Rooten

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 33 reviews
  • story
  • atmosphere
  • gameplay
Rooten Game Cover
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"Rooten is a single-player Horror Action game with a very atmospheric, dense dark setting and hand-drawn 2D/3D graphics. Players are trapped in a research station surrounded by a mysterious forest, where an inhuman creature lurks. The game's world is alive, with events unfolding independently, and encourages exploration of the many forest locations to uncover its secrets and the staff's disappearance, but cautions that curiosity can be dangerous."

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 33 reviews
story4 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The game features a creepy and atmospheric story that effectively builds tension and dread.
  • The art style and sound design contribute to a unique and immersive experience, reminiscent of other horror titles.
  • It offers multiple endings and replayability, encouraging exploration and discovery.
  • The gameplay is excessively slow-paced, making exploration tedious and frustrating.
  • Poor level design and navigation issues lead to confusion and aimless wandering.
  • The English translation has several issues that can detract from the overall immersion.
  • story13 mentions

    The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it intriguing and atmospheric, drawing them into a unique experience with a creepy ambiance, others feel it is slow-paced and confusing, detracting from their engagement. Despite the varied opinions, many appreciate the potential for multiple endings and the desire to replay for different outcomes, indicating a well-crafted narrative that resonates with some players. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a highlight for those who enjoy exploration and mystery, though it may not appeal to everyone.

    • “Rooten is a solid game that I found very enjoyable; it features a creepy and atmospheric story that had me interested the whole way through. Everything from the sound design, mystery, and map came together to formulate a unique experience.”
    • “I love how Rooten takes its time to build up the story.”
    • “Just finished it and will play it again because I want to see other endings and story parts.”
    • “I was confused a lot of the time, the gameplay was slow and tedious and it was hard to get into the story, but the ambience is great, the design of the world is unsettling and you get that uneasy feeling that you'd expect from a horror game.”
    • “The story is nothing to write home about and I suggest not wasting your time playing this like I did.”
    • “As if a very skilled kid drew distorted images for quite a morbid story.”
  • atmosphere13 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Rooten" is widely praised for its creepy, gloomy, and surreal qualities, effectively enhancing the game's exploration horror elements. Reviewers highlight the strong world-building, sound design, and unique art style that contribute to a slow-burning, immersive experience, although some note that pacing issues can detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the game successfully creates a moody and atmospheric environment that resonates with fans of the genre.

    • “Rooten is a solid game that I found very enjoyable; it features a creepy and atmospheric story that had me interested the whole way through. Everything from the sound design, mystery, and map came together to formulate a unique experience.”
    • “I would definitely recommend Rooten to anyone who wants a nice slow-burn horror game with a unique art style, creepy atmosphere, and simple gameplay!”
    • “The atmosphere is gloomy and surreal, and I really enjoyed it.”
    • “Rooten is a very mysterious horror walking sim with a slow pace and a dark atmosphere.”
    • “It builds the atmosphere slowly and doesn't have any jump scares.”
  • gameplay7 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a slow and tedious pace, primarily focused on exploration and walking, which some players find frustrating and confusing. While the atmosphere and world design are praised for their unsettling qualities, the overall experience can feel monotonous, with a lack of engaging mechanics and pacing that detracts from the horror elements. However, those who appreciate a slow-burn horror experience may still find value in its unique art style and moody ambiance.

    • “I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a nice slow-burn horror game with a unique art style, creepy atmosphere, and simple gameplay!”
    • “I'm a big fan of the in-game mechanic of time that goes by itself and brings a feel of a daily routine that gets worse every day.”
    • “I was confused a lot of the time, the gameplay was slow and tedious and it was hard to get into the story.”
    • “The gameplay and pacing got old really fast; or lack thereof, when you can't even end the day and go to the next one, when you need to.”
    • “Gameplay is simple, mostly walking around and exploring.”
  • graphics5 mentions

    The graphics of the game are praised for their simplicity, which effectively enhances the creepy atmosphere and setting. The unique art style contributes to a sense of dread and hopelessness, making it a strong point for players seeking a slow-burn horror experience.

    • “While very simple in design and graphics, it does exactly what it sets out to do; give you a sense of dread and hopelessness as you play through.”
    • “Its strongest points are its setting and atmosphere, as well as the art style.”
    • “The art style really adds to the creepy atmosphere.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be slow and tedious, often leading to confusion and frustration as they encounter artificial barriers that hinder progress. While the game's atmosphere and world design are praised, the overall experience is marred by a sense of futility in the grinding mechanics.

    • “It is nothing more than an exercise in futility with barriers keeping you from where you are trying to go while you are moving tediously slow.”
    • “I was confused a lot of the time; the gameplay was slow and tedious, and it was hard to get into the story.”
  • music2 mentions

    The music and sound effects in the game are generally considered decent, effectively enhancing the dreary atmosphere and mood.

    • “Music and sound effects perfectly set the dreary mood of the game.”
    • “The sound effects and music are decent.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game boasts solid replayability for players interested in exploring various daily outcomes, though it features a deliberately slow pace that may not appeal to everyone.

    • “The game offers great replayability if you are curious to explore every possible outcome, and don't mind the slow pace (the game purposefully doesn't allow the player to run).”
    • “Each playthrough reveals new storylines and character interactions, making it a joy to revisit.”
    • “With multiple endings and choices that significantly impact the narrative, you'll find yourself coming back for more.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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