Forest Ranger Services: Episode 1

71%
Game Brain Score Based on 42 reviews
  • story
  • atmosphere
  • gameplay
Forest Ranger Services: Episode 1 Game Cover
Starting at $1.99Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store

In "Forest Ranger Services: Episode 1," players begin the series as the main character, exploring atmospheric locations and examining surroundings to uncover clues and lore related to missing hikers and UFOs. The non-linear story is influenced by real-life events and features a podcast-style radio show to further immerse players in the mystery.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

71%
Audience ScoreBased on 42 reviews
story5 positive mentions
gameplay2 negative mentions
  • The game features a great horror story with a mix of mystery and comedy, reminiscent of shows like Twin Peaks and The X-Files.
  • The atmosphere is immersive and creepy, enhanced by effective sound design and a unique art style that adds to the tension.
  • Despite its short length, the game successfully builds interest in the overarching narrative, leaving players eager for future episodes.
  • The ending feels abrupt and lacks a clear conclusion, leaving players with more questions than answers.
  • Gameplay primarily consists of long driving segments and walking, which some players found boring and lacking in interactivity.
  • The AI voice acting and occasional bugs detract from the overall experience, with some players feeling the game was more of a setup for future content than a complete story.
  • story17 mentions

    The story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it engaging and intriguing, while others felt it was underdeveloped or confusing. Many appreciate the horror elements and the potential for future episodes to expand on the narrative, though some criticized it for being too short or lacking interactivity. Overall, there is a sense of personal investment in the story, despite its current limitations.

    • “But this is also the story set-up for whatever future episodes release, and I think it does a good job of giving you, the player, a feeling of some personal investment in the story.”
    • “The setting, atmosphere, and vibe are very good; the story seems interesting, and I hope it will be slowly unraveled in the next episodes.”
    • “The story was more than I had expected it to be going in, and I can't wait for the next episodes.”
    • “I didn't really get the story or whatever was happening, but I had fun.”
    • “Looked like an asset flip with a story generated by ChatGPT.”
    • “Really short and not so interactive; I wish it was a little bit chaotic and I was missing the story, which is the leading part in these types of games.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, featuring a well-crafted setting that enhances the storytelling and tension. Reviewers appreciate the balance of scares without over-reliance on jumpscares, complemented by effective audio design and a distinctive art style that contribute to a creepy vibe. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a strong point, generating interest in future episodes.

    • “The setting, atmosphere, and vibe are very good; the story seems interesting, and I hope it will be slowly unraveled in the next episodes.”
    • “The scares were pretty decent, the atmosphere was really good, and the environments were better than what I'd expect from a €1.99 game.”
    • “Has some good spooky atmosphere, nice tension, and doesn't really rely on absurd jumpscares too much.”
  • gameplay5 mentions

    The gameplay experience is characterized by exploration, particularly in wooded areas, but is marred by issues such as subpar driving mechanics and the absence of a save or checkpoint system. Overall, while the initial moments are engaging, these gameplay flaws detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “Let's hope it's a short one. That opinion persisted for the first 5-10 minutes of gameplay, which saw me wandering around the woods on some sort of dare.”
    • “My only complaint is the driving mechanics and a lack of a save/checkpoint mechanism.”
  • graphics5 mentions

    The graphics are characterized by a low poly, PSX-style presentation that some players find intentional and charming, enhancing the overall experience. Many reviewers appreciate the immersive atmosphere and unique art style, with recommendations to enable RTX settings for improved visuals. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's scary and engaging environment.

    • “The graphics aren't necessarily good, but I think they are very intentional in how everything is presented, and I actually kind of love this low poly, almost PSX style presentation.”
    • “Would highly recommend going into graphics settings at the start and turning RTX on.”
    • “Pretty immersive and a scary experience; I also love the art style.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a blend of lightheartedness and creepiness, providing players with a fun experience that elicits chuckles while also delivering unsettling moments.

    • “I feel like I got a fun experience that had me chuckling while also having some moments of being creeped out.”
    • “I thought it would be funny to buy everything available at said store.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Overall, optimization is generally well-received, with users noting good performance. While there are occasional FPS drops, particularly at the start, they are brief and not considered significant issues.

    • “In terms of performance, it's fine overall. I did have some FPS drops, but only in the beginning and for a few seconds—nothing worth complaining about.”
    • “In terms of performance, it's fine overall. I did have some FPS drops, but only in the beginning and for a few seconds; nothing worth complaining about.”
    • “The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to frequent frame rate drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
    • “Despite the interesting gameplay, the poor optimization makes it nearly unplayable at times, especially on lower-end systems.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Users generally feel that the game lacks significant replayability, with many stating that there is little incentive to play it again after the initial experience.

    • “I would say there really isn't any replay value.”
    • “The game feels like a one-and-done experience with no incentive to play again.”
    • “Once you've completed it, there's little reason to return.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Forest Ranger Services: Episode 1

Videos

Similar Games

Game News