CRUELTY
- June 17, 2024
- 838sManiacs
"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 superb atmosphere that enhances the horror experience with effective jump scares.
- It offers a unique blend of gore and horror, with engaging environmental puzzles and a solid balance in gameplay difficulty.
- Despite its short length, the game provides excellent value and is highly recommended for fans of the genre, showcasing the developer's growth and potential for future titles.
- The game suffers from various bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including game-breaking issues that may require reloading.
- The third-person camera perspective is awkward and can hinder the player's ability to navigate and appreciate the game's visuals.
- Some players found the story to be limited and not very engaging, with certain gameplay mechanics feeling underdeveloped or frustrating.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally considered balanced, offering a moderate challenge that is neither too difficult nor too easy. However, some players noted issues with controls and frame drops that can hinder the experience, as well as a poorly implemented hiding mechanic. Overall, while the gameplay is acceptable, it may require some effort to optimize for a smoother experience.
“+ the gameplay was balanced, not too hard or too easy.”
“The gameplay isn't too difficult.”
“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 hiding mechanic is a bit wonky and seemingly useless except for the first tutorial of it.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their realism and atmospheric design, contributing to effective jump scares and a haunting experience. Players appreciate the high-quality visuals, particularly in the context of horror, with a focus on eerie art and graphic violence. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a standout feature in 838smaniacs' portfolio, setting a strong foundation for future titles.
“The graphics and atmosphere make for some lovely jump scares.”
“This game marks 838smaniacs' leap into more realistic graphics while maintaining their signature storytelling and horrific imagery.”
“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.”
“This game marks 838s Maniacs' leap into more realistic graphics while maintaining their signature storytelling and horrific imagery.”
“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.”
“[b]tw:[/b] excessive amount of body gore, blood, graphic physical violence (no sexual violence)”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its superb graphics and sound design, creating an eerie and immersive experience reminiscent of horror classics like "Saw" and "Silent Hill." Players appreciate the effective use of jump scares and the tension built through gory scenes and atmospheric art, making it a compelling horror experience.
“The graphics and atmosphere make for some lovely jump scares.”
“The atmosphere in this game is superb; it's like Saw mixed with Silent Hill.”
“Short but sweet with a great atmospheric and eerie art design, looking forward to more terrifying horror experiences from the devs.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story is generally considered fine and easy to follow, with some players appreciating its engaging elements and horrific imagery, while others find it limited and wanting more depth. Overall, it serves as a solid foundation for the gameplay, though opinions vary on its engagement level and narrative richness.
“This game marks 838smaniacs' leap into more realistic graphics while maintaining their signature storytelling and horrific imagery.”
“Story was great, but I wanted more of it.”
“The story is limited and not very engaging.”
“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 certain gameplay features, like the head bob option, can induce discomfort, while overly dark areas hinder emotional engagement by making it difficult to navigate and connect with the game's objectives.
- music1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The chase music in the game is noted for its intensity, effectively heightening the sense of urgency and alerting players when they are being pursued.
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is carefully crafted, making every moment feel immersive and engaging.”
“The chase music is intense and lets you know when you're being followed.”
“The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The music doesn't match the game's atmosphere, which detracts from the overall experience.”