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The Bunker

The team has succeeded in creating something that feels truly different and unique, but it's over too quickly and far too simple as a game.
The Bunker Game Cover
67%Game Brain Score
story, atmosphere
gameplay, replayability
68% User Score Based on 1,136 reviews
Critic Score 70%Based on 16 reviews

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The Bunker Game Cover

About

The Bunker is a single player simulation game with a horror theme. It was developed by Wales Interactive and was released on September 20, 2016. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

The Bunker is a completely live action experience with point-and-click interactivity. Filmed on location in a decommissioned government nuclear bunker, it features a plot crafted by writers and designers behind titles like The Witcher, SOMA and Broken Sword, and incredible cast including Adam Brown (The Hobbit) and Sarah Greene (Penny Dreadful, Assassin’s Creed 3).

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The Bunker screenshot
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+7
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68%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,136 reviews
story348 positive mentions
gameplay34 negative mentions
  • The Bunker features excellent production values, with high-quality FMV and strong performances from the cast, particularly Adam Brown.
  • The story is engaging and atmospheric, effectively creating a sense of dread and isolation that resonates with players.
  • The game offers a unique experience as an interactive movie, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative.
  • The gameplay is extremely linear, with minimal choices and interactivity, making it feel more like a movie than a game.
  • There are frustrating quick-time events that can lead to repeated scenes if failed, which disrupts the flow of the story.
  • The game is short, lasting only about 2 hours, and lacks replay value, as there are few incentives to play through again.
  • story
    993 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "The Bunker" is generally well-received, praised for its engaging narrative and strong performances, particularly from the lead actor. While the plot unfolds in a linear fashion with minimal player choices, many players found the atmosphere and emotional depth compelling, despite some predictability and a lack of significant gameplay mechanics. Overall, it is considered more of an interactive movie than a traditional game, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate story-driven content.

    • “I thought the storytelling was really well done; each sliver of progression gives you another piece to the puzzle, and it's only by the end of the game that all the parts make sense, so it gets a major thumbs up from me.”
    • “The bunker is littered with collectibles that provide story tidbits to deepen your understanding of everything that's happened prior to the events of the story if you're willing to explore and seek everything out, providing at least some minor level of replayability if you missed them on your initial play.”
    • “The actors and writing make for an emotional, gripping story which makes the choices you need to make genuinely challenging from an empathetical point of view.”
    • “The main dislikes are the lack of choice you have to drive the story, as well as the QTEs sprinkled in to double check you are actually paying attention.”
    • “A lot of build up for the story to go pretty much nowhere.”
    • “The plot is completely predictable, there is no development of the characters, the events are carried in a very forced way.”
  • gameplay
    262 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "The Bunker" is largely criticized for being overly simplistic and linear, primarily consisting of point-and-click mechanics and quick-time events that feel more like interruptions in a movie than engaging gameplay. Many players found the mechanics frustrating, particularly the reliance on repetitive clicking and pixel hunting, which detracted from the overall experience. While the story and atmosphere received praise, the lack of meaningful gameplay elements left many feeling that it was more of an interactive film than a true game.

    • “In spite of this extremely linear gameplay, I found myself enthralled by the setting of the bunker and the feelings of isolation and loneliness it provides.”
    • “Excellent acting on the set of an actual nuclear bunker makes for a unique atmosphere which blends surprisingly well with the gameplay.”
    • “The point-and-click style of gameplay, along with the FMV, tickled my nostalgia, while also providing a crisp, attractive, and engaging story.”
    • “The quick time events and interactive elements are serviceable but feel like the most bare-bones gameplay possible to excuse calling this a game rather than a moderately interactive movie.”
    • “They really picked the movie over game, as the game elements are linear, mainly focused on finding things on the screen to click on, and then have a couple of the most annoying gameplay mechanics in gaming history: the quick-time event.”
    • “The gameplay itself is ludicrous: it's nothing more than a point and click game with just one or two options; to say it clearer, it tries to be a point and click game and also a movie, but turns out it is neither.”
  • atmosphere
    162 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and oppressive qualities, effectively capturing the eerie setting of a Cold War-era nuclear bunker through excellent use of lighting, sound, and set design. Reviewers highlight the strong narrative and acting that enhance the psychological horror experience, although some note that the linear gameplay detracts from the overall engagement. Despite its brevity and limited interactivity, the game's atmosphere remains its standout feature, drawing players into a tense and captivating story.

    • “Set in a genuine Cold War era nuclear bunker, the FMV is fantastically atmospheric with perfect use of lighting and first/third person views, flashbacks, and security cam feeds.”
    • “The attention to detail in the set design helps to maintain a constant eerie and unsettling atmosphere, crucial for a psychological horror game.”
    • “The atmosphere that the game creates is top-notch.”
    • “The developers tried to create a scary atmosphere, but the problem is that there's no danger.”
    • “But to put an unbeatable event at the end of a game which focused on atmosphere and until this point contained no challenge at all regarding gameplay, is simply not understandable.”
    • “-the atmosphere was choking.”
  • music
    102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to create an eerie atmosphere and build tension, while others criticize it for being excessively loud and sometimes overshadowing dialogue. Some players appreciate the soundtrack's harmony with the game's setting, while others feel it doesn't fit the horror theme effectively, leading to a lack of payoff in suspenseful moments. Overall, the music is seen as a strong element that enhances the experience, despite some concerns about volume control and its alignment with the game's tone.

