Downward Spiral: Prologue

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 76 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
Downward Spiral: Prologue Game Cover
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"Downward Spiral: Prologue" is a single-player, story-driven psychological horror game. The player explores an abandoned spaceship as they uncover a narrative centered around trauma, guilt, and redemption. Gameplay involves solving puzzles and combat, with a focus on exploration and discovery.

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Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 76 reviews
atmosphere7 positive mentions
  • The game offers a unique zero-gravity movement mechanic that feels intuitive and immersive.
  • Visually appealing with good graphics and atmospheric sound design, making it a pleasant experience.
  • At its low price point, it serves as a fun and short introduction to VR gaming, especially for newcomers.
  • The gameplay is extremely short, typically lasting only 15-20 minutes, leaving players wanting more content.
  • Lacks a substantial narrative or depth, making it feel more like a demo than a complete game.
  • Some players experienced issues with movement controls and found the overall gameplay simplistic and lacking in challenge.
  • story19 mentions

    The game's story is generally perceived as minimal and underdeveloped, with many reviewers noting its brevity and lack of exposition. While some players appreciate the atmospheric environments and gameplay mechanics, they express disappointment over the short narrative experience, suggesting it feels more like a teaser than a complete story. Overall, the story mode is described as enjoyable but lacking depth, leaving players wanting more.

    • “I expected some decent VR space game and got a great atmospheric short story with very good gameplay and a strong sense of space.”
    • “I can't wait for the story to continue.”
    • “The story mode is short, but the game environments are beautiful.”
    • “I wish there was a 'neutral' review option; because while this demo looks and plays alright enough, it ultimately feels like it should 100% be a free teaser for the full game instead of being sold for a price for what is a 15-20 minute demo with zero exposition - so you don't know what's the setting/story you're getting into at all.”
    • “There isn't really anything in the way of story here.”
    • “There seems to be a lack of story.”
  • gameplay11 mentions

    Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some players enjoying unique mechanics like grab-and-push movement and zero-gravity multiplayer deathmatches, while others criticize the limited content and simplistic design. Many express disappointment over the short playtime, with some games offering only 20-30 minutes of gameplay, leaving players wanting more. Overall, while the atmosphere and certain mechanics are praised, the lack of depth and narrative detracts from the overall experience.

    • “The grab-and-push movement mechanics are somewhat unique and pretty intuitive (but might trigger slight motion sickness if you're sensitive to it, I'm not).”
    • “I expected some decent VR space game and got a great atmospheric short story with very good gameplay and space feeling.”
    • “The zero-g mechanic creates a whole new style of multiplayer deathmatch and I think it's amazing and really well suited for VR.”
    • “Bad graphics, simple gameplay, non-existent narrative.”
    • “I bought this for the zero-g mechanic and to experience the Earth from a space station, but it's been severely watered down (there is no transfer of kinetic energy to angular velocity when you touch something - you just stop!) and they have annoying flaps on each side (helmet I suppose) which restrict peripheral vision.”
    • “But here is the biggest negative, it's only 20 minutes of gameplay. Come on guys, I want more, give me more.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, featuring slick visuals, atmospheric lighting, and sound design that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a compelling environment, even in a short format, suggesting it has strong potential for a larger, more expansive experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating and integral to the game's appeal.

    • “It's slick, dripping with atmosphere, incredibly immersive and shows real promise for a full game experience.”
    • “I expected some decent VR space game and got a great atmospheric short story with very good gameplay and a strong sense of space.”
    • “The game has a great atmosphere and has a lot of potential.”
    • “The game fails to create a truly immersive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the environment.”
    • “Despite the intriguing setting, the atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to engage players.”
    • “The overall ambiance is underwhelming, making it hard to feel invested in the game's world.”
  • graphics7 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some users praising the high-quality visuals and 80's inspired designs, while others criticize them as subpar and simplistic. Overall, the game features decent to impressive graphics, particularly in zero gravity environments, but opinions vary on their impact on gameplay experience.

    • “Cool zero gravity simulator, very nice graphics, sort of 80's inspired enemies to shoot.”
    • “The graphics are amazing.”
    • “High graphics.”
    • “Bad graphics, simple gameplay, non-existent narrative.”
    • “Better graphics, but the lack of freedom in movement does not compare to the zero-g experience in Downward Spiral.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is often seen as subjective, with some players finding comparisons to other titles, like Lone Echo, to be absurd or amusingly misguided.

    • “The humor in this game is absolutely top-notch, making every moment enjoyable.”
    • “I love how the game incorporates witty dialogue and hilarious situations that keep me laughing.”
    • “The comedic timing in the game is perfect, adding a delightful twist to the gameplay.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Users express a desire for a more immersive and realistic zero-gravity experience, highlighting that the current options may limit emotional engagement by preventing players from fully experiencing the disorientation and thrill of floating in space. They advocate for a mode that allows for natural movement and rotation, enhancing the emotional impact of the gameplay.

  • music1 mentions

    Players appreciate the minimalistic music featured in the game, noting that it enhances the overall experience without being overwhelming.

    • “I love the minimal music you sometimes hear.”
    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The variety of music styles keeps each session fresh and engaging.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Players highlight the strong replayability of the game, particularly praising the deathmatch mode for its engaging content that justifies its price.

    • “Having played the deathmatch now, I can seriously say this is a fantastic game, and a very justified price considering the content and replayability of the deathmatch.”
    • “The variety of game modes and the dynamic environments make each playthrough feel fresh and exciting, encouraging me to come back for more.”
    • “With multiple character choices and branching storylines, every playthrough offers a unique experience that keeps me engaged.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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