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Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is filled with tricky puzzles that require patience, pens and plenty of paper, but can be hugely satisfying.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Game Cover
88%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
grinding, replayability
94% User Score Based on 1,819 reviews
Critic Score 65%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCPlaystation 5Playstation 4Steam DeckWindowsPlayStationNintendo Switch 2
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Game Cover

About

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a single player action adventure game with a horror theme. It was developed by Simogo and was released on May 16, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Lorelei and the Laser Eyes" is a non-linear mystery game set in an old hotel, where a woman must solve an eccentric man's illusions and handcrafted puzzles. The game is filled with surreal and dangerous scenarios, constantly presenting new riddles to decipher the enigma of Lorelei. Fans of Simogo's other games, such as "Sayonara Wild Hearts" and "Year Walk," will enjoy this immersive experience.

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94%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,819 reviews
story275 positive mentions
grinding56 negative mentions

  • Engaging and challenging puzzles that require critical thinking and creativity.
  • Unique and captivating art style that enhances the eerie atmosphere of the game.
  • Intriguing story that unfolds gradually, rewarding players for exploration and attention to detail.
  • Cumbersome control scheme with only one action button, making navigation and menu management tedious.
  • Some puzzles can feel overly obscure or require information that is not immediately accessible, leading to potential frustration.
  • Lack of a back button in menus and puzzles can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
  • story
    689 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Lorelei and the Laser Eyes" is a complex and intriguing narrative that unfolds through a series of puzzles and fragmented lore, often requiring players to piece together clues to fully grasp its meaning. While many players found the storytelling to be cryptic and surreal, with a strong artistic flair reminiscent of David Lynch, the overall experience is enhanced by its atmospheric presentation and engaging themes. However, some critiques highlight that the story can feel disjointed or overly convoluted, leading to a mixed reception regarding its resolution and coherence.

    • “The story is captivating and enigmatic, the gameplay is absolutely phenomenal and the puzzles are intuitive yet challenging.”
    • “The story is a mix of surreal, psychological, and real (in the context of the game), and is a good motivation to continue solving the puzzles, learning the story bit by bit, reading new documents, letters and so on.”
    • “The game is well-paced, with natural breadcrumbs that effortlessly lead you through the incredible story as you slowly piece together what is truth, what is fiction, and what lies between.”
    • “Ultimately, I did feel that the story fell a little flat at the end.”
    • “On this note, I thought that since by the final sequence you have pieced together the truth of the story, there was not a lot of payoff for the final section beyond 'here's a cutscene showing you the stuff you already knew'.”
    • “The story is very obtuse, but you slowly piece it together for a satisfying conclusion to the game.”
  • graphics
    255 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a striking black, white, and red aesthetic that evokes a neo-noir atmosphere, drawing inspiration from classic films and retro video games. Players appreciate the unique art style, which effectively enhances the eerie and surreal narrative, while the minimalist visuals are complemented by a strong attention to detail and creative use of color. Overall, the visuals are described as captivating and immersive, contributing significantly to the game's engaging atmosphere and puzzle-solving experience.

    • “The neo-noir aesthetic and the entire art direction, the OST, and the attention to detail are exceptional.”
    • “The visuals are simplistic, only black, white, and red, but used in such a way that effectively emphasizes just how strange certain elements of the game are.”
    • “The game’s visual style—evoking film noir aesthetics with its stark contrasts and striking use of red—adds to the tension and gives a sense of timelessness to the experience.”
    • “The mechanics of the game are off-putting, and the graphics are strange.”
    • “There were a few moments where the visuals made me misunderstand puzzles, like unrelated puzzles looking aesthetically similar, and unrelated textures looking like a part of a puzzle.”
    • “The early sections of the game were easily its strongest, but as time went on the story and art style no longer held as much of a grip on my interest while the puzzle design and navigation grew ever more irritating until the game’s flaws began to overpower its strengths.”
  • atmosphere
    243 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Lorelei and the Laser Eyes" is widely praised for its haunting, immersive quality, drawing comparisons to the works of David Lynch and classic survival horror games like Resident Evil. Players appreciate the game's striking visual design, atmospheric soundscapes, and the way these elements enhance the storytelling and puzzle-solving experience, creating a unique blend of mystery and intrigue. While some found the puzzles frustrating, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is a standout feature that captivates and engages players throughout their journey.

