HOST
- July 1, 2018
- Garrett Fuselier
Get on Steam"HOST" is a virtual reality game set in an alien realm, where players must use their senses and intuition to survive and solve puzzles. The game features no UI, voice over, or buttons, and instead relies on experiential-based gameplay with visuals and audio that react to the player's actions. As players descend level by level, they uncover the mystery of the "host" and their connection to this strange environment.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an immersive atmosphere with unique visuals and sound design that enhances the eerie experience.
- Great use of room-scale mechanics allows for engaging interactions and exploration within the environment.
- The narrative and creative design provide a thought-provoking experience that leaves players wanting more content.
- The game is very short, with total playtime around 10-15 minutes, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Lighting issues make the in-game environment appear darker and less appealing than shown in promotional materials.
- Gameplay can feel simplistic and lacks challenging puzzles, leading some to classify it more as an interactive walking simulator.
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as a vibrant blend of Lovecraftian and Beksinski-inspired elements, creating an organic and eerie environment that enhances immersion. Players appreciate the effective use of color, particularly purple and green, alongside unsettling sound design that evokes strong emotions and curiosity. Overall, the atmosphere is highly praised, contributing significantly to the game's exploration and engagement.
“As of the video and screenshots, the atmosphere seems to be intended as a colorful version of Lovecraft/Beksiński style, organic and creepy.”
“Something about the use of purple and green really triggers some strong emotions, and the sound design really creates this unsettling atmosphere but also keeps you wanting more.”
“For the dev: I saw in the recommended settings 'additional notes: for the best immersive experience, change your chaperone settings to be minimal and dark.' It would be nice to see this tip at the beginning of the game since I didn't think about it until most of the way through, and it definitely helps the ambiance and atmosphere to see less play-space outlines.”
“Something about the use of purple and green really triggers some strong emotions, and the sound design creates this unsettling atmosphere while also keeping you wanting more.”
“The strange atmosphere and cinematic presence is enough to carry the game and keep you exploring, but I could see some insanely unique and interesting puzzles coming which would help extend the experience.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique narrative and immersive visuals, though some users find the lighting lacking, making the environment appear darker than expected. With only about 15 minutes of playtime, it feels more like a prologue than a full chapter, and while it offers a chilling atmosphere, it lacks challenging puzzles, leading some to classify it as an "interactive walking simulator."
“The game mechanics and imagery alone express the unique narrative and let us see deep into the creative's mind.”
“I got a chilling vibe from the gameplay but was also stuck in awe to see the surroundings and visuals put in.”
“Gameplay doesn’t really challenge you enough for me to call this a puzzle game, and I think a more accurate classification would be an 'interactive walking simulator,' which is absolutely fine if that's what the dev is going for.”
“However, the lighting is not that good; during VR gameplay, the environment doesn't look as good as the screenshots. Rather, it seems darker and dull.”
“It's only about 15 minutes of total gameplay currently, so it feels more like a free prologue than a 'chapter 1'.”
“Gameplay doesn’t really challenge you enough for me to call this a puzzle game. I think a more accurate classification would be an 'interactive walking simulator,' which is absolutely fine if that's what the dev is going for.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are widely praised for their unique and aesthetically engaging design, creating an immersive sense of place that enhances the gameplay experience. Players are encouraged to explore their surroundings at a leisurely pace, as the stunning visuals and atmospheric audio contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment and chilling vibe of the game.
“Unique, aesthetically interesting, and engaging; it creates an immersive sense of place.”
“I got a chilling vibe from the gameplay but was also in awe of the surroundings and visuals.”
“That being said, the visuals are incredible!”
“The graphics are outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“The character models look flat and lifeless, making it hard to connect with the story.”
“The environments feel bland and uninspired, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story of "Host" is designed to immerse players in a complex narrative that gradually reveals deeper layers, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience as they progress.
“I don't want to spoil the finale, but the makers of the game are promising a story that will take you deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole.”
