Eldritch

The gameplay of this first-person cosmic horror roguelite is characterized by its blend of simple mechanics and creative freedom, allowing for a satisfying and engaging experience. While the procedural generation and permadeath elements enhance replayability, some players find the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks depth over time. Overall, it offers a fun mix of stealth, exploration, and combat, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its simplistic design and occasional frustrations with level layouts.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its effective blend of cosmic horror and Lovecraftian themes, creating a sense of dread and tension that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the haunting sound design, minimalist visuals, and quirky enemy designs that contribute to an immersive and eerie environment. Despite some criticisms regarding simplicity and repetitiveness, the overall consensus is that the atmosphere is a standout feature that captivates and engages players throughout their adventures.

The game's story is often described as minimal and somewhat lackluster, with many reviewers noting its reliance on Lovecraftian themes and atmosphere rather than a deep narrative. While some players appreciate the intriguing elements and the way the gameplay allows for personal storytelling, others find the plot to be simplistic and underdeveloped, serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay experience. Overall, the story is seen as a mixed bag, with potential that is not fully realized.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many praising its randomly generated levels and dungeons that offer significant replay value, particularly for speedrunners and achievement hunters. However, some players feel that once the game is completed, it lacks enough variety and depth to encourage multiple playthroughs, leading to a perception of limited replayability despite its roguelike nature. Overall, while many find it highly replayable, others express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of new experiences in subsequent runs.

The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and creepy qualities, effectively enhancing the Lovecraftian horror experience. Many players appreciate the ambient soundtrack, which creates a sense of tension and immersion, although some note a desire for more varied music throughout the gameplay. Overall, the sound design, including both music and sound effects, is considered a strong point that contributes significantly to the game's unique atmosphere.

The humor in the game is described as a blend of eerie and comedic elements, providing moments of levity amidst its Lovecraftian horror. Players appreciate the funny voicework and quirky interactions with creatures, which add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise tense atmosphere. While the game is primarily a horror experience, it successfully incorporates humor that enhances the overall enjoyment, making it both creepy and entertaining.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it can be enjoyable in short bursts, it often becomes tedious and repetitive over time, especially due to confusing map generation and reliance on RNG. Many reviewers note that the grinding for supplies and powers can feel excessive, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.

Overall, the game demonstrates good stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, though users have noted occasional bugs and glitches, particularly with specific elements like the lizard statue. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience remains enjoyable.

Players express a mix of enjoyment and emotional engagement with the game, highlighting its familiar mechanics and Lovecraftian themes that evoke feelings of nostalgia and tension. The stealth elements and unique opponents contribute to a sense of immersion, though some players acknowledge the emotional weight of the experience may require a more mature mindset to fully appreciate.