House of Velez
- October 24, 2017
- Dark Room Games
Get on SteamIn House of Velez, play as Lily Velez, searching for your missing archaeologist father while uncovering dark family secrets. This horror game focuses on stealth and puzzle-solving, with a "Focus Mode" for enhanced observation. Remember, a controller is required for play.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique and atmospheric horror experience, reminiscent of classic titles like Clock Tower and Silent Hill.
- Death scenes are creatively animated and disturbing, providing a thrilling experience for fans of brutal horror.
- The voice acting and sound design are well-executed, enhancing the overall immersion and emotional impact of the game.
- The game is extremely short, leaving players wanting more and feeling like it ends abruptly.
- Usability issues, such as the lack of keyboard support and convoluted controls, can frustrate players and detract from the experience.
- Some gameplay mechanics, like the heartbeat system during enemy encounters, can feel tedious and lead to repeated deaths without tension.
- story8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story is generally praised for its intrigue and depth, with many reviewers expressing a strong interest in its continuation, especially since the game ends abruptly without a sequel available. However, some players feel that technical issues and subpar voice acting detract from the overall experience, suggesting that the narrative might be better appreciated through a walkthrough rather than playing the game itself.
“The story was so good.”
“The graphics are good, the story is also interesting.”
“It's a very interesting story with surreal visuals.”
“Also, the game ends right in the middle of the story and part 2 is not available as of writing this review.”
“For the sake of the art and story, just save yourself the anguish of fighting with a clunky game that feels and looks like a PS2 title forced through a poor emulator and watch the walkthrough free on YouTube.”
“Also, the father's voice acting feels like it breaks the seriousness of the story in the gameplay.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their retro style and ability to create a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of Silent Hill, contributing positively to the horror experience. However, some users noted usability issues that detracted from the overall enjoyment, such as confusing controls and repetitive death scenes. Despite these drawbacks, the visuals are generally considered a strong point of the game.
“Overall, it's a good horror game. I especially enjoyed the mood given by the retro graphics.”
“The graphics are good, and the story is also interesting.”
“The visuals of the game also remind me of Silent Hill.”
“Graphics are graphic and stomach-churning, making the experience less enjoyable.”
“The visuals of the game remind me of Silent Hill, but not in a good way.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mixed bag, praised for its value but criticized for a poorly executed heart suppression mechanic that detracts from the experience. Additionally, the stealth mechanics and the father's voice acting are noted as elements that disrupt the game's intended tone and engagement. Overall, while there are some interesting ideas, the execution leaves much to be desired.
“Now onto the stealth mechanics.”
“This game has a lot going for it for a very reasonable price, and I'd recommend it highly if not for one of the worst game mechanics I've ever seen in a game.”
“The mechanic that drags it down is the heart suppression; I respect the attempt to do something different, unfortunately, it doesn't stick the landing.”
“Lacking gameplay with enemies.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with players enjoying the immersive environment and quality cutscenes that enhance the experience. Despite some initial reservations about the 2-dimensional movement, the intriguing and retro-style atmosphere captivates players, encouraging exploration and engagement. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both atmospheric and filled with suspenseful elements.
“I really loved the atmosphere of this game.”
“It took me about 3 hours, but I spent a lot of time just walking around the house exploring and enjoying the atmosphere.”
“An atmospheric game with tons of scary stuff and high-quality cut scenes.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the simplicity of puzzles and the absence of tedious inventory management, which alleviates some grinding aspects. However, the heartbeat system is seen as a double-edged sword, offering tension but occasionally veering into tedium.
“I think the heartbeat system is a good idea, but it sort of straddles the line between tension-inducing and tedious.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game are generally well-received, with particular praise for the voice acting of the main character, Lily Velez. However, some users feel that the audio elements could benefit from additional polish and refinement.
“The music and sound design are solid, and the voice actress playing the main character, Lily Velez, did a great job.”
“The voice acting, music, and sound effects are good, though I think they could use some polish in terms of processing.”
