Pacify
- February 22, 2019
- Shawn Hitchcock
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
Mac OS
PC
Playstation 4
Steam Deck
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- story435 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as minimal and often repetitive, with most players noting that it lacks depth and engagement. While some missions, particularly the "doll" mission, are praised for their atmosphere and scares, others, like the "farm" mission, are criticized for being tedious and uninspired. Overall, players express a desire for more content and a richer narrative to enhance the gameplay experience.
“The background story is rather interesting as we read the diary pages left behind and witness as the old woman succumbs to madness, or rather - becomes possessed.”
“As you uncover the dark secrets of the farmhouse, you realize that there's more to the story than meets the eye, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment unlike any other game I've played.”
“The objective is to open up and fully explore the house, find out what happened there by discovering a story spread out over a century, and maybe even save the evil spirit in the process by burning her dolls.”
“The tasks are super repetitive and boring, there's no story, and it's not even scary.”
“The story is all over the place and quite literally irrelevant.”
“This game was so boring, idk what's fun about this after the first 5 minutes, it really has a boring story line with 0 progression insight.”
- gameplay424 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Pacify" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its cooperative mechanics and horror elements, particularly when played with friends. However, criticisms highlight repetitive objectives, lack of depth, and unclear mechanics that can lead to frustration. While the game offers a thrilling atmosphere and some engaging moments, it often falls short due to bugs and a limited gameplay loop, making it less appealing for solo play or extended sessions.
“Every level has unique mechanics and things to do and collect, as well as several achievements per level, giving you more reasons to play.”
“The gameplay is intense; I haven't tried single player, but co-op with friends is extremely fun and requires a lot of teamwork.”
“Pacify's gameplay is simple but captivating, making you want to see it through in a single sitting, which is entirely possible.”
“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 is repetitive and uninteresting, and there are a lot of bugs which makes the game nigh on unplayable.”
- humor393 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 noted that the game's absurdities, such as quirky character animations and unexpected glitches, lead to laughter rather than fear, making it a fun co-op experience. Overall, while the game has its scary moments, it is often described as more funny than frightening, particularly in a multiplayer setting.
“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 a really funny experience.”
“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.”
- graphics263 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players describing them as basic or mediocre, yet serviceable for the horror genre. While some appreciate the atmospheric visuals and sound design that enhance the gameplay experience, others criticize the lack of detail and polish, suggesting that improvements could elevate the overall quality. Overall, the graphics are seen as adequate for the game's low price point, but they may not meet the expectations of players seeking cutting-edge visuals.
“The game's graphics are well-crafted, with detailed environments that enhance the overall sense of dread and mystery.”
“The graphics are stunning, drawing you into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly.”
“With jump scares galore, beautiful graphics and just enough darkness to make you second guess your every move, this game is a must-play in my opinion.”
“Graphics are not great as per current standards (2024).”
“The graphics are often cited as basic, lacking the detail and atmospheric quality that can enhance the spookiness of the setting.”
“The graphics and animations also don't do the game any good.”
- stability154 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, including game freezes and unresponsive mechanics. While some users find the game enjoyable despite these issues, many express frustration over the unpolished experience, indicating that the game feels unfinished and requires substantial updates to improve stability. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has potential, its current state is marred by a variety of technical problems.
“No bugs or anything, and it runs great.”
“Good graphics, good controls, no glitches; really fun game to play with lots of jumpscares but not too scary.”
“Bug free: 4, very few.”
“The game is a buggy mess, first off they want you to burn goats, then drown chickens, now they want you to cut off puppy tails... it seems the devs get off on animal cruelty.”
“This game is beyond bad, the new farm update is so buggy.”
“It is quite possibly the worst running game I have ever played and a buggy mess; getting stuck on walls is almost as fun as having no audio settings.”
- atmosphere123 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Pacify" is widely praised for its eerie and immersive qualities, effectively creating a spine-chilling experience filled with jump scares and unsettling sound design. While many players find the initial tension and spooky environments captivating, some note that the predictability of scares and repetitive gameplay can diminish the overall impact over time. Overall, the game successfully delivers a haunting ambiance that enhances its cooperative horror gameplay, making it a notable title in the indie horror genre.
“Pacify is a spine-chilling horror game that masterfully combines eerie atmosphere, clever puzzles, and unpredictable AI to create an intense multiplayer experience where teamwork and quick thinking are essential for surviving the hauntingly immersive and terrifying encounters.”
“One of the standout features of the game is its eerie atmosphere and immersive sound design, which work together to create a genuinely spooky and suspenseful experience.”
“The atmosphere alone makes the game scarier, and the graphics, sound effects, and overall design contribute significantly to the chilling experience.”
“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.”
“You only get scared a couple of times before getting used to the jump scares and the 'suspenseful atmosphere'.”
- replayability116 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it can be fun to play with friends, it often lacks substantial replay value once the main objectives are completed. Some reviews highlight the potential for replayability through achievements and varying play styles, but many agree that the limited content and predictable mechanics lead to a quick decline in interest after initial playthroughs. Overall, while it offers enjoyable moments, the consensus is that replayability is generally low, especially for solo players or those who have already experienced the game.
“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.”
“With the three game modes (single player, co-op, and PvP), there's tons of replayability, especially with the latter one.”
“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.”
- grinding91 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 64 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, with players often feeling that tasks become frustratingly monotonous after just a few attempts. Many reviews highlight the uninspired environments and the lack of engaging challenges, leading to a gameplay experience that feels more like a chore than an enjoyable adventure. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires a significant time investment for little reward, making it a grind that detracts from the overall experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“One long, tedious grind.”
“Each environment feels uninspired, with objectives that grow tedious after just a few attempts on any of the missions.”
“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.”
- music36 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as haunting and atmospheric, effectively enhancing the horror experience with its eerie sound effects and unsettling soundtrack. While many players appreciate the tension created by the music, some express a desire for a more varied soundtrack and individual volume controls. Overall, the sound design contributes significantly to the game's creepy ambiance, though there are calls for improvements in the diversity and situational responsiveness of the music.
“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 game's sound design is equally impressive, with atmospheric sound effects and a haunting soundtrack that adds to the overall horror of the game.”
“The music and sound effects really add to the ambience.”
“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, with more exciting and scary music playing, otherwise very eerie or creepy music), it would make it much more interesting and scarier.”
- emotional23 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from laughter to tears, with players reporting moments of genuine fear and heartfelt connection. While some find the horror elements repetitive, leading to a flat emotional response, others are moved by the game's surprising heartwarming messages and engaging visuals. Overall, it appears to create a unique blend of fear and joy that resonates deeply with players, often leaving them in tears—whether from laughter or fright.
“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.”
- optimization23 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many users reporting inconsistent performance across different systems, frequent bugs, and crashes, particularly after updates. While some players find it runs smoothly on low-end PCs and appreciate its fun mechanics, others highlight the need for significant optimization improvements and bug fixes to enhance overall enjoyment. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further development to address its performance issues.
“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.”
“I'm impressed at how this game performs, but some optimization would help the case.”
“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 is poorly optimized, and crashes often.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many players feeling it lacks depth and quality. Reviews suggest that the game is primarily designed to appeal to young audiences seeking quick thrills, rather than offering a well-crafted experience. Overall, players express disappointment, viewing it as a shallow attempt to generate revenue rather than a genuine effort to create an engaging game.
“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.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is perceived as lacking, with comparisons made to another title, "Devour," but noted for its inferior character design.
