"Mono" is an experimental horror game with a unique textureless art style using colored lights. It features interesting mechanics that will make you want to run for your life, and it has system requirements suitable for most mid-range computers. The game is now available on Steam, and it is a smaller and less complex project from the developer compared to their previous works.
Reviews
- The sound design is impressive and contributes to the game's atmosphere, providing some genuinely scary moments.
- The game features a clever premise with unique mechanics, including glitches and breaking the fourth wall, which enhance the horror experience.
- It's an inexpensive indie horror game that offers a decent amount of fun and surprises, making it worth the low price.
- The gameplay is mostly linear and consists of walking around triggering scripted sequences, which can feel repetitive and lacking in depth.
- Many players found the controls confusing, with no clear instructions or pause menu, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- The environment design is often described as bland and underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall horror experience.
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story of the first installment in the "mono" series is engaging and creepy, featuring interesting narrative elements and a unique "glitchy" aesthetic that enhances the atmosphere. Players are guided through the story by sound and lighting cues, creating an immersive experience that leaves them eager for more, despite the cancellation of the third story. Overall, the narrative is well-received, though it is noted that the subsequent stories have yet to be released.
“An interesting story, nice monotone graphics, and some good scares.”
“There really isn't much to say about this first story of Mono - it was a ton of fun, very creepy, loved the 'glitchy' aspect of it, and it absolutely left me wanting more.”
“It's a shame that story 3 is cancelled.”
“This is based off the first story of Mono - I want to get out, as the other two aren't released yet as of this review.”
“Progression is guided by noises and shifting lighting, which keeps the player moving through story sequences.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics received mixed reviews; while some players praised the visuals as "amazing" and well-suited to the game's atmosphere, others felt that the graphics were not particularly impressive, despite their effectiveness in enhancing the experience. The use of monotone graphics was noted positively, contributing to the game's mood, but some players found them lacking in detail.
“The visuals are amazing; I don't know how they were made, but they're incredible. I can't express in words how much I like them.”
“An interesting story, nice monotone graphics, and some good scares.”
“If I had to say anything bad about it - the graphics aren't that great (even though they suit the game fine) and the puzzles are relatively basic.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is praised for its smooth mechanics, appealing visuals, and engaging concept, though some players find certain mechanics confusing and note issues with the controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game is well-received and enjoyable.
“Really, there's very little cons to this game in my opinion - a few mechanics may be confusing for some, but overall I love this game.”
“Mechanically speaking, the game runs smoothly and the lighting looks nice; however, the controls have some problems.”
“It has a good concept, cool mechanics, and a good plot.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is intentionally designed to include glitches and bugs, which serve as creative elements rather than detriments, with crashes and blue screens acting as unique game-over sequences. Players appreciate this unconventional approach, viewing it as a deliberate artistic choice by the developers.
“Mono then uses game crashes, glitches, and blue screens (in-game) as, essentially, game-over or end of sequence screens.”
“And I love the glitches/bugs (not that they're real, it was on purpose by the developer).”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised, with multiple users highlighting its exceptional quality.
“Great atmosphere!”
“Great atmosphere!”
“Great atmosphere!”