Night Shift

63%
Game Brain Score Based on 79 reviews
  • music
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Night Shift Game Cover
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Night Shift is a survival horror game where players must navigate through a mysterious factory while avoiding deadly traps and frightening creatures. The game features a unique mechanic that forces players to manage their stamina and sanity while uncovering the dark secrets of the factory. With permadeath and limited resources, each playthrough presents a new challenge in this intense and atmospheric experience.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

63%
Audience ScoreBased on 79 reviews
music21 positive mentions
graphics4 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique and intriguing concept that combines driving with puzzle-solving in a retro aesthetic.
  • The soundtrack, heavily inspired by 80s music, enhances the atmosphere and provides a rewarding experience when puzzles are solved.
  • The minimalist graphics and design create a captivating ambiance that some players find charming and immersive.
  • The game lacks clear direction and instructions, leading to confusion and aimless wandering for players.
  • Puzzles are often cryptic and frustrating, requiring players to rely on external guides to progress.
  • The controls can be cumbersome, with issues such as delayed responses and limited interaction options, detracting from the overall experience.
  • music54 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its nostalgic 80s-inspired soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the overall atmosphere. While some players noted that the music is not consistently present and serves as an indicator of progress, the majority agree that it significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it worth experiencing, even if the gameplay itself is lacking. Overall, the soundtrack is considered the game's redeeming quality, with many expressing a desire to purchase it separately.

    • “The retro graphics and simple controls are very nostalgic, and the absolutely amazing 80's inspired soundtrack just kicks it up over the top in the best way possible.”
    • “The soundtrack is one of the best parts of the game and the gradual shifts it makes as you progress are very satisfying!”
    • “All of the music was composed by a band named Dance With The Dead, who make some pretty awesome and catchy electropop, and it really fits well with the artistic themes of the game.”
    • “Just buy the music instead - it's the only redeeming part of this garbage.”
    • “I cannot stress enough that my only complaint about this game is that I couldn't buy the soundtrack separately from the game.”
    • “The music is pretty much non-existent.”
  • graphics27 mentions

    The graphics of the game are predominantly retro pixel art, which elicits mixed reactions from players. While some appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and its fit with the game's theme, others criticize the visuals as outdated and lacking in quality, especially given the game's 2015 release. Overall, the minimalist design and retro style are seen as either charming or frustrating, depending on individual preferences.

    • “The retro graphics and simple controls are very nostalgic, and the absolutely amazing 80's inspired soundtrack just kicks it up over the top in the best way possible.”
    • “The chill music and 2.5D graphics really brought some nostalgia out in me, and the premise of just a weird, cool driving game with ghosts and ghost cars had me so excited.”
    • “The graphics might feel retro, but do not let that fool you, it fits like a glove, and so does the soundtrack, which will make you take a trip down memory lane.”
    • “The retro pixel graphics look pretty bad, and aren't necessary - this game was released in 2015.”
    • “Graphics are terrible even by retro 320 x 240 DOS game standards.”
    • “Interesting puzzle ideas, but annoying/cumbersome controls and eyesore graphics.”
  • gameplay21 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it aimless and frustrating due to a lack of clear direction and poor mechanics. While some appreciate the unique puzzle-solving elements and retro aesthetic, others criticize the driving mechanics and the overall execution as tedious and overly simplistic. There is a consensus that the game has potential, but it requires significant improvements to enhance player engagement and clarity.

    • “The gameplay is very straightforward and simple in execution but sprawling and secretive in its discovery, having you explore and steal light from dimming lamp posts with your seemingly magical high beams while watching your energy closely, which can only be recharged by the glowing white trees that stand out in the darkness.”
    • “The mechanics are unique and make it fun interacting with the world.”
    • “Interesting puzzles and very different gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is somewhat pointless feeling as you just drive around large areas feeling lost.”
    • “There is no explanation to the mechanics, and driving around in circles hoping to find some indication of what you're supposed to do is laughably tactless.”
    • “I love the look of the game, like the soundtrack but the gameplay is terrible; the game is obtuse for the sake of being obtuse. To top it all off, the Steam overlay doesn't work while in-game, and the game doesn't work with PS4 controllers. Just avoid it, not worth the time it takes to play.”
  • story16 mentions

    The game's story is currently minimal and lacks depth, primarily revolving around the basic premise of finding the sun while solving puzzles. Players express hope for future updates to enhance the narrative, as the existing plot feels underdeveloped and hidden within the gameplay. While the atmosphere is praised, many reviewers recommend waiting for a more substantial story before diving in.

    • “The developer, creator of the puzzle-platformer 10000 Amps, apparently has some pretty ambiguous ideas for where the story is headed in the future of Night Shift and is enlisting your help to ensure it's further shaped into something great with the addition of story cinemas and lots of new plot, new levels, as well as full Steam integration for controller support, achievements, cards, and the like.”
    • “Hopefully the developer can tweak the gameplay a little to make it a bit easier, but they are working on the story which will make it feel more like a living world.”
    • “Anyways, the music is good when it is playing, I like how the character is driving in a car, and although the story is incomplete, it is very interesting.”
    • “And while the game's atmosphere is thick and rich like a seven-layer chocolate cake, the story is more like a single chocolate chip.”
    • “There really isn’t a story written up for the game at the moment, beyond the basic idea that 'the sun has disappeared, go try to find and save it by solving puzzles.'”
    • “The big downer on this one is it really lacks a story, which is what it needs to stay interesting.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its richness and immersive quality, with many reviewers highlighting the effective soundtrack and visual design that enhance the overall experience. However, some criticisms arise regarding certain elements, such as dull ground textures and a lack of narrative clarity, which can detract from the initial intrigue. Overall, the atmosphere remains a significant draw, contributing to a captivating yet sometimes perplexing gameplay experience.

    • “This game has a wonderful atmosphere and soundtrack.”
    • “But this is a game about driving at night and the atmosphere is great, it's a major draw, and this lets you experience it.”
    • “Awesome atmosphere, complete design.”
    • “The maker of the game can create a mean, powerful atmosphere, and the sprites are immaculate and perfect for the tone, save for the ground which is depressingly dull and brown.”
    • “I was rather engrossed in the atmosphere and completely perplexed as to what was going on.”
    • “[i]night shift[/i] already has an attractively old school and fully realized atmosphere, but in its current form lacks any narrative as to what you're doing or where you are, which, while effective in its mysterious and strange nature, is exactly why it's in early access.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Users found the emotional impact of the game lacking, feeling emotionally flat and underwhelmed by the audiovisual elements, which contributed to a sense of frustration with the puzzle execution.

  • replayability1 mentions

    The game offers minimal replayability, with most players indicating that a single playthrough is sufficient and lacks incentives for additional runs.

    • “Apart from the one playthrough you will do, there's basically next to no replay value.”
    • “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and experience it again.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices and branching paths makes replaying the game feel redundant.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game frustrating, particularly when it comes to timing-based challenges like hitting enemy ghost cars, which can lead to a tedious and aggravating experience.

    • “This makes hitting the enemy ghost cars and other puzzles that rely upon timing your flash a teeth-grindingly grotesque experience.”
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