PARANOIHELL
- January 14, 2020
- lum
Get on SteamParanoihell is a pixel horror game that takes inspiration from the gameplay of PSX-style survival horror games. Use weapons to defend yourself from enemies, set traps, or hide. But don't be reckless, your resources are limited. Thorough exploration and careful item management will be key to survival.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features well-crafted sound design and unsettling imagery that effectively creates a tense atmosphere.
- Paranoihell offers a compelling gameplay loop with multiple endings and a well-executed survival horror experience reminiscent of classic titles.
- The surreal and nightmarish elements of the game, along with its cryptic plot, encourage players to engage deeply with the story and explore its themes.
- The combat can feel simplistic and clunky, making encounters frustrating at times, especially when overwhelmed by enemies.
- The walking speed is slow, which can make exploration tedious and lead to a feeling of sluggishness during gameplay.
- Some players found the game to be relatively short, which may leave them wanting more content or a longer experience.
- gameplay3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a familiar style reminiscent of "Search Party," with a mix of jarring animations and a nostalgic early Resident Evil atmosphere. While the mechanics are basic, they are effectively executed, providing a solid gameplay loop that balances despair with a compelling desire to continue playing.
“The gameplay is a basic but well-executed loop that allows for a good degree of depth. While the mechanics may be average, they effectively bring a sense of assuredness to the gameplay loop, balancing the despair of the playthrough with the desire to return and finish the game.”
“There are lots of jarring animations and a clock tower/early Resident Evil feel to the gameplay.”
“The game takes place in the same world and has a nearly identical gameplay style to Search Party.”
“There are lots of jarring animations, giving the gameplay a clock tower/early Resident Evil feel.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its cryptic nature, allowing players to interpret and piece together the narrative in a rewarding way. The haunting visuals and sound design enhance the experience, making it a thought-provoking journey that invites reflection and multiple interpretations.
“I liked the vibes, the haunting visuals, the sound design, and the story which leaves it up to you to come up with your own interpretation.”
“The plot may be cryptic and mostly open to interpretation, but I find that a great positive when it comes to revisiting the game and thinking about what the text itself says, as well as how the interweaving game design can convey the story.”
“It has many rewarding endings and an excellent story to piece together!”
“The story is cryptic and mostly up for interpretation, which can be frustrating for players looking for a clear narrative.”
“While the visuals and sound design are haunting, the story leaves too much open to interpretation, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and lacks coherence, leaving players confused about the overall plot.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is effectively crafted, utilizing a contrast between simple graphics and detailed horror elements to enhance the survival experience. Players note the strong sound direction and a consistent sense of tension, with impactful scares and imagery that reflect a city in chaos. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature that elevates the gameplay beyond its indie roots.
“Paranoihell carries its atmosphere very well, with a number of scares and imagery to convey the whole city falling apart in a state of madness.”
“Sound direction is good, keeping a tense atmosphere the whole while, shifting whenever you're spotted by a zombie or corrupt person, or worse.”
“The graphics aren't that much to look at, but the gameplay and atmosphere are really solid. Despite the simple look, which is done on purpose to create a contrast between the less detailed elements and the hyper-detailed uncanny aspects, there is some surprisingly competent survival horror game design on display here that defies its indie status.”
“The graphics aren't that impressive, but the gameplay and atmosphere are really solid. Despite the simple look, which is intentionally designed to create a contrast between the less detailed elements and the hyper-detailed uncanny aspects, there is surprisingly competent survival horror game design on display that defies its indie status.”
“Paranoihell carries its atmosphere very well, with a number of scares and imagery that effectively convey the city falling apart in a state of madness.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics are intentionally simple, creating a contrast with the more detailed, unsettling elements, which enhances the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. While not visually impressive, the haunting visuals and sound design contribute to a solid survival horror experience that exceeds typical indie game standards.
“I liked the vibes, the haunting visuals, the sound design, and the story, which leaves it up to you to come up with your own interpretation.”
“The graphics may not be that impressive, but the gameplay and atmosphere are really solid. Despite the simple look—done on purpose to create a contrast between the less detailed elements and the hyper-detailed uncanny aspects—there is surprisingly competent survival horror game design on display here that defies its indie status.”
“The graphics aren't that impressive, but the gameplay and atmosphere are really solid. Despite the simple look, which is intentionally designed to create a contrast between the less detailed elements and the hyper-detailed uncanny aspects, there is surprisingly competent survival horror game design on display that defies its indie status.”
“The visuals feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
“While the art style is unique, the graphics often come off as bland and unrefined, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
