Lazaretto
- May 19, 2017
- Iron Monkey
Get on SteamLazaretto is a first-person survival horror game, where you play as an urban explorer investigating an abandoned quarantine island. With a focus on atmospheric horror and combat-free gameplay, players must rely on their wits to avoid dangerous creatures and solve unique puzzles. The game features immersive audio, eerie sound design, and horrifying creatures modeled and animated by industry professionals.
Reviews
- The game features a unique atmosphere and sound design that effectively creates tension and immersion.
- Puzzles are well-designed and encourage players to think critically, enhancing the overall experience.
- The game offers a fresh take on horror with its unconventional storyline and character designs.
- The game suffers from poor lighting, making it difficult to navigate and enjoy the experience.
- Many players found the story to be underwhelming and told primarily through overused notes and pamphlets.
- The gameplay can feel generic and repetitive, with clichéd horror elements and frustrating enemy AI.
- story13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its unique and engaging narrative set in an asylum, while others criticize it for being overly reliant on notes and lacking depth. Many found the puzzles and ambiance enhanced the storytelling experience, though some felt the plot was underdeveloped and not particularly compelling. Overall, the game leaves players intrigued and eager for more, despite its shortcomings in narrative delivery.
“The game features very unique puzzles that get harder as the game progresses, an abnormal storyline unlike many other games, many scares, and the game really makes you think.”
“The story of this asylum turned infectious nightmare is satisfying, and I'm hoping that we will see more as this is just chapter one.”
“I really want more of this game's world and story as this is again a very spooky game with decent pacing between the scares and things that may lull you into a false sense of security.”
“Just another typical 2010s 'run and hide from the invincible monster' simulator in the vein of the vastly overrated Slenderman, where the majority of the story is told through pamphlets and notes.”
“The story is boring and told almost exclusively through notes, which were heavily overused in this game.”
“You're not there on behalf of some organization, seeking an ancient treasure or driven by a personal quest burning in the depths of your heart; basically, you're just goofing off.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as both highly effective and immersive, with many players noting its ability to evoke a sense of dread and creepiness through tight corridors and well-crafted audio. While some reviews express skepticism about its claims of being a top atmospheric horror game, others highlight specific moments and locations, like the nurses station, that contribute to a spine-tingling experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is praised for its subtlety and effectiveness in creating tension without relying on cheap scares.
“The part that got me was when the ghost near the beginning of the game comes after you, and you have to jump down the lift shaft. It's a very creepy game with an excellent atmosphere; it made my skin crawl most of the way through. The nurses' station is my favorite part; it is a really well-done game. I can't wait for part 2!”
“Lazaretto is a really great example of spine-tingling atmosphere used well.”
“There is an overall sense of dread in the atmosphere as you make your way through the world of Lazaretto, filled with excellent audio that doesn't go the normal route of blaring loud noises at you for a cheap scare or overused random pop-ups.”
“The atmosphere feels empty and lifeless, lacking the depth and immersion that I expected from the game.”
“Despite the game's setting, the atmosphere fails to evoke any real sense of tension or fear, making exploration feel dull.”
“The world feels disconnected and uninspired, leaving me with little motivation to engage with the environment.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for lacking innovation, with few unique mechanics or environments, and a reliance on prolonged walking rather than engaging activities. While the audio design is praised for its atmospheric quality, it does not compensate for the overall lack of interactive gameplay elements.
“Game has a lovely audio track but also amazing haunting sounds, so this may actually be an intentional mechanic.”
“Walking for a long time is not gameplay; when will indie devs realize this?”
“They could have spent some time thinking about what kind of gear an urban explorer would be carrying and worked that into the mechanics in different ways.”
“Some of them (although very few, unfortunately) have tried something different, be it a different mechanic or unique environment.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game effectively enhances the atmosphere, particularly in tight corridors, creating an immersive experience. Many users express a desire for more music, suggesting that an official soundtrack could be a welcome addition.
“The tight corridors and atmospheric music really set the tone.”
“Either way, it works well; I would really like to listen to some more of the music.”
“Maybe an OST is in order?”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the character designs are impressive, contributing positively to the overall character development in the game. However, there is no further detail on the depth or progression of the characters themselves.
“The character designs were great.”
“Good character designs.”
