Shift 87
- July 23, 2024
- Pixelsplit
Shift 87 is a first-person observation horror game where players must check special environments for anomalies in three handcrafted levels. With randomly generated runs and a total of 66 anomalies to find, players can expect a unique and exciting experience every time. Remaining calm and accurate in reporting anomalies is paramount to avoid sequence resets and permanent damage from excessive adrenaline or cortisol.
Reviews
- The game creates a creepy atmosphere with well-designed environments and sound, enhancing the overall experience.
- There is a good amount of replayability with 87 anomalies to discover across three different settings.
- The game runs smoothly and is visually appealing, making it enjoyable for players who appreciate graphics and design.
- The game is very short, with some players completing it in under 30 minutes, leading to concerns about its overall value.
- Many anomalies are too obvious, reducing the challenge and excitement of spotting them.
- The lack of a compelling story or significant consequences during gameplay makes it feel shallow and less engaging.
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game excels in creating a unique and immersive creepy atmosphere, distinguishing itself from typical indie horror titles by avoiding generic soundscapes. Players appreciate the effective setting and the engaging experience of spotting anomalies, contributing to a compelling overall ambiance.
“The game is excellent at creating a creepy atmosphere.”
“I definitely give points for the atmosphere and setting.”
“It is atmospheric, and you are not confronted with the generic 'static noise' found in many indie horror games.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features smooth performance and impressive graphics, enhancing the overall experience with its visually appealing design and effective use of horror elements like ghosts and jump scares.
“A phenomenal anomaly horror game with great ghosts, spooks, and jump scares with superb graphics.”
“Game runs smoothly and has great graphics.”
“Graphically, it looks nice.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story has been criticized for lacking coherence and depth, with reviewers noting that it fails to present a compelling mystery or a satisfying conclusion.
“The story makes no sense.”
“There's no mystery to solve, there's no deeper story, and there's no ending that explains anything.”
“The narrative feels shallow and lacks any meaningful depth.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a unique mechanic that requires players to identify and report specific anomalies using a dedicated reporting device, adding an element of observation and strategy to the experience.
“It does have a mechanic where you have to report the specific anomaly by looking at it via the reporting device you have.”
- stability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates excellent stability on the Steam Deck, with users reporting smooth performance and reliable gameplay.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“The game maintains a steady frame rate, providing a smooth experience.”
“I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs, which makes for a stable gameplay experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find replayability in the game through the exploration and discovery of various anomalies, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover all hidden elements.
“Each playthrough offers new challenges and surprises, keeping the experience fresh.”
“The different character choices and paths make every run feel unique and engaging.”
“There's replayability in the form of discovering all of the anomalies.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying the game feel tedious and uninteresting.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is criticized for its absence, leading to a lack of engagement and emotional impact, which detracts from the overall experience and narrative depth.
“The music is completely forgettable and adds nothing to the overall experience.”
“There is a lack of variety in the soundtrack, making it feel repetitive and dull.”
“The sound design is poorly executed, with music that feels out of place and uninspired.”