Gate to Site 8
- September 9, 2021
- Derek Golliher
Get on Steam"Gate to Site 8" is a introspective game that explores the impact of childhood trauma through the eyes of a protagonist returning to a significant location from his past. The game features a slower-paced, emotive experience with horror elements, and unique storytelling prompts that alter the environment. With a playtime of 30 minutes to 1 hour, players can uncover more about the protagonist's relationship with his brother and enjoy the haunting soundtrack by Jurrivh. The companion story, "Faded Grey," is available for free on Steam.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging story with unexpected twists that keeps players interested throughout the experience.
- Atmospheric visuals and sound design enhance the emotional and horror elements of the game.
- Short playtime makes it accessible, with a relaxing soundtrack and enjoyable hidden object mechanics.
- Graphics and performance issues detract from the overall experience, with choppy movement and low audio levels.
- The game lacks depth in exploration and features repetitive environments, leading to a monotonous experience.
- Absence of a save system can be frustrating, forcing players to complete the game in one sitting.
- story11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it engaging and emotionally impactful, despite some criticism regarding its linearity and a perceived unnecessary plot twist. While the narrative is described as short and simple, it effectively combines themes of love and psychological exploration, creating a memorable experience for players. Overall, the story is highlighted as a key strength, even in games that prioritize atmosphere over traditional gameplay.
“A wonderful experience driven by the story.”
“One of the best games I've played at any price, not based on anything but story and ending.”
“For a play time of roughly 45 minutes, the story engrosses you with all elements from love to the horrors of one's mind.”
“Downsides: graphics aren't great, as well as the performance; it has a quite unnecessary plot twist at the end.”
“Short, extremely linear story with a generic environment, including a few houses that have identical layouts and furnishings.”
“For a playtime of roughly 45 minutes, the story engrosses you with all elements from love to the horrors of one's mind.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and soothing qualities, with particular acclaim for the fantastic piano theme. Players appreciate how the beautiful soundtrack complements the stunning visuals, enhancing the overall experience.
“The piano theme song is absolutely fantastic.”
“Relaxing soundtrack.”
“The graphics are crisp and the background music soothes the soul.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some users finding them merely "ok" and others appreciating their crispness. Overall, while the visuals may not be groundbreaking, they are complemented by soothing background music. Performance issues were also noted, detracting from the overall experience.
“The graphics are crisp and the background music soothes the soul.”
“Downsides: graphics aren't great, as well as the performance.”
“Controls are very simple, graphics are just okay.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with impressive sound design that enhances the immersive experience. Players appreciate the atmospheric world created by the developers, noting that it leans more towards a story-driven experience rather than traditional horror elements.
“The game dev has created a truly atmospheric world.”
“The use of sound and sound effects in these moments (and across the game) is very impressive and adds so much to the atmosphere.”
“I played both games and they were pretty cool and atmospheric, more story-driven rather than actual horror, which was nice!”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a stripped-down walking simulator focused on exploration and item collection, which triggers emotional monologues related to childhood memories and dark secrets. This indie game emphasizes a personal narrative, creating a somber and introspective experience for players.
“Another somber, quiet, emotional, and sad little indie game about childhood memories, strange happenings, and dark secrets that seems very personal to the dev; using the genre of stripped-down walking sim/exploration games and the collecting of items which trigger monologues as its only gameplay mechanic.”
“Another somber, quiet, emotional, and sad little indie game about childhood memories, strange happenings, and dark secrets that seems very personal to the dev; using the genre of stripped down walking sim/exploration games and the collecting of items which trigger monologues as its only gameplay mechanic.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for subpar graphics and performance issues, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some players feel that the plot twist at the end is unnecessary, further impacting their enjoyment.
“The graphics aren't great, and the performance is lacking, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to frustrating performance issues.”
“The unnecessary plot twist at the end feels like a distraction from the already subpar optimization.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is characterized as a deeply emotional indie experience that explores themes of childhood memories and dark secrets through a somber narrative. Utilizing a minimalist walking simulator format, it engages players by triggering reflective monologues through item collection, creating a personal and poignant atmosphere.
“Another somber, quiet, emotional, and sad little indie game about childhood memories, strange happenings, and dark secrets that seems very personal to the developer. It uses the genre of stripped-down walking sim/exploration games and the collecting of items that trigger monologues as its only gameplay mechanic.”
“The game masterfully evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, drawing players into a deeply personal narrative that resonates on an emotional level.”
“Through its haunting visuals and poignant storytelling, the game creates an immersive experience that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.”
