SHIATH

About

SHIATH is a single player survival shooter game with horror, mystery and violence themes. It was developed by theJameskrik and was released on August 29, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

SHIATH (Something horrible is about to happen) is a short (less than an hour long) horror game about the end of humankind and self-made doom. Features Clay pigeon shooting. To survive, you'll need to take as much as you can from the sea below. Remember that not everything that surfaces is what it seems to be. The brink. A surreal vision of a dying world. Enjoy your stay on the last patch …

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 46 reviews

graphics5 positive mentions

grinding1 negative mentions

Unique and atmospheric psychological horror experience with a strong unsettling tone and existential themes.
Engaging writing and storytelling that provoke thought and emotional reflection, with well-crafted lore and meaningful narrative.
Simple but satisfying gameplay mechanics like shooting to gather resources and survival elements, complemented by striking low-poly visuals and sound design.

Length is very short, offering limited replay value and some players may find it incomplete or rushed, especially the ending.
Some gameplay elements feel awkward or poorly executed, such as the platforming chase sequence and unclear or inconsistent mechanics (e.g., hunger/thirst systems).
Heavy reliance on long, slow text and lack of explanation can cause frustration and disrupt pacing; some find the tone preachy or overly judgmental.

story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
The story is characterized by a dark, tense, and ambiguous atmosphere, conveyed mainly through environmental storytelling and minimal dialogue, encouraging player interpretation and theory-crafting. While some find the plot compelling and well-written, others criticize it for being chaotic, depressing, or underwhelming, with a rushed ending. Overall, the narrative experience is unique but polarizing, appealing to those who appreciate subtle and atmospheric storytelling.
- “This is definitely not a story about triumph, but tension, uncertainty, and the slow, inevitable decay of everything with a touch of mystery in-between.”
- “The story is delivered through exploration and environmental storytelling rather than traditional exposition.”
- “There's some theory-crafting and reading-between-the-lines on the minimal dialogue that there is and the story overall is pretty up to interpretation, which is cool.”
- “The plot is delivered in a huge amount of text; expect a lot of reading and waiting.”
- “The story is chaotic and depressing.”
- “Nothing about this game is appealing... the graphics, the gameplay, the story, even the horror aspect is just blah if not nonexistent... I paid $1.78 too much for this piece of trash... do not waste your money!!!”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
Gameplay in this game is centered around exploration, survival, and simple mechanics that support its storytelling, though some find the mechanics vague, awkward, and reliant on trial and error. The inclusion of a dog companion adds emotional depth, and unique elements like a clay-pigeon-shooting mechanic offer some interest. However, opinions vary widely, with some players appreciating the philosophical themes and concise gameplay loop, while others find the gameplay uninspired and frustrating.
- “There is an interesting clay-pigeon-shooting mechanic that replaces fishing, though why the game doesn’t lean harder into the “pigeon” aspect of that idea is beyond me.”
- “The dog, your sole companion, becomes not just a gameplay entity but an emotional anchor for your character.”
- “Gameplay centers on exploration and survival.”
- “I wished that some of the mechanics allowed for better judgment. A lot of the shooting is just trial and error, or at least I didn't notice the difference between objects and enemies.”
- “Its mechanics are vague, awkward, and tedious, and the game feels bizarrely judgmental.”
- “The developer is obviously a misanthrope and seems determined to make the player feel that contempt during every second of gameplay.”
graphics
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
55%
The graphics received mixed feedback, with many praising the unique art style, low-poly visuals, and atmospheric design that effectively enhance the horror mood. Some users found the visuals impressive and engaging, while a few criticized the graphics as unimpressive or lacking settings. Overall, the game's aesthetic and graphical presentation contribute well to its unsettling and reflective experience.
- “The graphics and overall design had me and a couple of friends very impressed; the characters were also enjoyable.”
- “Short but great horror experience, the writing is on point and the graphics are cool.”
- “It also has trippy visuals with a magnificent sunset island level and a funny skeleton scarecrow.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's atmosphere is distinctly eerie and unsettling, enhanced by its surreal low-poly art style and strong psychological tension. It effectively creates a dark, immersive experience that stands out among indie horror titles, making it especially appealing to players who appreciate narrative depth and creative design.
- “The developers make clear from the outset, and through every atmospheric beat of the game, that survival may be futile and the outcome dark-ish.”
- “The atmosphere is fantastic too, simply existing in this world feels eerie, uncomfortable, and wrong in the best way.”
- “It is not a game for everyone, but for players who appreciate a neat little indie horror experience, psychological tension, and a surreal low-poly atmosphere that stands out, especially at its low price point.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is highly praised for its intense and immersive quality, significantly enhancing the horror atmosphere and emotional impact. Users found the themes exceptionally well-crafted and effective in heightening the overall experience.
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Grinding in the game is described as vague, awkward, and tedious, contributing to a frustrating experience that feels unnecessarily judgmental.
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect is highlighted by the deep bond formed with the dog companion, who serves as a meaningful and heartfelt anchor throughout the game.
- “The dog, your sole companion, becomes not just a gameplay entity but an emotional anchor for your character.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is lighthearted and quirky, featuring amusing elements like a funny skeleton scarecrow that add charm alongside its visually vibrant, trippy environments.