Haunted Investigation
- August 18, 2023
- Interactive Wave Studios
"Haunted Investigation" is a single-player or multiplayer horror game that takes place in an abandoned mansion filled with supernatural mysteries and terrifying encounters. Players must work together to uncover the mansion's dark secrets and solve puzzles, with the game's immersive and suspenseful atmosphere designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. But be prepared for a frightening experience, as the game contains a variety of scares that will elicit real-life fear. The game lasts for an average of 35-40 minutes.
Reviews
- The game features a great atmosphere with effective jump scares that genuinely frighten players.
- It's a fun and engaging experience, especially when played with friends, and offers multiple endings for replayability.
- For a solo developer's first game, it shows significant potential and is well worth the price.
- The game is very short, often completed in under an hour, leaving players wanting more content.
- Some players found the puzzles too easy and the gameplay lacking depth, leading to a feeling of repetitiveness.
- There are technical issues reported, such as lag and freezing, which detract from the overall experience.
- atmosphere22 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its creepiness and ability to evoke genuine fear, with many players noting that it enhances the overall horror experience. While the jump scares are effective, some players found them predictable, yet the immersive environment and tension kept them engaged and on edge throughout. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its success as a horror title.
“If you like a good atmospheric title and the looming fear of something that may or may not come out of nowhere and attack, then I do suggest this one.”
“I really love the atmosphere of the game; everything adds to the spookiness.”
“The scared and atmosphere got us.”
“This horror game delivers a heart-pounding experience with well-timed jumpscares, captivating storytelling, diverse endings, engaging puzzles, and an overall terrifying atmosphere.”
- story18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a mix of engaging and lackluster elements; while some players appreciate the creepy atmosphere and captivating storytelling with diverse endings, others find the narrative boring and the endings unmemorable. Many hope for future expansions that could provide a longer and more detailed story, as the current experience is relatively short, lasting about 40 minutes. Overall, the story's potential is recognized, but it leaves players wanting more depth and content.
“This horror game delivers a heart-pounding experience with well-timed jumpscares, captivating storytelling, diverse endings, engaging puzzles, and an overall terrifying atmosphere.”
“Hope to maybe see more maps or just a longer story in the future either by updates or a DLC, or just a whole new game from the devs since again the graphics style was fun to see.”
“The story is boring and the endings were unmemorable.”
“I would have loved to see more things to read to tell the full story in this game.”
“This game is a short and simple story that takes about 40 minutes to play.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around item collection, interspersed with occasional jumpscares, but is criticized for its lack of originality and depth. Players noted the absence of a death mechanic, which diminishes tension and engagement, leading to a more casual approach to gameplay. Overall, while some found it acceptable for the price, many felt it fell short in terms of excitement and challenge.
“Moreover, there was no death mechanic or punishing consequences, which can be both a relief and a way that made us more uncaring for getting caught.”
“Gameplay 8/10”
“Sure for the price it's okay, but overall not original, not that scary (unless you're a baby), dumb endings, and overall poor gameplay.”
“Moreover, there was no death mechanic or punishing consequences, which can be both a relief and a reason that made us more uncaring about getting caught.”
“Gameplay consists of finding items, with a few jumpscares thrown in.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been described as reminiscent of 2007, with a unique style that some players found enjoyable. However, there are calls for improvements, particularly in specific areas like fence visuals and character utility. Overall, while the graphics have a distinct charm, they could benefit from updates to enhance the overall experience.
“Haunted investigation has a unique graphics look and feel to the game.”
“Hope to maybe see more maps or just a longer story in the future either by updates or a DLC, or just a whole new game from the devs since again the graphics style was fun to see.”
“Visuals look like they are from 2007.”
“I think the graphics next to the fences at the beginning should be a bit improved.”
“The women that appears after you go upstairs should have a utility.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, highlighted by multiple endings that encourage players to revisit the experience. Overall, users find the replay value to be significantly high.
“The replay value is off the charts!”
“Plus multiple endings, so there is significant replay value.”
“The replay value is off the charts!”
“There are multiple endings, so there is some replay value.”
“The game offers multiple endings, which adds a bit of replay value.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users experiencing stuttering when moving the mouse, although they believe this issue can likely be resolved through in-game settings.
“The only issue I had was some stuttering when moving the mouse, but that can probably be fixed in the options.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been noted as an area for improvement, with players suggesting it could be more tense to enhance the horror experience. While the game successfully delivers jump scares, the music's impact diminishes upon repeated playthroughs, indicating a need for more variety and intensity to maintain suspense. Overall, the music contributes to the game's atmosphere but requires further development to elevate the horror elements.
“The music in the game lacks tension and fails to enhance the horror experience, which is a missed opportunity for creating a more immersive atmosphere.”
“While the game has potential, the music does not contribute effectively to the overall tension, making the horror elements feel less impactful.”
“The soundtrack could use significant improvement; it doesn't evoke the necessary emotions to elevate the gameplay experience.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, particularly noting feelings of discomfort and fear that enhance the overall experience. The presence of unsettling elements, such as whispering children and mysterious noises, effectively contributes to a thrilling atmosphere.
“Had a blast playing this; the little kids whispering in my ear and knocking on the walls genuinely made me feel uncomfortable in a good, scary way.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability remains a significant issue, with players reporting persistent screen freezes even after multiple patches and bug fixes. This ongoing problem continues to hinder the overall gameplay experience.
“Despite multiple patches and bug fixes since my last attempt at playing this in May, the game still locks up (screen freezes) after the opening sequence/text.”
“Despite multiple patches and bug fixes since my last attempt at playing this in May, the game still locks up (screen freezes) after the opening sequence/text.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic commitment akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”