Panelak

About

Panelak is a single player action game. It was developed by Pajos games and was released on December 13, 2024. It received positive reviews from players.

Panelak is a single-player horror adventure game set in a mysterious socialist apartment block hidden in the forest. Navigate an ingenious atmosphere by solving logical puzzles, searching for items, and hiding from unseen dangers—all while following a strict set of survival rules. Experience a retro, unsettling world inspired by real dreams and creepypasta lore.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 59 reviews

atmosphere9 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of a Czechoslovak tenement, evoking nostalgia and a sense of familiarity for players from the region.
It features a good balance of puzzles and jump scares, providing an engaging horror experience without overwhelming the player.
The minimalist graphics and intuitive controls contribute to a smooth gameplay experience, making it accessible for casual players.

The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content and depth in the story.
There are reports of bugs and glitches that can hinder progress, such as being locked out of achievements or unable to advance in the game.
Some players found the puzzles to be confusing or repetitive, which could detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

atmosphere
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
69%
8%
23%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its eerie aesthetic and tension, effectively creating a sense of discomfort and horror. Players appreciate the high-quality graphics and immersive environments, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric horror, particularly those from Czechia and Slovakia. Overall, the game excels in delivering a captivating and unsettling experience that resonates with a broad audience.
- “If you are either from Czechia or Slovakia, the game is an absolute must-play, but generally the game will be likable for anyone who wants a mild scare and great atmosphere all experienced from your own view.”
- “Panelak leans heavily into atmosphere and tension, slowly turning a simple act of helping into something far more uncomfortable.”
- “Despite the eerie atmosphere, the game maintains a linear structure, often guiding you with strategically placed lighting.”
- “It's all about the atmosphere here and it just nails the horror aspect.”
story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it short and poorly executed, leading to confusion about the plot and its elements. However, others appreciated the interesting concept and unexpected twists, noting that the overall presentation enhances the experience.
- “It has a good-ish storyline.”
- “Interesting story, was not expecting the last rule.”
- “The story, the technical treatment, the graphics, the sound, and all is mixed so well that the player will remember the musty smell in the basement in certain scenes.”
- “It's short, the story is trash, but it did scare me.”
- “Okay... so there was a decent concept here, I think story-wise... but I feel the execution was done poorly.”
- “Not to mention nothing is actually explained story-wise as to what's going on and/or why anything is there really.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The graphics are praised for their strong environmental design, atmospheric effects, and a distinct Eastern European aesthetic, which resonates well with players familiar with the region. However, the character models are noted as a weaker aspect compared to the overall high quality of the visuals.
- “The graphics are very good with the environments, shadows, and atmosphere.”
- “The story, the technical treatment, the graphics, the sound, and all is mixed so well that the player will remember the musty smell in the basement in certain scenes.”
- “I love the Eastern European aesthetic for many reasons.”
gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The gameplay is characterized by first-person exploration with light puzzles and a focus on item collection, reminiscent of classic titles like Resident Evil. Players navigate a surreal environment where certain actions can lead to danger, but overall, the game is considered easy to complete, both in terms of progression and achievement hunting.
- “The gameplay was enjoyable; it has light puzzles and light Resident Evil-like exploring with some items to pick up.”
- “As the unnamed hero, you need to help a person stuck on the rooftop, but when you open the front door into the building, you feel as if you are stuck inside a surreal different dimension (where even looking at a painting for too long can kill you). Generally, the game is pretty easy to beat, both in terms of gameplay and achieving full completion.”
- “The gameplay follows the conventions of first-person exploration titles.”
- “Gameplay revolves primarily around collecting and using keys to open the path forward.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
33%
The game is noted to require some optimization and additional polish, particularly regarding its physics mechanics.
- “The game could benefit from some optimization and a bit of polish on the physics.”
- “I appreciate the effort put into optimization; it really enhances the overall experience.”
- “The optimization in this game allows for smooth gameplay, even on lower-end systems.”
- “Could use a little optimization and a little polish on the physics.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
While the puzzles may be confusing, players note that the game offers a decent level of replayability.
- “The game offers a high replay value with its diverse puzzles and multiple solutions.”
- “Each playthrough feels fresh due to the random elements and different strategies you can employ.”
- “I love how the game encourages you to try different approaches, making each replay a unique experience.”
- “The puzzles are confusing, which detracts from the overall replay value.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
- “The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying the game feel tedious.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the heartwarming connection between the developers and their loved ones, exemplified by a positive review from the developer's brother, which adds a personal touch to the game's reception.
- “It is heartwarming to see that one of the first positive reviews was from the developer's brother.”