Ghost Exile
- January 7, 2022
- LostOneTeam
- 3h median play time
"Ghost Exile" is a 1-4 player cooperative game set in a future where ghosts and demons threaten humanity. Players must assist the military in exorcising these entities, determining their type before performing the exorcism. Each player has a role to suit their skills, such as installing equipment or capturing evidence. The goal is to protect civilians and rid the world of supernatural threats.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique twist on the ghost hunting genre by allowing players to exorcise ghosts after identifying them.
- The jump scares and overall atmosphere are significantly scarier than similar games, keeping players on edge.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and actively work on updates and improvements.
- The voice recognition system is often unreliable, making it difficult to perform exorcisms and gather evidence.
- There is a lack of a tutorial, leaving new players confused about game mechanics and objectives.
- The game can be buggy, with issues such as items not appearing, doors being difficult to open, and occasional crashes.
- gameplay121 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Ghost Exile" is generally praised for its fun mechanics and engaging blend of investigation and exorcism elements, drawing comparisons to "Phasmophobia" while introducing unique features like the exile mechanics and various ghost behaviors. However, players have noted issues with a lack of tutorials, inconsistent multiplayer experiences, and some bugs that detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, many find the game enjoyable and believe it has strong potential for future development.
“In terms of gameplay, Ghost Exile is the best game in this genre.”
“There are a wide range of maps and mechanics to learn, which is part of what makes it fun.”
“The gameplay is fun, the style of exorcism is unique, and I enjoy the way they've done the favorite objects.”
“Concept is great but everything could use some work, especially the tutorial because I still couldn't figure out how a lot of the mechanics work.”
“Good game but the bugs are nuts and the game mechanics are poor.”
“Some of the game mechanics are just broken, like ritual conditions which add additional requirements to the exile ritual, most of which just fail to update.”
- story56 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's community is eagerly anticipating the addition of a story mode, which is expected to introduce lore and a narrative element to the gameplay, a first for a multiplayer ghost-hunting experience. While players express excitement about the potential for a more immersive storyline, they also highlight ongoing bugs and issues that need addressing before the full release. Overall, the promise of a story mode has generated significant interest, with many players hopeful for future updates that will enhance the game's depth and engagement.
“Imagine this: you and up to three pals, armed to the teeth with what can only be described as the Ghostbusters' starter kit from hell, embark on a noble quest to rid the world of spirits less friendly than Casper.”
“You can walk around the starting compound before setting up a job and find a glowing red area that states 'story mode coming soon - 69% complete'. This is going to be interesting, to have a backstory and some type of lore to why you're doing this, which is something I've always said was missing from similar games.”
“Worried about the devs over promising, they hinted at a story mode before and many things are 'in development' - but there is a progression mechanic currently that lets you save up money to add one section onto your base.”
“K...let's see where to begin...as the game sits right now...it has a lot of issues that need to be fixed...for example...it is very difficult to determine some ghosts because you just don't or can't get the equipment needed....also you cannot exile the ghost until you have the money and the level to unlock the equipment....on top of that....you seem to always get at least $30...even if you did absolutely nothing...my friend's game glitched and she couldn't see the house...so before we even got into the house...we decided to 'complete' the mission...and got 30 dollars...this game does have a lot of potential so I will recommend it if most of the issues are fixed...as of right now...in its current state...I just cannot.”
“An extra bonus for this game is the developer's commitment to implementing an actual story mode into the game, which would introduce game-specific lore.”
- graphics40 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the detail and atmosphere, particularly in comparison to similar titles like Phasmophobia. However, some users report issues with lag and bugs, suggesting that while the visuals are solid, there is room for improvement and optimization. The game's aesthetic is generally appreciated, but a few players noted cheesy elements that could benefit from refinement.
“There's already so many levels to play on, and the graphics are phenomenal.”
“Its also more difficult than Phasmophobia and has a much more creepy intense atmosphere; the graphics are very good too, especially for an indie game.”
“The graphics are solid, and I haven't experienced any bugs as of yet.”
“Great game at the start before updates, but now no matter how low my graphics settings are, the game keeps lagging. I don't know why; I've tried everything, so hopefully they fix this soon.”
“The graphics are just okay, and there are a lot of cheesy aesthetics that could be easily remedied.”
“The game is a little clunky and lags from time to time, even on the lowest graphics settings.”
- atmosphere35 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its intensity, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of jump scares, immersive sound design, and high-quality graphics that contribute to a genuinely creepy experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a spooky ambiance that enhances gameplay, making it feel more engaging and terrifying compared to similar titles like Phasmophobia. However, some users noted occasional immersion-breaking moments, such as repetitive ghost encounters, which detracted from the overall experience.
“The game looks good, plays well, has a good atmosphere (especially when the ghost has caused chaos in every room possible).”
“Its also more difficult than Phasmophobia and has a much creepier, intense atmosphere. The graphics are very good too, especially for an indie game. The sound effects and the occasional jump scares are amazing because they catch you off guard as they are completely randomized, adding to the game's spooky style.”
“With a great spooky atmosphere (even jumpscares that keep you on your toes) and awesome ambiance.”
