"Platform 8" is a walking simulator game set on a never-ending train. As you explore the train, you'll need to watch out for anomalies and find a way to escape. The game is inspired by Japanese subways and liminal spaces, and is a sequel to "The Exit 8". It is a short experience that can take between 15 to 60 minutes to complete. Both individuals and companies can distribute videos of the game, as long as they comply with the guidelines provided. The game's focus is on exploration and discovery, with a sense of unease and mystery adding to the atmosphere.
Platform 8 offers a unique and eerie experience, with creative anomalies and jump scares that enhance the horror atmosphere.
The game mechanics are different from its predecessor, focusing more on solving puzzles and surviving anomalies rather than just spotting them.
Despite being shorter and easier than Exit 8, it still provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
The gameplay lacks the challenge and tension of Exit 8, as many anomalies are obvious and the game often tells you how to proceed.
The game can be confusing at first due to the lack of clear instructions, leading to frustration for new players.
Overall, it feels like a step back from Exit 8, with less emphasis on observation and more on straightforward survival.
gameplay
228 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
76%
2%
The gameplay in "Platform 8" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant shift from the mechanics of its predecessor, "Exit 8." While some appreciate the introduction of new puzzle elements and a more interactive experience, others feel that the game lacks the depth and challenge of the original, leading to a shorter and less engaging experience overall. Overall, the game is seen as visually impressive but mechanically simplified, leaving some fans of the first game disappointed.
“I like that the gameplay is different than Exit 8, spotting the anomalies, to having to do some small puzzles or trying to survive the anomalies.”
“The big difference is in Exit 8 you just literally turn around if anything is off, but in Platform 8, since you must always continue forward, you must use specific gameplay mechanics to pass certain anomalies, like look at it/don’t look at it.”
“Overall, Platform 8 is stepping up its gameplay and horror level.”
“Kotake Create's newest title 'Platform 8' is... pretty disappointing, especially after its thematically- and mechanically-electric predecessor 'Exit 8'.”
“'Platform 8' doesn't just fail to live up to the mechanically incisive heights of 'Exit 8', but it also neglects to treat its core conceit with the focus and breadth necessary for such a mechanically- and architecturally-simple game to transcend its small scope.”
“Honestly, the more I think about it the worse this game seems, basically because you're really scraping the barrel to even describe this as a 'game': the gameplay is so minimal as to almost be non-existent.”
graphics
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
56%
5%
The graphics in the game have received high praise for their beauty and immersive quality, with many reviewers noting the impressive art and modeling that enhance the horror experience. However, some players have pointed out issues with graphic optimization and performance, particularly in the sequel, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience. While the visuals are often described as top-tier, there are concerns that they overshadow the gameplay, leading to a feeling of a short and less engaging experience.
“The graphics and ambiance make the game very immersive, which helps create a sense of helpless fear.”
“Fantastic anomaly game with terrifying anomalies and top-tier graphics and gameplay.”
“First of all, the graphics are beautiful.”
“Overall, it feels less like a game that you are trying to 'win' or complete, and more like a 'hey, take a look at these horror visuals we made' experience.”
“Platform 8 is something of a disappointment, because there is a noticeable improvement to the art and modeling in the game, and many of the visuals are a lot creepier than Exit 8, but unfortunately the gameplay has gotten worse.”
“If the graphic optimization and motion blur weren't such a big problem in this game, I might have stuck with it until I had figured it out, but it's too annoying to move around like that.”
atmosphere
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
45%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its chilling and eerie qualities, effectively creating tension and a sense of unease, reminiscent of its predecessor, Exit 8. While some players noted that the game leans more towards a walking simulator and lacks the psychological horror depth of Exit 8, the sound design and environmental presentation still deliver a compelling experience for fans of atmospheric horror. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a short, immersive horror experience focused on atmosphere rather than complex gameplay.
“Great atmosphere and tension, horror done right.”
“The atmosphere is chilling and I look forward to more games from this developer.”
“This game has a very unsettling atmosphere; play it at night for an even more intense experience.”
“Even though this game has an appropriately unnerving and desolate atmosphere, I didn't feel as paranoid playing this game as compared to Exit 8, which kind of detracted from the 'psychological horror' element this game is going for.”
“There isn't much atmosphere or tension either; it feels more like a very simple walking sim to be honest, collecting all the anomalies.”
