ColdSide
- November 6, 2020
- AdroVGames
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"ColdSide" is a single-player Horror Adventure game developed with CryEngine V, featuring masterful graphics and a dense atmosphere. As a digger named Chris, explore an abandoned underground laboratory studying anomalous phenomena, with constant tension, atmospheric music, and ambient by Mikko Tarmia, influenced by the SCP Foundation.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features stunning graphics and a highly atmospheric environment that enhances the horror experience.
- It offers a mix of jump scares and tension, keeping players engaged throughout the gameplay.
- The game has multiple endings and decision-based outcomes, adding replay value and intrigue.
- The story is often confusing and lacks depth, making it hard for players to connect with the narrative.
- There are significant bugs and issues with the save system, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Control customization is limited, with some keys hardcoded, which detracts from the overall user experience.
- story108 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally perceived as weak and confusing, often described as cliche and lacking depth, with many players noting its disjointed narrative and poor dialogue. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and the potential for multiple endings, the overall consensus is that the plot feels sparse and incoherent, making it difficult for players to engage fully with the storyline. Despite these criticisms, the game is still recommended for its horror elements and visual design, appealing to those who prioritize scares over a strong narrative.
“The whole story is interesting.”
“Short amount of gameplay but compelling story.”
“I like the overall concept and story; if you like a game that keeps the atmosphere tense with brilliant sound work and plenty of scares, this is definitely one to try out!”
“The story is painfully mediocre and most scares are very predictable.”
“I didn't hate this game (truth be told, it's not half bad), but the plot (using the term very loosely) is so generally incoherent, or at least inconsistent in its narrative focus, that you really can't get too attached to anything your character is doing.”
“The story is your typical 'government found some creatures they wanna turn into dangerous military weapons, but oh no it goes really south and now everything is fucked up' with no twists or creative turns whatsoever.”
- graphics64 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting their excellence and the atmospheric quality they contribute to the overall experience. Players noted the impressive use of CryEngine, resulting in stunning visuals even on lower-end hardware, and praised the game's ability to create tension through its graphical presentation. While some mentioned minor issues with post-processing effects and texture quality, the consensus is that the graphics are a standout feature, enhancing both gameplay and storytelling.
“I really enjoyed this one actually, it played out like a movie and the graphics on max were outstanding.”
“Graphically, this game is absolutely stunning.”
“The visuals are obviously the highlight of the piece.”
“Overall, I'm quite surprised by the difference between asset quality, graphics, and script/UI quality...”
“The graphics and lighting are decent, but the amount of post-processing effects are over the top, and the whole game feels like you are looking at the game through some beefed-up filter.”
“Graphics are not realistic.”
- atmosphere60 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its excellent graphics, sound design, and ability to create a tense, creepy ambiance without relying heavily on jump scares. Reviewers highlight the game's mysterious and immersive environment, noting significant improvements from previous titles by the same developer. While some mention a confusing story and lack of voice acting, the overall consensus is that the atmospheric elements are a standout feature, making it a recommended experience for fans of horror and exploration games.
“Atmosphere of this game is amazing and I can see a lot of improvement since the first game by the same developer.”
“Mysterious atmosphere while not being bombarded with jumpscares.”
“With the graphics and the music/sound effects, this game has an awesome atmosphere.”
“The earlier beginnings to the adventure did slow right, and thanks to the game's monumental graphic power and at least some white-knuckle, straightforward (if unoriginal) horror set-pieces and thick atmosphere, the game did manage to hold my attention and make me appreciate the developers' efforts.”
“The lighting (sometimes lack thereof) adds so much tension and atmosphere to the game.”
“It would seem that the developers of this game did not need to use gore to make a spooky atmosphere for their little horror title.”
- gameplay38 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily a linear horror-themed walking simulator that, while visually impressive and engaging, lacks depth and variety. Many reviews note its short duration and standard mechanics, which may feel more like a tech demo than a fully realized game. Despite these criticisms, some players found the experience enjoyable and atmospheric, with effective horror elements that keep them engaged.
“Good graphics, an engaging gameplay where the horror elements do their job well; not too expensive and it's overall pretty impressive for a one-person indie developer.”
“While this game did not really scare me, it did keep me on my toes throughout the gameplay experience.”
“Gameplay and graphics are equal to most any top games at present.”
“The gameplay is non-existent.”
“With good lighting and atmosphere, but no actual gameplay it feels more like a tech demo.”
“Gameplay didn't change much from the other games and still plays like a horror themed walking sim.”
- music12 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its dark ambient drone quality, contributing significantly to the overall atmospheric experience. Reviewers highlight the excellent audio and original soundtrack, noting that it enhances the game's immersive qualities without relying on cheap jump scares. Overall, the combination of music and sound effects creates a captivating environment that complements the gameplay.
“The music features nice dark ambient drone sounds that serve as a captivating soundtrack.”
“The audio and original soundtrack are excellent; I liked it very much.”
“With the graphics and the music/sound effects, this game creates an awesome atmosphere.”
- stability8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game is reported to have significant stability issues, with users experiencing frequent bugs that can lead to game-breaking scenarios, such as going out of bounds and requiring level restarts. While controller functionality is generally stable, interactions like hitting padlocks can be inconsistent. Overall, the game is considered still buggy.
“Hitting padlocks is finicky, but the game itself is not buggy with a controller.”
“The game is buggy.”
“Sometimes very buggy, up to requiring a level restart.”
“Still buggy (went out of bounds by getting hit by a door through the wall).”
- optimization6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is generally well-optimized, offering good graphics and a fair price-to-performance ratio, making it suitable for a relaxing gaming experience.
“Game has good graphics and good optimization.”
“No, seems well optimized.”
“Good for a relaxing afternoon, price vs performance ratio is fair enough.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game incorporates humor effectively, with goofy segments that elicit chuckles and provide a lighthearted contrast to its horror elements. Players can enjoy a fun alternate ending by collecting quirky moon men, adding to the overall enjoyment and variety of the gameplay experience.
“There's also a few segments that make me chuckle from how goofy it looks, but it's kind of nice to have that humor sprinkled in there.”
“This is a true turn your brain off and have fun horror game, look around and collect the little moon men, for a funny alternate ending, or don't and experience the final level anyway, which is just a joy to play in because it's such a drastic change from the previous levels.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its high replayability, with multiple users emphasizing that it offers engaging experiences that encourage players to return for more.
“The game is also highly replayable, offering new experiences with each playthrough.”
“With multiple endings and choices, it's also highly replayable.”
“The game features a variety of paths and strategies, making it also highly replayable.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The lack of voice acting in the game detracts from the emotional impact of cut-scenes, resulting in awkward moments that fail to convey the intended feelings during key narrative moments.
