Pacify
- February 22, 2019
- Shawn Hitchcock
- 3h median play time
"Pacify" is a horror action game that can be played by 2-4 players in multiplayer or single-player mode. Players explore a haunted mansion and must pacify a scary girl to survive. With fast-paced gameplay, fantastic graphics, and a highly emotional plot, the game offers a spectacular atmosphere, although it can be very grinding and buggy at times.
Reviews
- story346 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered minimal and underwhelming, with most players noting a lack of depth and repetitive missions. While some missions, particularly the "doll" mission, are praised for their atmosphere and minor lore elements, the overall narrative is often described as generic and not engaging enough to sustain interest over multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers express a desire for more missions and a richer storyline to enhance the gameplay experience.
“The plot synopsis sets the stage for an intriguing experience, and the game's visuals, as seen in the screenshots, look fantastic for an indie production.”
“As you tread through the game, your mission is to uncover evidence of the house's dark secrets, locate keys to unlock its mysteries, and fend off malevolent entities that cross your path.”
“The story is good and gameplay.”
“The tasks are super repetitive and boring, there's no story, and it's not even scary.”
“The story is really short and they said they'd release an update on it on October 31st and still haven't released it yet.”
“I was so excited to play this game but was super let down, I was never scared, the story is kinda blah, just kinda laughed at how buggy she looks when she's near you.”
- gameplay327 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Pacify" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its repetitive mechanics and lack of depth, which can lead to boredom after a short time. While the cooperative multiplayer aspect and jump scares provide some enjoyment, the game suffers from bugs, unclear objectives, and a lack of meaningful content, making it feel underwhelming overall. Despite its low price point, players feel that the gameplay does not justify the cost, especially given the limited replayability and frustrating mechanics.
“Pacify's gameplay is simple but captivating, making you want to see it through in a single sitting, which is entirely possible.”
“The gameplay mechanics are simple, but work properly.”
“With its immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and multiplayer option, it can be an enjoyable choice for horror enthusiasts looking for a thrilling adventure.”
“Pacify is a game that attempts to deliver a tense co-op horror experience but ultimately falls short due to its lackluster design and repetitive gameplay.”
“The gameplay is unengaging and repetitive; it's not as scary apart from the jumpscares, and the game is buggy.”
“The gameplay mechanics are simple, but they work properly. However, the game lacks depth and quickly becomes boring.”
- humor300 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is predominantly highlighted as a source of enjoyment, especially when played with friends, transforming what could be a scary experience into a hilarious one. Many players find the combination of goofy character animations, unexpected glitches, and the reactions of friends to be particularly funny, often leading to laughter amidst the tension. While some moments may be genuinely scary, the overall consensus is that the game shines in its comedic elements, making it a fun multiplayer experience.
“This game was absolutely hilarious to play with my friends.”
“Hilarious co-op horror game, which is initially scary but turns into a laughter fest when playing with friends.”
“It's fun to figure out the game mechanics while you are constantly under pressure, and it's also hilarious to hear your friends scream like babies.”
“Given that most of them are game-breaking and not funny at all.”
“Is not funny because everyone kicks you out and you don't have anyone else to play with.”
“After it catches you, it turns you into a 'doll.' This means it shrinks your player model down; for some reason, you can now jump extremely high. I don't know if this is supposed to be funny, but it is.”
- graphics197 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the atmospheric visuals and sound design that enhance the horror experience, while others criticize the graphics as basic or outdated. Many agree that while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are serviceable for the game's low price and contribute to the overall enjoyment, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the consensus suggests that the graphics are decent but could benefit from improvements to better match the game's engaging gameplay and atmosphere.
“Immersive horror: eerie sounds and stunning visuals create a truly terrifying experience.”
“The graphics are stunning, drawing you into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly.”
“The game's immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre.”
“Basic graphics and audio design: the visual and audio presentation in 'Pacify' does not stand out compared to other games in the horror genre.”
“The graphics are often cited as basic, lacking the detail and atmospheric quality that can enhance the spookiness of the setting.”
“Furthermore, while 'Pacify's' graphics are serviceable and fitting for the genre, they may not meet the expectations of those seeking cutting-edge visuals.”
- stability110 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting a variety of bugs and glitches that significantly impact gameplay. While some users found the game enjoyable despite these issues, many described it as a "buggy mess" that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game appears to be in need of further polish and updates to address the persistent stability problems.
“No bugs or anything, and it runs great.”
“Good graphics, good controls, no glitches, really fun game to play and lots of jumpscares but not too scary.”
“No glitches.”
“Multiple game-breaking glitches.”
“This game is pure ass, it's unpolished and buggy as hell.”
“The game is a little buggy, but nothing that drags it down.”
- atmosphere92 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Pacify" is widely praised for its eerie and immersive qualities, effectively creating a tense and spooky environment that enhances the horror experience. However, some players note that the initial impact of the atmosphere diminishes over time due to predictable jump scares and repetitive gameplay. While the graphics and sound design contribute to the overall ambiance, there are calls for more variety and depth to maintain the game's chilling atmosphere throughout multiple playthroughs.
“The atmosphere alone makes the game scarier; by the way, we're still waiting for the update.”
“The atmosphere is amazing (lighting, effects, sounds).”
