it does not significantly hinder the overall experience.
- “Occasionally, I encountered minor glitches and technical hiccups, which, while not game-breaking, were somewhat distracting.”
- “The game is buggy; I keep losing my items and then randomly get them back after a few minutes.”
- “The time freezes.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's optimization has received criticism, with players needing to disable various visual filters due to performance issues on their PCs. While the voice acting is noted for its campy charm, the overall technical performance leaves much to be desired.
- “I just wish it was better optimized; I had to turn off all the CRT and VHS filters because my PC didn't like those.”
- “The voice acting ranges from pretty good and cheesy (the laundromat patron, the pizza guy) to so embarrassingly bad that I had to skip the characters' dialogue because it reminded me of the time I had to watch a performance by my middle school's drama club the week after it was formed (the call girl, the greasy manager).”
- “I just wish it was better optimized; I had to turn off all the CRT and VHS filters because my PC didn't like those.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development is notably enhanced by meticulous attention to detail in both character designs and environments, contributing to a more immersive and realistic experience that amplifies the overall creepiness of the game.
- “The attention to detail in both the environments and character designs enhanced the overall creepiness and made the experience all the more realistic.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game effectively captures a haunting emotional atmosphere, enhancing the horror experience and deeply resonating with players.
- “Incredible game, absolutely nails the horror aesthetic and emotional atmosphere.”