CRUELTY
- June 17, 2024
- 838sManiacs
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Cruelty" is a single-player horror simulation game that uses a third-person perspective and 3D graphics. The game takes place in a nightmarish, gory world where players must solve puzzles and evade or hide from monstrous beings to survive. With high-quality graphics, cinematic movie scenes, and fully-voiced characters, "Cruelty" provides an immersive and frightening experience, with a playtime ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and a difficulty level selection function.
Reviews
- The game features impressive graphics and a dark, atmospheric design that enhances the horror experience.
- It offers a unique blend of gore and tension, providing memorable moments and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic horror games.
- Despite its short length, the game delivers solid gameplay with engaging environmental puzzles and a compelling story.
- The third-person camera perspective can be frustrating, making it difficult to navigate and appreciate the game's visuals.
- The game is plagued by bugs and jankiness, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences and softlocks.
- Some players found the gameplay to be linear and lacking in depth, with a desire for more variety and challenge.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally considered acceptable, with a balanced difficulty that is neither too hard nor too easy. However, issues such as frame drops and control mechanics can hinder the experience, though they don't significantly detract from it. Overall, while the gameplay value may feel low, it remains engaging enough for players to enjoy.
“+ the gameplay was balanced, not too hard or too easy.”
“Cruel, just like the mechanics.”
“While the controls and frame drops can impede the gameplay, they don't completely detract from the overall experience.”
“The cost per minute of gameplay value is pretty low, and I had to jump through quite a bit of hoops to get it running well.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game represent a significant advancement for 838smaniacs, showcasing a more realistic style while preserving their hallmark storytelling and horror elements. Players appreciate the atmospheric and eerie art design, noting it as the best in the developer's library, and the game runs smoothly overall.
“This game marks 838smaniacs' leap into more realistic graphics while maintaining their signature storytelling and horrific imagery.”
“The graphics in Cruelty are the best in 838smaniacs' library.”
“Short but sweet with a great atmospheric and eerie art design, looking forward to more terrifying horror experiences from the devs 838smaniacs with a similar 3D art style.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its superb blend of horror elements reminiscent of "Saw" and "Silent Hill," complemented by high-quality sound design that enhances the eerie experience. Reviewers appreciate the game's art style and the tension created by gory scenes, contributing to a captivating and unsettling ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both atmospheric and fun, leaving players eager for more terrifying experiences from the developers.
“The atmosphere in this game is superb; it's like Saw mixed with Silent Hill.”
“High-quality sound design; there is one knocking noise in the background at times which was atmospheric and fun.”
“Short but sweet with a great atmospheric and eerie art design. Looking forward to more terrifying horror experiences from the devs, 838s Maniacs, with a similar 3D art style.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The story is generally considered straightforward and easy to follow, with a blend of realistic graphics and the developer's signature horror elements. Players noted that the narrative culminates in impactful ending scenes that enhance the experience, particularly in permadeath scenarios. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a solid aspect of the game.
“This game marks 838smaniacs' leap into more realistic graphics while maintaining their signature storytelling and horrific imagery.”
“After finishing the first playthrough, the story elements, especially the ending scenes, make an attempt at a permadeath playthrough inevitable.”
“It's alright; the story was fine and easy to follow, but the gameplay was just okay.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its significant stability issues, with one user reporting it was so buggy that they opted for an immediate refund.
“This game was so buggy that I immediately refunded it.”
“The constant crashes made it unplayable.”
“I experienced frequent lag and glitches that ruined the experience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express that the emotional experience of the game is negatively impacted by features like the head bob option, which induces discomfort, and poorly designed dark areas that hinder gameplay and immersion.