    • “This is the kind of game that will stick with you because of the atmosphere and layers of meta-commentary when it comes to the world of art.”
    • “The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, the narrative is deeply engaging, and the sense of discovery is unparalleled.”
    • “From the stunning visuals and beautifully haunting soundtrack, to its thought-provoking storyline, every detail of this game feels intentional, creating an immersive atmosphere that completely draws you in.”
    • “The atmosphere is haunting and full of mystery as you try to uncover the story of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.”
    • “The atmosphere is what really sells it, though.”
    • “The atmosphere, music, and references to (imaginary) avant-garde films of the 50s are superb.”
  • music
    151 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and complement the overall aesthetic, with many reviewers noting its haunting and immersive qualities. While some found the soundtrack to be less enjoyable outside of gameplay, it effectively sets the mood and contributes to the game's enigmatic storytelling. Overall, the combination of music, visuals, and sound design creates a captivating experience that resonates with players long after they finish the game.

    • “The music, atmosphere, and story are great and remind me a lot of David Lynch's work.”
    • “The soundtrack is mesmerizing, adding an extra layer of mystery and tension that keeps the player's interest at its peak.”
    • “The music is outstanding, and weirdly good for a game like this, especially the two songs with vocals.”
    • “The music was largely unremarkable; the side content was shallow, and going the extra mile to complete it didn't have a substantial payoff.”
    • “However, the fact that music is localized to rooms made this less impactful than it could have been, which was a bit of a shame.”
    • “Said scenes are also helped by a really nifty soundtrack that, unfortunately, only plays in certain rooms and certain events.”
  • gameplay
    143 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Lorelei and the Laser Eyes" is primarily focused on puzzle-solving, with a mix of exploration and narrative integration that some players find compelling, while others criticize for its lack of mechanical depth and frustrating controls. Many reviewers appreciate the clever and thematic puzzles, though some express disappointment over tedious mechanics and a lack of clear guidance, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is praised for its artistic presentation and intriguing story, but opinions vary on the effectiveness and enjoyment of its gameplay mechanics.

    • “Great integration of theme with narrative and gameplay, with some really fun and clever puzzles.”
    • “The gameplay is innovative and stimulating.”
    • “Lorelei and the laser eyes is an exceptional puzzle game with its intricate narrative and challenging gameplay.”
    • “While it may appear your character has various health gauges to track, the gameplay is really just pure puzzle solving.”
    • “Discovering new hotel areas may be fun at first, but when you reach the red maze and have to travel back and forth to answer tons of stupid questions, you realize how little puzzle mechanics this game actually has to offer.”
    • “Unfortunately, the core gameplay is a series of extremely primitive and disappointing puzzles.”
  • grinding
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, primarily due to clunky controls, a one-button interface, and excessive menu navigation. Many reviewers noted that while some puzzles and tasks were engaging, they often felt dragged down by repetitive and uninspired elements, particularly in the late game. Despite these frustrations, some players were compelled by the story and atmosphere, pushing through the grind to enjoy the overall experience.

    • “No auto-save and the game can kill you, which means redoing things you already solved; it's just tedious padding for content.”
    • “The atmosphere is stellar, but several factors made this game more tedious than fun for me: the extremely frustrating single-button controls, too maze-like design, and the puzzles - where (in my opinion) the ones that felt actually interesting were heavily dragged down by many uninspired ones that boiled down to matching a randomly found cipher, or just a math question.”
    • “I have given up on trying to play it anymore because of two reasons: how tedious the game already is at the very start, and how filled with filler 'puzzles' it is, even at the very start of the game.”
  • emotional
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Lorelei and the Laser Eyes" is widely praised, with players noting its ability to evoke strong feelings, including joy and sadness, throughout the gameplay experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's poignant storytelling and the deep connection it fosters with players, making them feel both challenged and accomplished. Overall, it is described as a beautiful and memorable journey that intertwines emotional depth with engaging puzzles, leaving a lasting impact on those who play it.

