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 captivating atmosphere, reminiscent of classic titles like Shadow of the Colossus.
- The core mechanics of climbing and platforming on massive creatures provide a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- The sound design and music create an immersive environment, enhancing the overall surreal and meditative feel of the game.
- The navigation and guidance system is poorly designed, often leaving players confused and lost without clear direction.
- Many levels lack engaging content, with some areas feeling empty and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The controls can be clunky and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay moments that hinder enjoyment.
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around climbing and platforming on large creatures, reminiscent of "Shadow of the Colossus," but suffers from a lack of clear mechanics and depth. While the levels feature unique elements and a captivating atmosphere, many players find the overall experience frustrating and slow-paced, with minimal engaging gameplay beyond basic movement. Despite some interesting moments, the game ultimately fails to provide enough compelling mechanics to sustain interest.
“The core mechanic revolves around climbing and platforming on giant creatures, much like one of my favorite games, Shadow of the Colossus.”
“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 fifth level is quite interesting, and it finally makes good use of the climbing mechanic.”
“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 a conclusion that there is barely any gameplay other than walking, and a bit of jumping and climbing.”
“The gameplay itself is quite frustrating, slow-paced, and without much depth.”
- 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, while others find it repetitive and lacking in grandeur. The pairing of music with visuals is noted as effective, particularly during impactful moments, though some feel a more experienced composer could have elevated the overall quality.
“The music and ambiance in the game were 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 interest throughout the game.
“The game looks fantastic and impresses with its scale and atmosphere.”
“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.”
“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.”
- 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 that the visuals are outdated and not enough to sustain their interest in the game.
“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.”
