Mad Father

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"Mad Father" is a horror adventure game where you play as Aya Drevis, an 11-year-old girl, and uncover the secrets of her family's manor, which is the site of maniacal experiments. To explore the mansion, you'll use various weapons like chainsaws and knives. This remade version features updated graphics, new scenes, and a second playthrough mode called "Blood Mode" which alters the story.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,071 reviews

story490 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

Engaging and twisted storyline that keeps players invested.
Beautiful pixel art and improved graphics in the remastered version.
Interesting puzzles and multiple endings that encourage replayability.

Some players may find the quick time events frustrating.
The game is relatively short, taking around 3-4 hours to complete.
Certain puzzles can be confusing, leading to potential backtracking.

story
980 mentions
50 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story of "Mad Father" is widely praised for its engaging and twisted narrative, centered around a young girl named Aya and her disturbing family dynamics, particularly with her mad scientist father. Players appreciate the intricate plot, which unfolds through exploration and character interactions, revealing dark secrets and emotional depth, often leading to multiple endings that enhance replayability. While some find the story predictable or simplistic, the overall consensus highlights its compelling nature, atmospheric presentation, and the emotional impact it leaves on players.
- “I’ve been surprised multiple times by the story as I played, uncovering secrets that kept me engaged.”
- “The story is quite well written in my opinion, slowly unraveling secrets and tragedies surrounding this little girl which you grow to love and root for.”
- “Mad father is a masterclass in horror storytelling, and this remaster is a must-play, whether you’re a new player or revisiting an old favorite.”
- “The story is nonsensical and leaves a lot unexplained.”
- “The story is just okay, nothing really groundbreaking to keep me going.”
- “Although the art and character design of the game are exquisite, the ending of the plot does not bring much surprise, and the three endings also lack positive relief.”
graphics
255 mentions
44 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, particularly following its remaster, which enhances the original pixel art style with richer environments and more expressive character designs. Players appreciate the charming and cute aesthetic, which contrasts effectively with the game's darker themes, while the updated visuals have been noted for their beauty and detail. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's eerie atmosphere and engaging storytelling, making it a standout in the RPG horror genre.
- “The remastered graphics breathe new life into the twisted world of Aya Drevis, with richer environments and more expressive character designs.”
- “The graphics are absolutely charming, and I really loved figuring out the puzzles.”
- “The new graphics look so beautiful and much more polished, and the gameplay is much smoother than what I remembered from playing the original.”
- “The graphics changed drastically since the last time I played this game and I don't even know how to express how much I love the new art style of the game.”
- “I do wish there was an option to revert to the previous graphics for old time's sake, but, again, the new graphics are just lovely.”
- “The art style is also well done, but doesn't exactly fit the tone of what you would expect of a gothic horror story set in Germany; the art is reminiscent of Japanese anime/manga as opposed to European classical.”
gameplay
186 mentions
37 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Mad Father" is characterized by a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and quick-time events, creating an engaging experience that balances tension and intrigue. While some players find the mechanics simple and the puzzles not overly challenging, the game is praised for its unique elements and improvements in the remastered version, making it accessible for newcomers to the horror genre. Overall, the gameplay effectively supports the game's compelling story and atmosphere, though it may feel linear and straightforward to some.
- “The gameplay improvements make exploration and puzzle-solving smoother, maintaining the perfect balance of tension and intrigue.”
- “Mad Father not only holds up after all these years, it surpasses some of its horror contemporaries with an engaging story about a young girl living in a house of madness, brilliant puzzles that don't rely on moon logic, and accessible gameplay for people that want to start with the horror genre yet not be swallowed by the dreadful hide and wait for the boo-boo thing to go away.”
- “The gameplay is a mix of puzzle-solving and running away from creepy dolls (because apparently, regular dolls weren't scary enough).”
- “The gameplay reminds me of Resident Evil: no instructions on where to go. Please actually collect the gems using a video; you will suffer having to run all the way back just because you forgot a gem.”
- “I feel I wasted money on this game. I saw the good reviews and bought it, but the puzzles were pretty bad; I did not like the gameplay.”
- “Let me be frank here, this isn't a game you're going to play for the gameplay; this is a game that you're going to enjoy for the story and ambiance.”
music
171 mentions
58 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting its eerie and immersive qualities that perfectly complement the dark themes of the story. The original soundtrack features a mix of haunting melodies and dynamic shifts that align with the game's intensity, making it a standout element that captivates players. Overall, the music is considered one of the game's greatest strengths, contributing significantly to the emotional and suspenseful experience.
- “The music perfectly matches the cold, dark atmosphere of the mansion, and it shifts dynamically depending on the intensity of the scene.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful and features some mesmerizing tracks that fully immerse you into this dark adventure and add to the already creepy atmosphere.”
- “The music is amazing, the best part of the game, and it fits perfectly with the themes, creating a haunting and immersive experience.”
- “The music is lame and cliche.”
- “I actually had to turn the music all the way down because I would panic and hit the wrong button or run the wrong way.”
- “The music sometimes - depending on the song - is either too loud or too quiet, which can be annoying sometimes.”
atmosphere
118 mentions
60 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its eerie and immersive qualities, enhanced by a haunting soundtrack and detailed visuals that create a chilling experience. Reviewers highlight the effective use of sound and music to build tension, alongside a compelling storyline that draws players into its dark, twisted world. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as captivating and unsettling, making it a standout feature that keeps players engaged throughout.
- “The game's eerie atmosphere, compelling storyline, and haunting visuals have not only stood the test of time but have been beautifully enhanced.”
- “The atmosphere is creepy and is something I must give this game praise for; each area is detailed in a genuinely wonderful way.”
