Clandestinity of Elsie
- July 7, 2015
- COLNELIUS
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Clandestinity of Elsie," player's navigate a 2D, side-scrolling, survival adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Gameplay focuses on resource management, base building, and avoiding detection by hostile enemies. The player controls Elsie, a young girl searching for her lost family while uncovering the truth about the calamity that changed the world.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a compelling story with a dark and atmospheric setting, reminiscent of classic horror titles like Silent Hill.
- The sound design and overall atmosphere are praised, contributing to genuine scares and tension throughout the gameplay.
- Despite its short length, the game offers an engaging experience for fans of horror RPGs, especially given its unique mechanics and storytelling approach.
- The game is often too dark, making it difficult to see and navigate, which can lead to frustrating encounters with enemies.
- Combat mechanics are criticized for being clunky and frustrating, with limited healing items and a single weapon that can feel inadequate in challenging situations.
- The ending is abrupt and disappointing, leaving players feeling unsatisfied after an otherwise engaging narrative.
- story27 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it atmospheric and engaging, particularly in its psychological horror elements. However, the plot is criticized for being predictable and underdeveloped, culminating in a disappointing and abrupt ending that leaves players feeling unsatisfied. While the narrative has strong ideas and a creepy atmosphere, it ultimately feels rushed and could have benefited from deeper character development and a more fleshed-out conclusion.
“The unfolding story is a major part of the game, and there are indications throughout that the events happening may be a figment of his imagination.”
“What makes this game interesting is based on its well-written story with a horrific atmosphere.”
“The story is interesting and it sets a nice atmosphere.”
“Although the story is prominent, the plot never really develops; it is mostly atmospheric and serves to create suspense.”
“For a game so heavily oriented towards storytelling, the extremely abrupt and deliberately alienating ending just felt like a giant middle finger.”
“It feels like the developers of this game lost interest and just ended the story there.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Clandestinity of Elsie" is noted for its unique mechanics inspired by survival horror classics like Silent Hill, diverging from traditional RPG elements. While the atmosphere and initial engagement are praised, the abrupt ending and some frustrating combat mechanics detract from the overall experience, leaving players wanting more depth and resolution. Despite its shortcomings, many appreciate the game's originality and immersive qualities.
“Clandestinity of Elsie is a unique horror game made in RPG Maker, with mechanics I haven't seen in other games of its kind.”
“Instead of a classic RPG, where you fight monsters to level up in turn-based combat, this game has gameplay mechanics similar to Silent Hill, which it's quite obviously inspired by.”
“I have played quite a few RPG Makers and I have to say that this game is wholeheartedly unique in terms of gameplay and atmosphere.”
“The game ends rather abruptly, with no sense of finality after around 2 hours of gameplay.”
“Ultimately, I'm just disappointed with this game. I think if the developers tried to do more with this kind of gameplay and the story, which I think they could have with some more time, I would have adored this game much more.”
“Also, your gun should take a split second before letting off the next bullet; sadly, realism is thrown out the window due to frustrations of the combat mechanics.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its ability to create suspense and a creepy environment, effectively enhancing the horror experience. While the story is engaging, it primarily serves to support the atmospheric tension rather than drive a complex plot. Overall, players find the dark and immersive atmosphere, combined with a well-written narrative, to be a standout feature of this RPG Maker horror game.
“A short (3-4h) horror adventure with a really good atmosphere.”
“What makes this game interesting is based on its well-written story with a horrific atmosphere.”
“I have played quite a few RPG Maker games, and I have to say that this game is wholeheartedly unique in terms of gameplay and atmosphere.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered unremarkable, lacking standout features, yet they are not deemed poor. However, some users express frustration with performance issues, particularly when a simple RPG Maker game struggles to run smoothly on capable hardware.
“The graphics are unremarkable, but by no means bad.”
“The visuals feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are bland and environments lack detail, making the game feel lifeless.”
