- September 18, 2018
- Redact Games
- 2h median play time
Sagebrush
Sagebrush delivers on an interesting plot that draws you into the game. However, the gameplay is not quite enough to carry the rest of the game. It’s short length and limited gameplay options cut a bit into what was an overall positive experience. I just wish that there was a bit more to experience.
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Sagebrush is a single player simulation game with horror, drama and mystery themes. It was developed by Redact Games and was released on September 18, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.
"Sagebrush" is a first-person narrative adventure that explores the abandoned Black Sage Ranch, former home of the Millenarian cult Perfect Heaven. Players investigate the complex motivations and stories of the cult members, who collectively took their lives in a mass suicide event. The game features an immersive, low-fi 3D world to explore, inspired by real-world apocalyptic cults.
+1
- Sagebrush offers a compelling narrative that effectively explores the dark themes of cults and their impact on individuals, creating an immersive experience.
- The lo-fi aesthetic and atmospheric sound design contribute to a heavy sense of unease, enhancing the overall storytelling.
- The game is concise, with a playtime of around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a short yet engaging experience.
- The voice acting, particularly for the cult leader, is often criticized as lacking depth and professionalism, which detracts from the immersion.
- Some players found the gameplay to be overly simplistic, with linear key-fetching mechanics that can feel repetitive and predictable.
- The darkness in certain areas can make navigation frustrating, leading to moments where players may feel lost or hindered in their exploration.
- story317 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
The story of Sagebrush is a compelling exploration of a fictional cult, drawing inspiration from real-life events and effectively utilizing environmental storytelling to engage players. While some reviewers noted its predictability and reliance on familiar tropes, many praised its immersive atmosphere, emotional depth, and the way it unfolds through exploration and discovery. Overall, the narrative is described as gripping and well-executed, making it a standout feature of the game despite some technical and design flaws.
“The story was creepy and engaging enough to stand out in the hordes of relatively short walking simulator games out there, and how it executes its plot was very well done in my opinion, especially with its use of implication.”
“A wonderful game with a story that will have you hooked until the very end.”
“It's a game with a story that is very much worth experiencing and everything inside of it works together beautifully to create an unforgettable experience.”
“The ending also goes on way too long, with a backstory dump that doesn't add anything, since that's the point of the game and it tells us nothing that couldn't be inferred already.”
“While I'd still recommend it especially on a sale price, the main interest in this style of a game, the story, is pretty predictable and generic if you're familiar with its subject matter.”
“As a result, the story ultimately (and very unfortunately) fails to provide any new insights to players who have already experienced or at least read about these things.”
So, you joined a cult--Sagebrush review
Sagebrush delivers on an interesting plot that draws you into the game. However, the gameplay is not quite enough to carry the rest of the game. It’s short length and limited gameplay options cut a bit into what was an overall positive experience. I just wish that there was a bit more to experience.
70%Sagebrush (Nintendo Switch)
Sagebrush pulls you into the life of a cult by forcing you to follow the story of someone who survived one. Perfect Heaven – and its impact on its members – feels organic and like cults that have lived in times before it. Its pixelated animation style gives you the feeling that you’re exploring the ruins of someone’s memory and the tragedy that followed.
95%Sagebrush Review
Strictly as an adventure-type videogame, Sagebrush is as simplistic one can get. As an experience, though, it's an unforgettable journey to the bizarre world of religious fanaticism, and, more specifically, suicide cults; one with an incredibly immersive, hair-raising atmosphere, in great part courtesy of its incredibly fitting, 32-bit era visuals, and minimalist approach to sound. If a fan of short, narrative-driven, psychological thrillers, this is a must-buy.
80%
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sagebrush is a simulation game with horror, drama and mystery themes.
Sagebrush is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.
The main story can be completed in around 2 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 2 hours to finish. On average players spend around 2 hours playing Sagebrush.
Sagebrush was released on September 18, 2018.
Sagebrush was developed by Redact Games.
Sagebrush has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its optimization.
Sagebrush is a single player game.
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