- “The music is perhaps the highlight of Mad Father, featuring some mesmerizing tracks that manage to fully immerse you into this dark adventure and add to the already creepy atmosphere.”
- “However, it's a game with a meaningful, relatable topic and subtext, wrapped in a consistently ghoulish, oppressive and downright creepy atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere of 'Mad Father' is worthy of its notoriety, and even in its narrower paths retains a constant sense of true exploration.”
- “It's not going to give you nightmares but the atmosphere is incredibly chilling.”
emotional
34 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Mad Father" is highlighted by its deeply touching and often heartbreaking narrative, which explores themes of family, loss, and the dark consequences of ambition. Players report feeling a strong connection to the protagonist, Aya, as they navigate a grotesque yet poignant story filled with tragic twists and emotional depth. While some find the pacing slow, the overall experience elicits empathy and nostalgia, making it a memorable and impactful horror RPG.
- “Themes of family, loss, and the dark consequences of ambition hit harder, revealing layers of emotional depth that feel more poignant with time.”
- “The story is gripping and the emotional aspects make you feel so much sympathy for these characters.”
- “Overall, Mad Father is a short, enjoyable, and emotional horror experience that delivers on its promises well and is absolutely worth your money.”
replayability
24 mentions
42 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
Overall, "Mad Father" is praised for its high replayability, primarily due to its multiple endings and additional modes that encourage players to revisit the game. While some reviewers noted that the scares can become predictable over time, the engaging story and various challenges keep the experience fresh for multiple playthroughs. However, the linear nature of the game and its relatively short length may limit replay value for some players after achieving all endings.
- “It's super worth it and highly replayable because you could always try to get a better time or finish the game with no continues.”
- “I also have to compliment the replayability of Mad Father with its multiple endings to achieve and different modes you can play through and unlock by achieving the various endings.”
- “This game has fantastic replay value and the achievements are manageable for even the less seasoned players.”
- “Once you get all endings, there's little replay value.”
- “It is a very linear story; therefore, it lacks replay value except for the four different endings.”
- “I loved the story of this game; I got immersed already at like five minutes into the game. For the time put into this game, the price is really worth it. I don't know about the replay value, though; I guess I could play through this game again in like two years, but not any time sooner.”
character development
15 mentions
53 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally viewed as limited, with some players noting that while the main character, Aya, shows significant growth from a strong child to a sensible adult, overall character progression is minimal. However, the exquisite character designs and artwork receive high praise, contributing to a nostalgic and immersive experience. Despite the lack of depth in character arcs, the game's unique plot and visual appeal make it a memorable horror experience.
- “I would absolutely recommend for people who are looking for a good horror game with good character designs and an all-around amazing story with a twist 10/10.”
- “There isn't much in the way of character development but Aya demonstrates the most progress from being strong, kind, and smart for her young age to a sensible adult.”
- “This is one of my top three games, the storyline and character development were fantastic.”
- “Although the art and character design of the game are exquisite, the ending of the plot does not bring much surprise, and the three endings also lack positive relief.”
- “There isn't much in the way of character development, but Aya demonstrates the most progress from being strong, kind, and smart for her young age to a sensible adult.”
- “Little disappointed when they decided to change the character design from the original game.”
humor
11 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as unintentional, stemming from its pixel art style and abrupt deaths that can lead to amusing moments, particularly during tense scenes. Players find the juxtaposition of jump scares and comedic elements, such as exaggerated character expressions, to be charming and entertaining. Overall, while the game has its scary moments, the humor adds a unique layer that enhances the experience.
- “Part with the three maids was really funny.”
- “Some of the jump scares can be unintentionally funny, due to the art style being pixelated. I kept dying in the father/daughter chase scene, and the close-up of the character's face was hilarious, like an old 90's game. That's part of the charm as well.”
- “The scares are sometimes funny and unexpected, and I love how the game has been updated throughout the years.”
grinding
7 mentions
0 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding in this game to be less tedious than expected, with many noting that achieving all accomplishments is manageable without excessive repetition. While some still perceive elements of grinding as somewhat tedious, the game is praised for its engaging storyline and minimal filler tasks, making it a more enjoyable experience compared to typical RPGs.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I'm prejudiced against RPG games because they tend to be grindy, boring, and generic, but Mad Father completely won me over.”
- “It's definitely not as bad as other games in the genre, but still enough to be tedious.”
optimization
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The optimization of the horror game has received positive feedback, with users appreciating the improvements in both accuracy and overall performance.
- “Horror game so wonderful, and thank you for improving the accuracy and performance of the game.”
- “The graphics and performance need significant optimization; the game often lags during critical moments.”
- “Despite the horror elements being fantastic, the optimization issues detract from the overall experience.”
- “The game is visually stunning, but the performance hiccups make it frustrating to play.”
stability
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game is stable and free of bugs, indicating a smooth and reliable experience.
- “The game runs smoothly without any crashes or glitches.”
- “I haven't encountered any bugs, which makes for a seamless experience.”
- “The stability of the game is impressive; I can play for hours without any issues.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy primarily revolves around microtransactions, which have received mixed feedback from users. While some appreciate the optional nature of these purchases, others feel they can create an imbalance in gameplay or detract from the overall experience.
- “The game is riddled with microtransactions that feel exploitative.”
- “I can't enjoy the game without being constantly bombarded by ads and in-game purchases.”
- “It seems like you can't progress without spending real money, which ruins the experience.”