Pact of Joy: Prologue

Prologue: -Jack Argyle, a skilled contractor, arrives at Phorcys Station accompanied by his trusty robotic assistant. Their objective: repair the station's malfunctioning communications system and return home. What should be a straightforward job becomes twisted when they're confronted by the dangers aboard the station. Setting: -Set in the same world as Test of Courage and Born Into Fear, carefu…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 38 reviews

story4 positive mentions

The game features a charming atmosphere with good colors and intriguing storytelling, making it an enjoyable experience.
The prologue effectively sets up a sense of mystery and excitement for the full game, with plenty of spooky moments and well-executed jump scares.
The gameplay is engaging, with a good length for a demo that encourages exploration and offers a unique setting.

The tone of the game can be confusing, oscillating between serious and silly, which may detract from the overall experience.
Some players found the character movement to be slow and cumbersome, leading to frustration during gameplay.
There are instances of cheap jump scares that may undermine the tension, with some players feeling that the horror elements could be stronger.

story
11 mentions
36 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally praised for its intriguing narrative and emotional depth, effectively engaging players with its characters and atmosphere. While some reviewers noted weaknesses in the horror elements and cohesion of the main plot, they expressed optimism for future expansions and appreciated the potential for deeper storytelling. Overall, the combination of a compelling setting and character-driven moments enhances the experience, despite some critiques of the main storyline's execution.
- “The models are quite simple which is to be expected for a little indie game, but the story is intriguing and it's well made.”
- “The storytelling was on point and it made me really feel for the characters, and it made me extremely sad to see them go and to see the station so empty without them.”
- “Now that we have the negative part out of the way, let me go on to say that the graphics are excellent, the plot is very interesting, plenty of spooky moments, and the puzzles were challenging but not impossible.”
- “The game has potential; it looks fantastic, I love the futuristic aesthetics, and I love the setting and atmosphere built, but I wish it had a more cohesive and streamlined story or narration with better creature design that had synergy.”
- “Main story: 6/10, but the spirits' story?”
- “Jack's story was pretty average, but I can see the full game expanding way more into what happened on the station and at the end.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its stunning visuals and immersive futuristic aesthetics, contributing to a captivating setting filled with effective scares. While the overall ambiance is well-received, some players desire a more cohesive narrative and improved creature design to enhance the experience further. Overall, the atmosphere is rated positively, with many looking forward to the full release.
- “Great atmosphere and scares; can't wait for the full game.”
- “Atmosphere: 9/10. I really liked the look and sound of the station.”
- “Good writing, atmosphere, and scares, as well as a refreshing setting, make this an interesting and fun play!”
- “The game has potential; it looks fantastic, and I love the futuristic aesthetics. However, I wish it had a more cohesive and streamlined story or narration, along with better creature design that had synergy.”
- “The atmosphere feels disjointed and lacks the depth needed to immerse players fully in the game world.”
- “While the visuals are impressive, the overall atmosphere fails to engage, leaving the experience feeling flat and uninspired.”
graphics
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their fantastic quality and captivating futuristic aesthetics, contributing to a strong atmosphere. However, some players feel that the creature design could be improved for better synergy within the visual experience. Overall, the visuals enhance the intriguing plot and engaging gameplay.
- “The game has potential; it looks fantastic. I love the futuristic aesthetics, and the setting and atmosphere are beautifully built.”
- “Now that we have the negative part out of the way, let me go on to say that the graphics are excellent.”
- “The graphics are stunning, creating an immersive experience that truly enhances the gameplay.”
gameplay
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received a positive reception, with an average rating of 8 out of 10, indicating that players find it engaging and enjoyable.
- “The gameplay is incredibly engaging and keeps you on your toes.”
- “I would rate the gameplay an 8 out of 10; it's fun and challenging.”
- “The mechanics are smooth and intuitive, making for a great gaming experience.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game resonates strongly with players, often evoking deep feelings and personal connections. Reviewers highlight moments of vulnerability and impactful storytelling that enhance the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully engages players on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impression.
optimization
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, with players reporting a smooth experience and no bugs encountered during gameplay.
- “Really well optimized and no bugs in my playthrough.”
- “The game runs smoothly on my system, showcasing excellent optimization.”
- “I appreciate how well the developers have optimized the game for various hardware configurations.”
music
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise, with users expressing a strong desire to revisit and enjoy the soundtrack, particularly highlighting Cliff's song as a standout track.
- “10/10 would vibe to Cliff's song again.”