“Without giving too many spoilers, one in particular (involving a ghost gang surrounding the player), while initially having a good effect, it happens so often and out of place with the rest of the atmosphere that it just becomes a very cheap annoyance that breaks the overall immersion.”
“Don't get me wrong, the game is great, but I'm VR-spoiled... though it has a creepy atmosphere and lots of jumpscares, I can't get that eerie feeling... that tension...”
“Never once got scared, the atmosphere is lacking and just lacks that 'scare' factor.”
- stability33 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is currently experiencing significant stability issues, with numerous bugs and glitches reported by players, particularly in multiplayer scenarios and during evidence collection. While many users acknowledge that such problems are typical for early access titles, the frequency and severity of crashes and freezes have led to frustration. Overall, while the game shows potential and is enjoyable, it requires substantial updates to improve its stability and polish.
“The code is right, we are in the same region, but the second a second person tries to join the lobby the loading freezes/crashes and we have to force quit the game.”
“I have been trying for half an hour to get in and it constantly crashes or freezes my computer so badly I have to shut it off and restart it.”
“Nothing in this game works right, it's buggy as all hell, so often times evidence collection just straight up doesn't work either because the voice recognition fails, the evidence fails to show up or the item used to gather the evidence with just becomes invisible.”
- grinding17 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, often detracting from the core gameplay loop of identifying and exorcising ghosts. While the main mechanics are engaging, the repetitive tasks, such as searching for items and performing exorcisms, can feel like unnecessary filler that disrupts the flow of the game. Overall, the grinding is seen as a lackluster execution of interesting concepts, leading to a mixed reception among users.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“This turns the game from its original loop of identifying the ghost to exorcising it into grinding all the ghost types and recording them in your notebook before you reach the main core loop.”
“It's just a collection of ideas that weren't fully thought out, which leads to some very frustrating and tedious experiences.”
“The voice recognition works when it wants to, which makes trying to figure out a ghost extremely tedious.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews; while some players note significant stability improvements and smooth performance on mid-tier rigs, others highlight ongoing issues such as bugs, long loading times, and subpar character models. Overall, it shows promise but requires further polishing, especially in areas like host management and rendering. Players recommend waiting for additional updates to enhance the experience.
“In terms of optimization, it's already really good (drawing comparison to Phasmophobia's levels and assets).”
“And the optimization updates they have done lately have improved the stability of the game and it can only get better from here.”
“#5 - very stable experience even with mid-tier rigs (currently using a 27" late 2015 iMac and it runs smoothly in Windows Bootcamp).”
“However, the game is poorly optimized and has various bugs.”
“This game isn't optimized too well just yet.”
“Not optimized at all.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its blend of jump scares and comedic moments, particularly when played with friends, leading to shared laughter and unexpected reactions. Players appreciate the game's tongue-in-cheek humor and the hilarity that arises from its voice mechanics and chaotic gameplay, making it a fun experience even amidst the scares. Overall, the combination of fear and laughter creates a unique and entertaining atmosphere, especially in multiplayer settings.
“Ghost Exile is a whirlwind of a game that promises not just a good scare but a good laugh too, with its blend of intricate gameplay and tongue-in-cheek humor.”
“The jump scares had me screaming and then laughing because they got me so good.”
“For a game that heavily relies on voice mechanics for exorcisms, it sure finds new and interesting ways to completely mess this up, sometimes so badly that it's just hilarious.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall experience with a blend of familiar and unique elements. Players particularly highlight the sound effects and the impactful music during key moments, such as the end of rituals, as standout features that contribute to their enjoyment.
“Some cool mechanics, good graphics, atmospheric sound, and music all lend to a familiar yet new and unique experience for those of us who have played similar games.”
“I like the sound effects and music it has.”
“The music at the end of the ritual and living is the reason why I bought this game.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the game is heightened by the ghost's unpredictable and immersive behavior, creating a sense of pervasive dread throughout the entire property rather than just isolated incidents. This dynamic interaction evokes strong feelings, leading players to experience moments of fear and even tears, as the atmosphere feels alive and deeply unsettling.
“I cried.”
“It could be touching everything and produce nothing, but then you'll just be walking in the middle of a hall/room and suddenly have the EMF go off with nothing around or anything happening.”
“The ghost doesn't hang around in one room the majority of the time; it is all over the place, interacting with everything it can. One moment it's upstairs fighting you to keep a light off, then it's downstairs in seconds throwing anything and everything around, touching the car, then back upstairs to bang on walls and slam a door shut in your face. Brilliant, it feels like the whole property has a problem, not just a few confined rooms.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is criticized as a cash grab, with users expressing frustration over a lack of updates and development despite its potential. While there is some streaming activity, overall advertising for the game is minimal.
“Seriously, always potential but the development is just bull$hit promises... I've had this game for a while, no updates, no game growth, just a cash grab on Steam.”
“The monetization model feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“It seems like the developers are more focused on making money than actually improving the game.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players note that the addition of exorcism elements enhances the game's atmosphere and significantly boosts its replayability, making it feel more engaging and smoother to play.
“The added exorcism enhances the atmosphere and significantly increases the game's replayability.”
“The game is much more playable now and runs a lot smoother.”