Despair: Blood Curse
- January 10, 2024
- Crimson Sequence
Get on Steam"Despair: Blood Curse" is a third-person survival horror game with non-linear gameplay and puzzles. As Anna, players investigate their mother's suspicious death, facing enemies with the axegun. Limited inventory space and a location-based damage system add to the challenge, while exploring the mansion and uncovering mysteries drive the narrative.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game features impressive graphics and a well-designed atmosphere that captures the essence of classic survival horror games.
- Combat mechanics are straightforward and effective, with a decent variety of weapons, particularly the unique axegun.
- The story, while simple, is engaging and well-presented through notes found throughout the game, adding depth to the experience.
- The game is very short, lasting only about 2 hours, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Inventory management is cumbersome, with limited slots that can hinder gameplay and lead to tedious backtracking.
- Enemy design and AI are repetitive, lacking variety in attack patterns and making combat feel monotonous.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
Gameplay is generally criticized for being stiff and basic, with repetitive enemy designs and attack patterns that detract from the experience. While some players appreciate the smooth mechanics and accessible aiming, many feel the combat lacks depth and variety, particularly in boss encounters. Overall, the game is seen as short and in need of significant improvements to enhance its gameplay experience.
“Very smooth gameplay with this one.”
“Also, you won't have to worry about running out of bullets or healing bandages for the most part, which actually makes gameplay easier and allows you to focus on action instead of resources.”
“Combat is very standard, with melee and firearms, but it works. I love the 'gunaxe' and while I would've appreciated a dodge mechanic, I can't complain at this price point.”
“Gameplay feels very stiff.”
“The gameplay and combat are very basic, the game is very short, and while I played on the hard difficulty which made ammo very limited, the bosses were bland. While it looks nice, the gameplay could definitely use work.”
“While some things can be forgiven in indie games, here the gameplay was evidently very flawed in many places.”
- story15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story is generally well-written and intriguing, with a unique approach of conveying narrative through notes rather than traditional cutscenes or voice acting. While some players appreciated the plot twist at the end and found the story enjoyable, others noted its brevity and superficial presentation, suggesting a desire for more depth and content expansion. Overall, the narrative has potential but feels underdeveloped, leaving players wanting more.
“I did like the inclusion of the notes found throughout the manor and how they revealed more bits of the story.”
“The story is well written and interesting.”
“I do have to say, the plot twist at the very end of the game made the playthrough worth it for me in the end!”
“The story has potential but is very short.”
“The story is told through notes, with no voice acting or cutscenes.”
“I'd love to see the developer add a DLC or perhaps a free content add-on that expands on the dramatic ending and adds more to the story we've discovered in all of the notes.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their impressive quality, effectively capturing a retro horror atmosphere with rich colors, detailed textures, and well-executed lighting. Many reviewers highlight the polished visuals and immersive environments, noting that they enhance the overall experience despite some criticisms regarding the game's length. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, especially for an indie title.
“The lighting work was well done throughout the game, textures were well rendered, and the overall eerie feeling it gave me; I have no issues with a majority of the visuals in the game.”
“The graphics of the game are really impressive; the ambience and space are rich and detailed, from the simple food on the table to the clothes of our protagonist, which further enriches the overall impression of the game.”
“Graphics and environments are amazing, giving a nice atmosphere.”
“Graphics are pretty decent for Unity.”
“The graphics and atmosphere capture the retro horror vibes very well.”
“From the rich jeweled tones and textured walls to the rich dark hardwood floors and ornate furniture that really complemented the set visuals.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some users find it lacking in variety, others appreciate its fitting nature and ability to enhance the survival horror atmosphere. The soundtrack is noted for its polished tension and drama, effectively contributing to the game's creepiness, despite being somewhat short. Overall, it is considered decent but could benefit from more tracks.
“The music and atmosphere create a true survival horror experience.”
“Though a bit too short, it's a pretty fun game with nice polished graphics and insanely well done tension and drama music that play perfectly at the right moments.”
“Ambient music and sound effects further enhance the feeling of creepiness, confirming that it is indeed a horror game.”
“The music is a little lacking.”
“Not too many music tracks, but what was there was fitting.”
“Soundtrack: 6/10”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for effectively capturing retro horror vibes, with solid graphics and environments that enhance tension and fear. The music complements the overall experience, contributing to a true survival horror ambiance that immerses players in a chilling setting.
“Graphics and environments are amazing, giving a nice atmosphere.”
“In the mansion where the action takes place, it is clear that something is wrong, and the game successfully creates an atmosphere of tension and fear.”
“The music and atmosphere create a true survival horror experience.”
“Plays well and the atmosphere was pretty solid, providing you with enough tension.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is generally rated positively, with a performance score of 7/10. While the bosses are noted to be interesting, they lack challenge, suggesting that while the game's performance is solid, the gameplay experience could be enhanced.
“Performance is good.”
“The bosses are interesting, but their performance leaves much to be desired; in other words, they do not bring any challenge.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character design of Anna is praised for its stunning visual elements, particularly her sharp blue eyes, fair skin, and striking blood red hair; however, some users wish for more dynamic movement in her animations during gameplay.
“The character design of Anna was stunning; her sharp blue eyes contrasted beautifully with her fair skin and blood-red hair, which I wish moved more when she was running and moving around.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often involving excessive back-and-forth traveling that detracts from the overall experience.
“The grinding involves a tedious amount of back-and-forth traveling.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it feel like a chore rather than a fun activity.”
“I found the grinding to be excessively time-consuming and not rewarding enough.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is primarily driven by its animations, which users find to be exceptionally funny and entertaining.
“The animations are just hilarious.”
“The witty dialogue had me laughing out loud.”
“The game's humor is perfectly timed and keeps the experience light-hearted.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players feel that the game's replayability is limited, making the cost per hour of gameplay seem high; however, some still find value in the experience despite this drawback.
“Paying $3 to $4 per hour for a game with very little replay value is kind of steep, but it was worth it to me.”
