Quod: Episode 1
- February 19, 2024
- IDTF
Get on SteamQuod: Episode 1 is a narrative-driven puzzle game that follows a robot's journey of self-discovery. With unique brain-bending puzzles and a captivating storyline, players will explore the meaning of existence and question reality. This atmospheric adventure combines beautiful visuals and immersive sound design to create a truly unforgettable experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features stunning graphics and a well-designed atmosphere that immerses players in a unique 1930s prison setting.
- Puzzles are engaging and thought-provoking, providing a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult.
- The game successfully incorporates well-placed jump scares and a refreshing take on the horror genre, making it a thrilling experience.
- The game is very short, leaving players wanting more and lacking substantial story development.
- Voice acting and some mechanics, such as the laser puzzle in the Laundry Room, are poorly executed and detract from the overall experience.
- Many puzzles can feel repetitive or cryptic, leading to frustration and confusion during gameplay.
- gameplay17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Gameplay is generally smooth and incorporates arcade elements effectively within the horror genre, though some mechanics, particularly the laser puzzle in the laundry room, have received criticism for being poorly designed. Despite this, many players appreciate the well-thought-out puzzles and sophisticated mechanics, such as color-coded keys and Morse code communication, which enhance the overall experience. While some reviews focus on technical issues, the gameplay itself is seen as engaging and reminiscent of larger studio titles.
“Gameplay is completely smooth, has a lot of arcade elements to it for a horror game, but it fits the game really well.”
“The detailed design, reminiscent of larger studio titles, and sophisticated mechanics, like color-coded keys and Morse code communication, enhance the gameplay.”
“What really impressed me is the sophistication of every element in gameplay mechanics like different colors of keys to open the corresponding doors, or the communication through the Morse code machine... all of that is done very well and there are many more!”
“I have seen a lot of critique pointed towards the laser mechanic in the laundry room — I have to agree, it's not a very good mechanic.”
“It would probably have taken me an unreal amount of time if I didn't by coincidence stumble upon a review that spoiled the entire mechanic of it.”
“The gameplay is similar to an ordinary walking simulator, with just slight frightening features.”
- story14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it intriguing and engaging, particularly praising its setting in a 1930s Texas prison filled with tension and mysteries, others criticize it for lacking depth and clarity, especially given the short runtime and absence of planned future episodes. Overall, there is a desire for more plot development and a well-constructed narrative in potential future installments.
“The story is intriguing!”
“The action takes place in a 1930s Texas prison, the plot is full of tension and mysteries.”
“It was immediately apparent to me - as someone who looks for the story first in a video game and that's how I choose the games to buy - that developers prepared quite a story for players, divided between numerous episodes.”
“However, the story doesn't offer any explanation during the very short runtime, and the developers don't really have an episode two planned at the moment.”
“No real story or plot development.”
“The story doesn't make any sense.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Quod: Episode 1" is described as eerie and immersive, effectively utilizing sound and visuals to create a sense of fear and mysticism. While some reviewers note a lack of consistent ominous tension and a reliance on blunt moments, the game is praised for its well-placed jump scares and strong art direction, contributing to an overall compelling experience that captivates players.
“Quod is a standout indie horror game that masterfully creates an eerie atmosphere with well-placed jump scares and accessible yet intriguing puzzles.”
“Although the game is short and takes place in a small area with only a few rooms, it is all about creating an incredible atmosphere with sound and visuals.”
“Quod: episode 1 is not just a game, it is a real immersion in an atmosphere of fear and mysticism, which allows you to feel like part of the terrible happenings in prison and fight for your survival.”
“For true horror fans, there are many moments in the game where things are probably not what you hope for; there's not a very strong ominous atmosphere going on, it's very blunt most of the time.”
“The atmosphere is not fully ominous; there are lots of blunt moments. It has well-placed scares, but not many of them.”
“Devs worked quite hard to create a proper atmosphere for the setting, designing so many items that it looks like a title from a big studio to me.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their beauty and ability to create an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the smooth movement and visual appeal, although some note that the game's short length and limited environment may detract from its potential. Overall, the visuals are a standout feature that captivates players, despite mixed feelings about other aspects of the game.
“I love the graphics and smooth movement, and I'm still curious about the story.”
“Although the game is short and takes place in a small area with only a few rooms, it is all about creating an incredible atmosphere with sound and visuals.”
“The game has beautiful graphics and nice puzzles that keep you coming back for more.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find certain aspects of grinding in the game, such as handling lockers and the morse code segment, to be tedious. However, some appreciate the learning experience that comes with these challenges, suggesting a mixed reception towards the grinding elements.
“The Morse code segment was tedious for me, but I did feel like I was learning as I played, which is a positive.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to performance problems and an overall lack of smooth gameplay.
“The game struggles to run properly, lacking sufficient optimization.”
“Performance issues are rampant, indicating a serious lack of optimization.”
“The optimization is so poor that it significantly detracts from the overall experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its repetitive and sometimes nonsensical puzzles, which, combined with amusing voice acting, elicit laughter from players, particularly in moments of unexpected character reactions.
“The puzzles were often repetitive or nonsensical, and the voice acting had me wondering if the caped crusader was going to make a sudden appearance, often making us laugh every time the character reacted (or didn't react) to something.”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and hilarious character interactions that kept me chuckling throughout my playthrough.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the absurd situations and clever puns sprinkled throughout the game, making it a delightful experience.”
