LOCIS
- December 17, 2020
- Francesco D'Auria
Get on SteamLOCIS is a challenging exploration game with procedural generation, creating a unique world and experience each playthrough. The dynamic karma system adapts to your decisions, which affects the story and unlocks different endings. The narrative is told through discovery of scattered papers throughout the game.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- LOCIS features a unique procedural generation system that offers a different experience with each playthrough, keeping the gameplay fresh and unpredictable.
- The game has a rich atmosphere and intriguing lore, with references to surreal horror elements that enhance the overall experience.
- The developers have shown dedication to improving the game, with regular updates and new features being added, indicating potential for future growth.
- The gameplay loop can feel repetitive and dull, with long stretches of exploration in similar-looking corridors and a lack of engaging content.
- Many encounters with enemies can feel random and unfair, leading to frustrating deaths that detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The game currently lacks significant replay value, as the procedural elements do not always lead to meaningful new experiences or discoveries.
- graphics12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of [i]locis[/i] embrace a retro pixel art style reminiscent of classic PS1 titles like Silent Hill, intentionally avoiding photorealism to create a unique aesthetic. While some players may appreciate the nostalgic visuals and thematic diversity, others might find the pixelation off-putting, though options to reduce it are available. Overall, the graphics contribute effectively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the sense of mystery and tension.
“[i]locis[/i] bets on retro graphics and multi-thematic locations, objects, and characters.”
“The graphics are in a retro style and reminiscent of the old PS1 titles like Silent Hill. Even the soundtrack is very well done and effective, creating a sense of restlessness and mystery for the player.”
“Still about the graphics, it’s clear that this game’s purpose is not something like a photorealistic reproduction of reality.”
“It’s possible to reduce pixelization, but some players might still not appreciate this graphics style (by the way, you can see it in the trailers and images).”
“This game is not like the majority of indie horror games that you can find here in the Steam store; indie horror games are often not very appreciated due to the way they are made, without any care and attention to detail, and are realized with graphic engines that use pre-packaged assets.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, players express disappointment in the game's replayability, citing a lack of meaningful content beyond the hardcore difficulty mode. While many feel there is "virtually no replay value," there is some hope for improvement as developers are reportedly working on an update to enhance replayability.
“In addition, the game still has little replay value; the only 'unlockable' is the hardcore difficulty (which I haven't unlocked yet). However, I want to say that the developers have announced that they are working on a new update that will add replayability to the game. Hope for the best.”
“Cool idea, not the best execution, virtually no replay value.”
“In addition, the game still has little replay value; the only 'unlockable' is the hardcore difficulty (which I haven't unlocked yet). However, I want to mention that the developers have announced they are working on a new update that will add replayability to the game. Hope for the best.”
“The way I see replay value isn't simply the presence of things to see that you didn't see before, but both the quantity and quality of the things that you haven't seen.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game are highly praised for their effectiveness in creating psychological tension and an immersive atmosphere, reminiscent of classic titles like Silent Hill. The well-crafted soundtrack enhances the retro aesthetic and contributes significantly to the game's sense of mystery and unease. Overall, the attention to sound direction is noted as a standout feature that elevates the gaming experience.
“The direction of the sound and the music is simply perfect; it manages to create moments of psychological tension at times (almost like a Silent Hill game), and I really appreciated the care put into this.”
“Music and sound effects contribute significantly to creating the right atmosphere for Locis.”
“The graphics have a retro style reminiscent of old PS1 titles like Silent Hill, and the soundtrack is very well done and effective, providing a sense of restlessness and mystery to the player.”
“Music and sound effects give an important contribution in order to create the right atmosphere for locis.”
“The graphics are retro style and reminiscent of the old PS1 titles like Silent Hill; even the soundtrack is very well done and effective, creating a sense of restlessness and mystery for the player.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story in *locis* starts off weak but evolves into a more complex narrative that players can uncover through scattered notes, enhancing the overall experience. While the game can be completed quickly, it offers numerous secrets and areas to explore, making each playthrough unique. The character of Ubel is particularly noted as a highlight, adding depth to the narrative.
“The plot is weak at the beginning, but I think it is intentional since it leads to discoveries through scraps of paper scattered around. Personally, I find it cool; I loved the character of Ubel. I don't want to spoil too much about it.”
“To summarize: pros: - original game concept; - multi-thematic areas, textures, and models; - complex plot that you can discover by reading the sheets you find… or you can simply ignore them and enjoy the gameplay; - random spawns in this procedural game, which means that every run is almost completely unpredictable and different from the others; - many references, secrets, and random rare events to find and discover.”
“So, the aim of locis is not to last many hours with a long single-player campaign: you can beat the game in explorer difficulty in less than 20 minutes but still have many other contents (like special areas and parts of the story) to discover.”
“The plot is weak at the beginning, but I think it is intentional since going forward it leads to discovery through scraps of paper scattered around. Personally, I find it cool; I loved the character of Ubel. I don't want to spoil too much about it.”
“So, the aim of 'Locis' is not to last many hours with a long single-player campaign: you can beat the game on 'Explorer' difficulty in less than 20 minutes but still have many other contents (like special areas and parts of the story) to discover.”
“The plot is weak at the beginning, but I think it is intentional since going forward it leads to discovery through scraps of paper scattered around. Personally, I find it cool; I loved the character of Ubel. I don't want to spoil too much about it.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in [i]locis[/i] is highly praised for its engaging references and immersive qualities, significantly enhanced by the music and sound effects that contribute to the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate how these elements work together to create a captivating environment.
“I liked the atmosphere, and it has a lot of cool references in the level.”
“The music and sound effects contribute significantly to creating the right atmosphere for the game.”
“The music and sound effects contribute significantly to creating the right atmosphere for the game.”
“Music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for locis.”
“Music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for locis.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its original concept and diverse thematic areas, featuring intricate plots that players can choose to engage with or bypass. The procedural generation ensures that each playthrough is unique and unpredictable, while numerous secrets and rare events enhance the exploration experience.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with an original game concept that keeps you hooked.”
“Each run feels unique due to the random spawns in this procedural game, making every experience unpredictable and different.”
“The complex plot can be explored through various sheets you find, but you can also choose to ignore them and simply enjoy the gameplay.”
