Is Simon There?

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 177 reviews
  • story
  • atmosphere
  • gameplay
Is Simon There? Game Cover
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In "Is Simon There?", you navigate through a chilling narrative centered around the death of the player's son. This 40-minute horror experience combines walking simulator elements with atmospheric tension and suspense, as you question supernatural occurrences in your otherwise empty home. User discretion is advised for those sensitive to emotionally intense themes. Note that this title leans heavily on walking simulator mechanics and may not appeal to everyone.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 177 reviews
story15 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • The game delivers solid scares and has a tense atmosphere that keeps players on edge.
  • Multiple endings and achievements add replayability and encourage exploration of the narrative.
  • The game effectively explores themes of sadness, grief, and loss, providing an emotional experience.
  • The story is vague and confusing, with many plot points that feel disconnected or poorly explained.
  • Gameplay can be frustrating due to unclear objectives and occasional bugs that hinder progress.
  • The game is very short, which may leave some players wanting more content and depth.
  • story49 mentions

    The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its emotional depth and intriguing plot twists, while others criticize its vagueness and clumsy narrative progression. Many highlight the effective use of jump scares and the ability to unlock multiple endings, which adds replay value, but some feel that the story lacks coherence and can feel spoon-fed at times. Overall, while the narrative has its strengths, it also shows signs of needing refinement to fully support the game's horror elements.

    • “As you progress, you begin to feel empathy for the protagonist, uncovering their backstory and the unsettling circumstances surrounding their plight.”
    • “The story unfolds really well and the happier ending is respectful, a bit uplifting, and feels well deserved for the character.”
    • “I love the story in this and it delivered on all aspects of what you want in a psychological horror game.”
    • “Some solid scares, but the assets don't really add up to support the story.”
    • “The story took a whole other turn than what I had expected, but not in a good way - I don’t want to spoil too much.”
    • “Storytelling could have been improved as I felt it was all spoon-fed at the end rather than being introduced organically.”
  • atmosphere33 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is consistently described as immersive, oppressive, and unsettling, effectively creating a sense of dread that keeps players on edge throughout their experience. The claustrophobic environment, combined with clever use of sound and jump scares, enhances the tension and contributes to a chilling narrative that resonates with fans of atmospheric horror. While some players noted a decline in fear as the game progressed, the overall consensus is that the atmosphere is a standout feature that elevates the gameplay.

    • “With its immersive atmosphere and chilling narrative, it offers a unique experience for fans of the walking simulator genre.”
    • “As you navigate the protagonist’s claustrophobic home, you are haunted by persistent phone calls asking, 'Is Simon there?' The unsettling atmosphere is masterfully crafted, with the environment itself contributing to the tension—tall potted plants become unexpected sources of jump scares, and the sense of something lurking in the dark keeps you on edge.”
    • “For a long time, I forgot what a constant atmosphere of dread felt like in a horror game, until I played this game and nearly chickened out because said atmosphere was so invasive.”
    • “The atmosphere is really oppressive, using a small space to its fullest.”
    • “For a long time I forgot what a constant atmosphere of dread felt like in a horror game, until I played this game and nearly chickened out because said atmosphere was so invasive.”
    • “The ambiance and jumpscares often include low-pitched, thunderous noises that create an uncomfortable and oppressive atmosphere.”
  • gameplay17 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a unique blend of atmospheric tension and minimalistic mechanics, creating an engaging experience despite a lack of traditional gameplay loops. Players appreciate the eerie sound design and environmental changes that enhance immersion, while the presence of multiple endings encourages replayability. However, some users miss specific mechanics from previous titles, indicating a desire for more varied gameplay elements.

    • “On a gameplay standpoint, this is taking the player out of control to an extreme, and I absolutely love it.”
    • “It was a lot of walking around to trigger events, but the atmosphere was good and I like different endings in these short games. It makes me want to come back to play it again to find the other ways to end the game, which adds to the gameplay time and makes it worth the money you spent on it.”
    • “While the secret ending took some trial and error, it was really rewarding when I worked out the mechanics.”
    • “On a gameplay standpoint, this takes the player out of control to an extreme, and I absolutely love it.”
    • “It was a lot of walking around to trigger events, but the atmosphere was good. I like different endings in these short games; it makes me want to come back to play it again to find the other ways to end the game, which adds to the gameplay time and makes it worth the money you spent on it.”
    • “Gotta say I miss the photographing mechanics of the previous games. I know it doesn't fit in this one, though. I would actually love if the developer made a game focusing only on that, not unlike Fatal Frame, but without the need for combat, more like seeking out paranormal events to catalog.”
  • graphics10 mentions

    Overall, the game's graphics receive positive feedback for their quality, attention to detail, and smooth performance, enhancing the immersive experience. However, some users noted issues with excessive bloom that can detract from the visual clarity, and a few described the graphics as basic. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus highlights the graphics as a strong point of the game.

    • “Amazing creepy game.. puts you on edge all the way through worth every penny, amazing graphics and attention to detail.”
    • “The game's graphics are smooth, movement and interaction is smooth.”
    • “The graphics and performance are good, the sound design could have been better/more engaging and maybe some more dialogue from the characters.”
    • “And for some reason, there is an insane amount of bloom that washes out the graphics pretty badly.”
    • “It is basic graphics-wise.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    Players appreciate the replayability of the game, highlighting its multiple endings and achievements that encourage exploration of different narrative paths. While many find the replay value enjoyable, some note that it may be somewhat limited. Overall, the combination of engaging story elements and the ability to revisit the game enhances its replayability.

    • “There is replayability that is very enjoyable, thanks to there being 3 endings and a checkpoint that you can jump ahead to after your first playthrough.”
    • “Great scares, interesting story, I love that it is replayable with multiple possible endings!”
    • “Multiple endings and achievements add replayability, encouraging players to explore different narrative paths and uncover all its secrets.”
    • “The achievements make it have replay value.”
    • “The replayability is a tad bit limited.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    The game is noted for its strong emotional impact, particularly resonating with players who have experienced parenthood or loss. Its narrative unfolds in a way that feels authentic and poignant, delivering powerful moments that leave a lasting impression. Overall, it effectively combines tension and heartfelt storytelling to evoke deep emotional responses.

    • “As the story unfolds, it is quite emotional, especially if you have or had a child.”
    • “The two serious moments delivered more context without feeling forced, and they were an emotional punch in the gut.”
    • “I died in real life once, and I was on edge the entire time; it has a heartbreaking story.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The game features a blend of humor and jump scares, with players noting the presence of amusing easter eggs and funny moments that enhance the overall experience.

    • “Funny easter egg as well.”
    • “Amazing game, good pace with the jump scares and had some pretty funny moments as well!”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game's optimization is mixed; while graphics and performance are generally good, players note significant issues with optimization that detract from the overall experience. Sound design and character dialogue also received criticism, suggesting areas for improvement.

    • “The graphics and performance are good, but the sound design could have been better and more engaging, along with some additional dialogue from the characters.”
    • “Decent horror, mediocre story, cool easter egg, but really poor optimization.”
  • music2 mentions

    The music in the game is minimalistic, enhancing immersion by avoiding unnecessary soundtracks, which is particularly effective in horror settings. This approach allows players to feel as if they are truly part of the game environment.

    • “The music immerses you into the game without being unnecessary.”
    • “The best horror games lack a soundtrack, making you feel as if you are actually there, in the game.”
    • “The music is repetitive and quickly becomes annoying.”
    • “The soundtrack lacks variety and fails to enhance the gaming experience.”
    • “The audio quality is poor, making it hard to enjoy the music.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
    • “Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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