Ergastulum
- November 5, 2020
- K Monkey
Get on Steam"Ergastulum is a frightening first-person adventure game that blends Asian and Western folklore to create a unique horror experience. Players must navigate between Hell and Earth in procedurally-generated maps, while battling over 20 unique creatures and struggling with sanity-altering effects. This intense game tests players' faith and courage as they search for answers in an underground slaveholding building."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game creates a genuinely terrifying atmosphere with effective jump scares and intense moments.
- Players appreciate the unique blend of horror and puzzle elements, making for a chaotic and engaging experience.
- Despite being in early access, the game shows promise with its intriguing story and mechanics, leaving players looking forward to future updates.
- The game has been criticized for being buggy, with issues like poor frame rates and clunky controls.
- Many players feel the game has been abandoned, with no updates since its initial release, leading to disappointment.
- The mechanics can be confusing and poorly explained, making it difficult for players to understand how to progress effectively.
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its tension and discomfort, effectively pushing players out of their initial safe space. The sound design enhances the experience, contributing to a seamless blend of haunted house and dungeon elements, resulting in a unique and immersive environment filled with both familiar and new threats. Overall, the game successfully creates a captivating and intense atmosphere that keeps players engaged.
“The devs really know how to build a tense atmosphere and create uncomfortable situations that force the player to leave the initial room you start in.”
“Very atmospheric and the sound design does a good job of keeping you on your toes.”
“It blends two different atmospheres together incredibly well, creating one of the most unique games I've played in a long while.”
“I know dungeons is in the title, but then, why start in a haunted house with a very ghost-like atmosphere that promises something else?”
“Atmosphere in the house is okay, and some of the things you can read here and there in books feel promising.”
“It's an intense atmosphere, and the real-world to nightmare transfer is epic; the monsters are amazing and new to the game, as well as our old friend Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary!”
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered good, with improvements noted in comparison to previous iterations, though some users find the visuals repetitive. While the game does not require high-end hardware, it successfully delivers a deeper story and effective scares that enhance the overall experience. However, there are criticisms regarding incongruous sound effects and the lack of an exit and save function.
“It has a deeper story, improved graphics, terrifying scares, and moments that make your hand leave your keyboard entirely.”
“No exit and save function, but overall good graphics and story.”
“Also, the visuals are repetitive and the sound effects are often incongruous.”
“You don't need a big graphic card to play it.”
“Ok visuals.”
- story4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its depth and intensity, creating a sense of helplessness that heightens the stakes of decision-making as players navigate a terrifying environment with limited resources. The narrative effectively engages players in their quest to find souls, despite the absence of an exit and save function. Overall, the combination of improved graphics and a compelling storyline enhances the gaming experience.
“It has a deeper story, improved graphics, terrifying scares, and moments that make your hand leave your keyboard entirely.”
“No exit and save function, but overall good graphics and story.”
“The idea of being helpless with only a crucifix and a candle to light your way makes most decisions vastly important in your quest to find souls and advance the story.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by clunky controls and a lack of clear explanations for many mechanics, which can lead to confusion. However, the unpredictability and frequent scares contribute to a chaotic yet enjoyable experience.
“You get spooked and then you get spooked again; this mixed with the new mechanics and unpredictability makes for a chaotic and fun experience.”
“The controls are clunky, and many mechanics aren't explained.”
“You get spooked and then you get spooked again; this, mixed with the new mechanics and unpredictability, makes for a chaotic and fun experience.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a blend of dark and unsettling, combining elements of terror with comedic undertones, particularly through the portrayal of demonic children who find joy in their menacing actions. This juxtaposition creates a unique and eerie atmosphere that elicits both laughter and fear.
“It was both kind of humorous and terrifying.”
“Demonic children shall slice and dice in freeze time motion, unnatural while laughing in diabolical glee in your torment.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has been reported to have significant stability issues, with users experiencing frequent bugs and poor frame rates.
“The game is very buggy, and the FPS performance is poor.”
“Frequent crashes make it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and instability during gameplay.”