“I want to say I think the atmosphere of 'Platform 8' and some of the anomalies are solid, but that's all I could enjoy about it.”
story
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
58%
17%
The game's story is generally perceived as simple and not deeply narrative-driven, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics like puzzle-solving and exploration. While some players appreciate the charm and unique elements of the story, others note the lack of a substantial plot or character development, with the experience leaning more towards a walking simulator. Overall, the narrative is described as engaging yet straightforward, with some players eagerly anticipating future chapters to expand on the existing storyline.
“At this point, I am eagerly waiting for a third chapter to complete the entire story.”
“Game was amazing, won't spoil the story, but this is absolutely a classic Kotake game.”
“You're not going to get a super deep story with an overarching message, you're going to get a neat little walking sim with a man you are unfortunately not able to kiss.”
“The plot at the end is really confusing and amazing.”
“As a sequel, 'Platform 8' retains the charm of 'The Exit 8.' There's no deep story or background connection between the two games, just some aesthetic similarities and light nods to its predecessor.”
“[td] no story”
optimization
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
45%
44%
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with players reporting poor performance even on high-end systems, averaging around 45fps at maximum settings. Many users noted the inability to disable raytracing and described the experience as sluggish and frustrating, particularly in comparison to the developer's previous title. Overall, the optimization issues have rendered the game nearly unplayable for some, detracting from the overall experience.
“Performance: no issues with performance nor any bugs.”
“I only wished for a better performance and clearer instruction at the beginning.”
“There's no way to disable ray tracing; performance is strangely terrible.”
“It's almost unplayable because of the poor optimization in the game. Even on the lowest settings, it's a slow, sluggish experience that need not be and wasn't there in their first game at all.”
“If the graphic optimization and motion blur weren't such a big problem in this game, I might have stuck with it until I had figured it out, but it's too annoying to move around like that.”
replayability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
67%
25%
Overall, "Platform 8" is perceived as having limited replayability compared to "Exit 8," primarily due to its easier gameplay and lack of challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some players found value in the initial experience, many felt that once completed, the game does not offer enough incentive to return, making it hard to recommend for those seeking a game with high replay value.
“After 2 hours, I didn't feel like I had seen everything yet, but enough that my purchase was worth it. In my opinion, the game could be £5 (currently £3.39 full price) and it would still be worth it; the replayability will be in the very likely new experiences.”
“However, it's a game that doesn't really offer much in replay value; where Exit 8 offers a challenge of correctly finding and reporting anomalies, Platform 8's focus on observing and surviving anomalies, although good in concept, doesn't offer much once you complete the game.”
“Due to the lack of replayability, I find it hard to recommend Platform 8.”
“Interesting game, slightly less challenging and much less replayable than Exit 8, but still a decent game.”
music
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
70%
30%
The reviews indicate a significant absence of music in the game, with multiple users noting that there is no music at all, leading to a low overall rating for the audio aspect.
“Music: none at all.”
“No music.”
“Music?”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report a mix of emotions, with some experiencing genuine paranoia and discomfort, particularly in Exit 8, while others found a more wholesome and satisfying conclusion in Platform 8. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly between the two games, with Exit 8 eliciting stronger feelings of fear and unease.
“Made me feel uncomfortable and scared at the same time.”
“Exit 8 was the first game that made me feel genuine paranoia.”
“Wholesome ending :)”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy in the game cleverly integrates advertisements into the gameplay, creating interactive experiences that can lead to both rewards and penalties. Players can engage with real-world products through QR codes, but missing certain in-game advertisement cues can result in significant setbacks, such as game overs and resets. Overall, the approach is seen as innovative but potentially frustrating due to the consequences of missed advertisements.
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with users reporting a bug-free experience. However, some players noted a lack of the intense atmosphere and paranoia present in the previous installment, despite the varied and impressive anomalies.
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the humor in the game to be a mix of spooky and amusing, with the experience of searching for anomalies creating a sense of paranoia that adds to the fun. The combination of funny and interesting elements keeps the gameplay engaging and entertaining.
“The game was fun - searching for possible anomalies that makes you paranoid when you think there is no anomaly and you see the sign saying that you are at route 0 (you failed). Some anomalies were spooky, some funny, some interesting.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game enjoyable and engaging, noting that it feels less tedious and more rewarding. The focus on discovering interesting anomalies rather than repetitive tasks enhances the overall experience, complemented by an excellent atmosphere.
“It was more fun and not tedious at all, less 'find which pixel is different this time!' and more 'look, an anomaly!'”
“The anomalies are more interesting, aren't as tedious to find, and the atmosphere is excellent.”