    • “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a heartwarming and melancholy love letter to the practice of creating, to interactive art, and to the artists that pour their passion and energy into such things.”
    • “There is a surprising amount of emotional power to it as well, and the ending gave me a good gut punch as it revealed the true nature of everything.”
    • “Not every game can be for everyone, but I believe anyone who gives this game a try is in for a fulfilling and emotional experience, and I am so jealous of them, that they might wander the halls of the hotel Letztes Jahr naive to the incredible journey they are about to take.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the need for multiple playthroughs to fully understand the story, others note that puzzle games typically lack replay value. However, the inclusion of randomized puzzles and unique save file elements enhances replayability, making each playthrough feel distinct and challenging. Overall, the game offers a blend of narrative depth and varied gameplay that can appeal to those who enjoy exploring different outcomes.

    • “I didn't grasp the story right away until the very end, and it makes this game kind of replayable for me.”
    • “Will definitely require multiple playthroughs to parse the entirety of the plot, but who doesn't love replay value?”
    • “Best of all, the answers to puzzles are completely random and unique to a save file, meaning that every playthrough is going to be different, as well as locations and other aspects of other puzzles, which was a brilliant move that makes using guides next to impossible and adds to the replay value.”
    • “It's one of those games that you can never really experience twice, which may turn away people who thrive on replay value - but not all games need to be replayed to be great.”
    • “The price is good for this quality of a game, but puzzle games are often not considered replayable.”
    • “I also love the addition of randomized puzzles for each playthrough; it adds some replayability and supports the theme of jumbled, fading memories.”
  • humor
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is described as stylish and unexpectedly funny, with several laugh-out-loud moments that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of creepy atmosphere and comedic elements, noting that the puzzles often incorporate humor in clever ways, such as quirky prompts. Additionally, the inclusion of classic gaming references adds to the comedic charm, making for a uniquely engaging adventure.

    • “It's a creepy, engrossing, and cathartic adventure with a handful of funny moments that caught me pleasantly by surprise.”
    • “The mystery, atmosphere, puzzles, and funny moments are all top notch.”
    • “The game is also extremely funny; I've had several laugh-out-loud moments.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that the game's optimization is a mixed bag, with some users noting performance issues while others highlight a successful integration of performance art elements. Overall, the game's optimization appears to vary significantly across different experiences.

    • “The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
    • “Despite its potential, the lack of proper optimization makes it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems.”
    • “I was disappointed to find that even on high-end hardware, the game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has been praised for its refreshing approach, contrasting with the prevalent trend of exploitative microtransactions in many modern titles. Reviewers appreciate the game's focus on delivering a rich, engaging experience without relying on cash grabs, highlighting the craftsmanship and care that enhance the overall player experience.

    • “The monetization strategy is cleverly integrated, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers a fair balance between free content and optional purchases, making it accessible for everyone.”
    • “The microtransactions are not intrusive and provide meaningful enhancements that can enhance the gameplay experience.”
    • “Instead of intriguing adventures, utilizing the characteristics of a handheld device, companies have focused on delivering extremely simple yet addictive experiences, designed to get the user to purchase as many microtransactions as possible.”
    • “With so many games hopping on the microtransaction train, or soulless cash grabs that offer little for way too much money, seeing something like this is so refreshing. It literally reminds me why I've been playing video games since I was 8 (on an Intellivision, at that!). I'm absolutely shocked more people aren't talking about this game, which to me should have absolutely been a nominee for the Labor of Love or Innovation Award, and then won it, because the time, attention, craft, and love that went into the storytelling, the puzzle design, the care taken with the player's experience and the story... it's absolutely masterful and I don't say that often!”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is criticized for its significant glitches, which not only disrupt gameplay but also pose serious health risks, such as triggering migraines and epilepsy. This indicates a concerning oversight in design that affects user experience negatively.

    • “It's bad enough with the single glitches, but this is really bad design when there is no ability to remove what is a serious migraine and epilepsy trigger.”
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16h Median play time
16h Average play time
14-20h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 7 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a action adventure game with horror theme.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 16 hours playing Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was released on May 16, 2024.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was developed by Simogo.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a single player game.

Similar games include Quern - Undying Thoughts, Blue Prince, Goetia, Return of the Obra Dinn, Chants of Sennaar and others.