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, enhancing replayability.
- The game has a rich atmosphere and intriguing lore, with references to surreal horror and psychological tension reminiscent of classic titles like Silent Hill.
- The developers, a small two-person team, show dedication to improving the game with regular updates and community engagement, making it a promising project in early access.
- The gameplay loop can feel repetitive and dull, with long stretches of wandering through similar-looking corridors and rooms that lack variety.
- Many players find the game lacks sufficient scares and urgency, leading to a less engaging horror experience.
- Despite its interesting concept, the game suffers from limited replay value and can feel unfinished, with some runs being frustratingly random and unfair.
- graphics6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game embrace a retro pixel art style, reminiscent of classic PS1 titles like Silent Hill, which may appeal to fans of nostalgic aesthetics but might not satisfy those seeking photorealism. While the pixelation can be adjusted, some players may still find the graphics unappealing. Overall, the visuals contribute effectively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the sense of mystery and unease.
“If you enjoy a challenge in pixel graphics, you have found the right game.”
“The graphics are retro style and reminiscent of 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.”
“It's clear that this game’s purpose is not to achieve a photorealistic reproduction of reality, but rather to embrace a unique artistic style.”
“Still about the graphics, it’s clear that this game’s purpose is not something like a photorealistic reproduction of reality.”
“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 realized with graphic engines that use pre-packaged assets.”
“The graphics are retro style and reminiscent of the old PS1 titles like Silent Hill, but this may not appeal to everyone.”
- replayability5 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 to explore beyond the initial playthrough, with the only notable unlockable being a hardcore difficulty mode. However, there is some optimism as developers have announced plans for an update aimed at enhancing replay value in the future.
“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.”
“The developers have announced that they are working on a new update that will add replayability to the game; I hope for the best.”
“The game offers a variety of experiences that encourage players to return and explore different strategies and outcomes.”
“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.”
“I'd like to clarify my statement about there being 'virtually no replay value.'”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game are highly praised for their ability to create psychological tension and an immersive atmosphere, reminiscent of classic titles like Silent Hill. The well-crafted soundtrack effectively enhances the game's retro aesthetic, contributing to a sense of restlessness and mystery that engages players throughout their 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.”
“The music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for the game.”
“The graphics have a retro style reminiscent of old PS1 titles like Silent Hill, and the soundtrack is very well done and effective, instilling a sense of restlessness and mystery in the player.”
“Music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for the game.”
“The graphics are in a retro style, reminiscent of old PS1 titles like Silent Hill. The soundtrack is very well done and effective, contributing to a sense of restlessness and mystery for the player.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story in *locis* starts off weak but evolves into a more engaging experience as players uncover the plot through scattered notes, adding depth to the gameplay. While the game can be completed quickly, it offers a rich array of secrets and references for those willing to explore, making the narrative experience both complex and optional. Overall, the unique storytelling approach enhances the game's replayability and enjoyment.
“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 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 it evolves 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.”
“The aim of [i]locis[/i] is not to provide a long single-player campaign; you can beat the game on [i]explorer[/i] difficulty in less than 20 minutes, but there are still many other contents, like special areas and parts of the story, to discover.”
“To summarize: pros include an original game concept, multi-thematic areas, textures and models, and a complex plot that you can discover by reading the sheets you find, or you can simply ignore them and enjoy the gameplay.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of [i]locis[/i] is highly praised for its engaging references and immersive sound design, with music and sound effects playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience.
“I loved the atmosphere, and it features a lot of cool references throughout the levels.”
“The music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for [i]locis[/i].”
“The music and sound effects play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for the game.”
“The overall ambiance feels flat and uninspired, failing to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the potential, the atmosphere lacks depth and fails to evoke any real emotional response.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its original concept and diverse thematic areas, featuring intricate textures and models. Players can engage with a complex plot through collectible sheets or focus solely on the gameplay, which benefits from procedural generation that ensures each run is unique and unpredictable, filled with references, secrets, and rare events to discover.
“The original game concept is refreshing and engaging.”
“The gameplay is enhanced by multi-thematic areas, textures, and models that create a rich environment.”
“Every run feels unique due to the random spawns in this procedural game, making each experience unpredictable and exciting.”