“The jump scares and eerie atmosphere keep things tense, and teamwork is key to surviving the spooky house.”
“The atmosphere, while initially eerie, loses its impact as the jump scares and enemy behavior become predictable and honestly just monotonous.”
“While the game sets out to create an atmosphere filled with tension and fear, several aspects fall short, affecting the overall gameplay experience and enjoyment for players.”
“Predictable scares and atmosphere: while 'Pacify' attempts to craft a terrifying environment, the scares often feel predictable and formulaic after a few playthroughs.”
- replayability85 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the unique experiences offered by unpredictable AI and cooperative gameplay, while others find it limited due to repetitive scenarios and a lack of new content. Many reviews highlight that once the main objectives are completed, the thrill diminishes, leading to a consensus that while it can be fun for a short time, it lacks substantial replay value. Overall, the game may appeal to those seeking a one-time experience or casual play with friends, but it falls short for players looking for long-term engagement.
“Replayability: each game is unique with unpredictable AI and varying difficulties.”
“The game's mechanics are intuitive and easy to learn, but mastering them requires skill and strategy, which adds a lot of depth and replayability to the game.”
“There are different endings which is a good thing and there is good replayability because every key spawns in different rooms every time!”
“This simplicity might initially engage players seeking a straightforward horror experience, but it quickly becomes monotonous, reducing the game's replayability.”
“Moreover, the game's replay value might be limited for some, as once you uncover the secrets and complete the main objectives, subsequent playthroughs may feel less suspenseful.”
“There are 3 scenarios and once you play them they have little replayability, so you're looking at a play-once kind of game.”
- grinding74 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 59 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and repetitive, with many missions feeling uninspired and frustrating. The need to repeatedly search for items and complete objectives leads to a lack of engagement, making the gameplay feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. While some acknowledge moments of fun, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding detracts significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“One long, tedious grind.”
“It's tedious to finish.”
“However, the game quickly becomes tedious as you must repeatedly search the same areas for the same dolls, with the possessed girl randomly appearing to chase you down.”
“The game is just so tedious in what needs to be accomplished on each map.”
- music29 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game are generally praised for enhancing the atmosphere, with haunting soundtracks and unsettling sound effects that contribute to the overall sense of dread. However, some players feel that the game lacks a more diverse soundtrack and dynamic music that could adapt to different gameplay situations, suggesting that additional ambient sounds and varied music could elevate the experience further. Overall, while the existing audio elements are effective in creating tension, there is a desire for more variety and depth in the musical composition.
“The game's haunting music, sound effects, and visuals create a sense of dread and tension that keeps players on edge throughout the game.”
“The music and sound effects really add to the ambience.”
“The graphics are good, no issues with gameplay, creepy atmosphere, creepy mansion, creepy twitchy girl walking, creepy doll running around and giggling, and the music adds that scary vibe to the game.”
“There are just a few music tracks in the game; the menu and maybe the outro scenes have music, but that's all.”
“No music, and when you hear the silence, you feel its oppressiveness.”
“I really enjoy the game, but I think if it had in-game ambience and music that changed depending on the situation (being chased, more exciting and scary music playing, otherwise very eerie or creepy music), it would make it much more interesting and scarier.”
- optimization17 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with reports of inconsistent performance across various systems, particularly on low-end PCs. While some players find it runs smoothly in multiplayer settings, many others experience significant bugs and stuttering, especially after updates. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further optimization and bug fixes to enhance the player experience.
“If you’re looking for a horror game that runs smoothly on low-end systems, this is it.”
“It is well optimized to play as 2-3 persons.”
“As well as some performance upgrades, all in all it's a good concept and a good game. Just a few bug fixes and features, and I have a feeling this game will shine!”
“Additionally, the game's performance can be inconsistent across different systems, further detracting from its accessibility and enjoyment.”
“Game performance is poor and the performance gets worse after every update.”
“It needs better maps and optimization.”
- emotional16 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players experiencing deep feelings of fear and sadness, while others find it heartwarming and humorous. The horror elements may lead to a desensitized emotional reaction over time, but the game's visuals and messages resonate strongly with many, leaving a lasting impact. Overall, players report a range of emotions from laughter to tears, highlighting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings despite some criticisms of its pacing and storyline.
“Lets just say it made me cry....”
“But perhaps the most surprising thing about Pacify is its heartwarming message.”
“With its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and heartfelt message, it's a game that will stay with you long after you've put down the controller.”
“This game was so boring; I don't know what's fun about it after the first 5 minutes. It really has a boring storyline with zero progression insight.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a cash grab, with many players feeling it lacks depth and originality, primarily targeting young audiences. While some appreciate the developer's responsiveness to feedback and bug fixes, the overall sentiment is that the game prioritizes profit over quality, leading to disappointment and refunds.
“The game feels more like a cheap cash grab than a well-crafted game.”
“Looks and feels like a game purely made for young impressionable kids that want to start a YouTube channel and want cheap 'freak outs.' This cash grab was an easy refund for me.”
“I realize I loved the game more than the developer did; it was meant to be a cash grab to help make 'Emily Wants to Play 3.' It was not meant to have more than one map, which is an asset; pretty much most of what is in the game is pre-asset stuff.”