Playback Trauma: The Beach
- January 26, 2022
- Undying Joy
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Playback Trauma: The Beach" is a 5-15 minute found-footage horror game set on a hauntingly realistic beach at night. As a "Walking Simulator," the game encourages exploration and story discovery, while immersive graphics and psychological horror elements create a chilling atmosphere. The game is inspired by a real beachside town in New Jersey, where remnants of a mysterious corruption lead you to the shoreline with something sinister lurking beyond the clouds.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features nice graphics and a relaxing beach environment, making it enjoyable to explore.
- It successfully establishes a creepy atmosphere with effective environmental storytelling and eerie sounds.
- Despite its short length, the game provides a fun and engaging experience that leaves players wanting more.
- The game's short runtime, typically around 10-15 minutes, is a significant drawback, making it feel more like a demo than a full game.
- Many players feel that the story is underdeveloped and could benefit from a longer narrative to fully explore its potential.
- At its price point, some reviewers believe the game does not offer enough content to justify the cost.
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its effective execution, creating a bleak and foreboding environment that enhances the horror experience. Reviewers highlight its ability to evoke strong emotions, making players feel jumpy and eager to continue playing. Overall, the game's atmospheric design is considered a standout feature that contributes significantly to its appeal.
“A short, simple, yet very well-executed atmospheric horror game.”
“Good atmosphere, very bleak with a sense of foreboding.”
“The atmosphere and style of the game was amazing and it makes you want to play more.”
- story4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its creep factor and effective environmental storytelling, creating an eerie atmosphere through sounds and found items. However, some players feel it is too short for its price and would have preferred a more coherent narrative to enhance the chilling experience.
“I'm a big fan of environmental storytelling, and this game does it very well.”
“Good as it is, but I would have liked to see the story play out longer because it had a good creep factor.”
“However, it was much shorter than a three-dollar game should be. The scares were enough to keep me surprised, but it would have been more chilling if the story had been easier to follow.”
“It's dark, but the different eerie sounds and the items you find tell of a bigger story!”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their appealing and relaxing aesthetic, contributing to a soothing beach atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
“A short, chill beach game that is relaxing with beautiful graphics.”
“The graphics are stunning and really enhance the overall experience.”
“The vibrant colors and detailed environments make the game visually captivating.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be highly atmospheric, effectively evoking feelings of tension and jumpiness, which enhances the overall emotional experience during gameplay.
“A great atmospheric piece that actually made me feel jumpy while playing.”
“The story resonated with me on a personal level, evoking deep emotions throughout.”
“I was completely immersed in the characters' struggles, and it left a lasting impact on me.”
