Chasing the Unseen
- March 7, 2024
- Strange Shift Studio
Get on Steam"Chasing The Unseen" is a single-player adventure game that focuses on exploring abstract worlds and climbing colossal creatures. Players will encounter mysterious and beautiful environments, and climb on giant creatures while using a parachute to navigate falls. The game features challenging climbing sequences, tranquil exploration, and maze-like levels using fractal geometry. Prepare for frequent setbacks and disorientation while discovering the boy's journey in this surreal world.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game features stunning visuals and a unique atmosphere that immerses players in its surreal environments.
- Traversal mechanics, such as climbing and gliding, provide an engaging experience, especially when interacting with colossal creatures.
- The game offers a meditative and introspective journey, appealing to fans of slower-paced exploration platformers.
- The navigation system is often confusing and unhelpful, leaving players feeling lost and frustrated.
- Level design can be repetitive and lacks clear direction, leading to dead ends and unclear objectives.
- Gameplay mechanics, such as character controls and the collection of fast-moving critters, can feel clunky and unrefined.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique climbing and platforming mechanic on giant creatures, reminiscent of "Shadow of the Colossus," but it suffers from a lack of depth and clarity, particularly in the final level, which feels more like a winding-down than a climax. While the game features beautiful visuals and varied mechanics across levels, many players find the overall experience frustrating and slow-paced, with minimal engaging gameplay elements beyond basic walking and jumping. Despite some interesting level designs and atmospheric elements, the gameplay ultimately lacks the depth needed to sustain long-term interest.
“The core mechanic revolves around climbing and platforming on giant creatures, much like one of my favorite games, Shadow of the Colossus.”
“Chasing the unseen is an evocative and challenging game that does an excellent job of creating a world and gameplay experience that captures the internal struggles that many deal with on life’s journey.”
“I do genuinely enjoy the atmosphere and some of the level mechanics--the one where platforms explode out when you're near was a highlight.”
“The game has a theme of meditation, which unfortunately seems to hurt the final level, as it's mostly stripped of the usual gameplay, resulting in something that's more of a winding-down than a climax to the game, in the service of the theme.”
“The mechanic requires you to press points on the boss to make it move, but there's no indication of which points control what or how to operate them.”
“Ultimately, you come to the conclusion that there is barely any gameplay other than walking, and a bit of jumping and climbing.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its haunting and atmospheric qualities that enhance the gameplay experience, particularly during key moments. However, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking grandeur, suggesting that a more experienced composer could have elevated the overall sound design. Overall, while the music effectively complements the game's artistic style, it may not leave a lasting impression for all players.
“The music and ambiance in the game was almost haunting at times without actually being a horror game.”
“The artistic style of the game is perfect for that dreamy feel, and the music pairs well with the gameplay.”
“The impending rise of a colossal octopus as it crests over the side of the landscape in front of you while its 'boss' music starts trumpeting just sent shivers down my spine; it was awe-inspiring.”
“It's just a shame it didn't have a more experienced composer, who could've given the music more grandeur.”
“The visuals are very much last decade, and the music is just meh.”
“I can't get over how unnerving the sounds of the music and random background noises can be.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its impressive visuals and scale, creating a captivating environment that enhances the experience. However, some players feel that the atmosphere can also contribute to confusion, leaving them feeling lost at times. Overall, while the atmosphere is a highlight, it may not be enough to sustain player engagement throughout the game.
“The game looks fantastic and impresses with its scale and atmosphere.”
“Unfortunately, that's all the game can be praised for - good concept, beautiful visuals, a solid atmosphere, and varied mechanics on each level.”
“Cool atmosphere and a relaxed but engaging experience.”
“Sure, you could argue that the mystery and confusion are part of the game’s atmosphere, but you're left completely lost most of the time.”
“I don't think I will finish it either way; unfortunately, the visuals and the atmosphere just can't keep me engaged enough to continue.”
- story4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and lacks a compelling plot or overarching narrative, leaving players without a strong hook. However, it concludes with an interesting message, despite the limited lore and unclear objectives throughout the gameplay.
“The story is very limited in terms of actual lore, but sums up nicely in the end, with an interesting message, may I add.”
“Your mission is to climb and navigate a vast level through an unclear path of twists and turns.”
“There's no real plot in the game.”
“No story or overarching idea was presented to hook a player.”
“The story is very limited in terms of actual lore, but sums up nicely in the end (with an interesting message, may I add).”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their beauty and solid atmosphere, contributing to a good concept and varied mechanics. However, some users feel the visuals are outdated and insufficient to maintain engagement, leading to a lack of motivation to continue playing.
“Unfortunately, that's all the game can be praised for - good concept, beautiful visuals, a solid atmosphere, and varied mechanics on each level.”
“I don't think I will finish it either way. Unfortunately, the visuals and the atmosphere just can't keep me engaged enough to continue.”
“The visuals are very much from last decade, and the music is just mediocre.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting the thrill of exploration and the feelings it evokes, with a strong desire for similar experiences in future titles.
“I absolutely adore chasing the unseen and how it made me feel, and I hope that we get more games like it in the future.”