    • “The music ambiance sets the mood properly for this dark underground tale.”
    • “The atmosphere is awesome, which is made by the underlying music - just fantastic tracks, and by the graphics and the gloomy and eerie setting.”
    • “I still enjoyed it very much, and highly recommend it solely for the stellar performances by the cast, the strong story-telling, and the brilliant music.”
    • “The soundtrack did not fit the game at all.”
    • “I can see the angle they were going for, but this lacks being a horror suspense, so the music just builds with absolutely no payoff once again.”
    • “Overall, the music is fine but I would have liked to see an option to reduce the music volume as it sometimes drowns out the voices of the people talking.”
  • replayability
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of "The Bunker" is largely criticized, with many reviewers noting its linear structure and minimal choices, resulting in little to no incentive for multiple playthroughs. While there are collectibles that can enhance the experience for completionists, the overall consensus is that the game feels more like an interactive movie, making it suitable for a single playthrough rather than repeated attempts. Players seeking a more engaging and variable experience may find this title lacking in replay value.

    • “The bunker is littered with collectibles that provide story tidbits to deepen your understanding of everything that's happened prior to the events of the story if you're willing to explore and seek everything out, providing at least some minor level of replayability if you missed them on your initial play.”
    • “Ok...this game is not that long, as other reviewers have mentioned, but it has a bit of replayability...there are many opportunities to change the course of the storyline reveal...think of this like Firewatch (if you've played it), you're there for the story and the acting...and the acting is quite good...I felt like I got my money's worth out of it, and am curious to do the replay...very good job to the developers, I've been longing for a good FMV game for too many years to mention and this fills that little gap.”
    • “The only scenario in which I can see there being replayability is if you avoid all optional flavor items the first time around and then go back in later to access those.”
    • “Unfortunately, with the only choice in the game being the ending and both endings probably clocking in at about 30 seconds long, the bunker has essentially no replay value. It's a shame because if the game actually had any real decisions to make, I would think it was worth multiple playthroughs.”
    • “At the end of the day, this game is incredibly linear with no replayable value (unless you're achievement/collectible hunting) and really just feels like an interactive movie.”
    • “It took me less than two hours to complete, and the replay value is none.”
  • graphics
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are described as a unique blend of high-quality full-motion video (FMV) and CGI, creating a surreal and trippy art style that enhances the interactive movie experience. While some reviewers appreciate the retro aesthetics and atmospheric visuals, others note that the graphics are not flashy and may require innovative gameplay mechanics to fully realize their potential. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's eerie atmosphere, earning ratings around 7 to 8 out of 10.

    • “Graphics are surreal combination of FMV and CGI.”
    • “Graphically, the bunker’s FMV is of the highest quality.”
    • “If you are looking for a game with a relatable main character, a story that transforms as you play, and stunning graphics then this game is for you.”
    • “Don't expect flashy graphics and innovative gameplay, but get ready for a two-hour long interactive movie.”
    • “Graphics are a surreal combination of FMV and CGI.”
    • “It almost has the feeling of the old graphic adventure games of the past mixed with FMV.”
  • emotional
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its unique storytelling approach, which deeply connects players to the characters and their struggles, evoking a range of feelings from heartbreak to terror. While some players found the narrative engaging and emotionally impactful, others criticized it for being slow or uninspired, leading to mixed reactions regarding the overall emotional depth. Despite these critiques, many reviewers noted moments of genuine emotional investment and authentic performances that contributed to an immersive experience.

    • “This unique approach to storytelling in games allows players to feel directly connected to the unfolding drama, enhancing the tension and emotional impact of the narrative.”
    • “I was not prepared for the emotional depth of the game.”
    • “The actors and writing make for an emotional, gripping story which makes the choices you need to make genuinely challenging from an empathetical point of view.”
    • “If I ever want to watch a straight-line movie with a boring story, I would just go watch Twilight on Netflix. I mean seriously, developers, you can do better.”
  • optimization
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is generally well-received, with players praising the strong performances of the cast, particularly the protagonist, which enhance the immersive experience. While the narrative and acting quality are highlighted, some minor issues such as occasional heavy-handedness in performances and overshadowed dialogue by the soundtrack are noted. Overall, the game effectively utilizes its live-action format to deliver a compelling story, despite some shortcomings in replay value.

    • “The game leverages its live-action format to deliver a deeply immersive experience, with a strong narrative driven by the performances of its cast, particularly the protagonist, played by Adam Brown.”
    • “I still enjoyed it very much, and highly recommend it solely for the stellar performances by the cast, the strong storytelling, and the brilliant music.”
    • “Reel loops are hard to detect, cuts are nicely done, all the actors provide a good performance and the soundtrack helps to keep the suspense throughout, although it tends to overshadow some dialogue on one or two occasions.”
    • “The acting is okay, with a few characters on point, though our main protagonist somehow irks me due to his performance, as if his character is not fully right in the head and stunted in growth, contrasting to his younger self.”
    • “About the nicest thing I can say is that the actor's performances are fine.”
    • “The supporting cast, Grahame Fox and Sarah Green, definitely helped to raise the acting quality in this, but alas their performances are minor in comparison to John's screen time.”
  • grinding
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being slow, tedious, and boring, with many players expressing frustration over repetitive button-mashing mechanics and a lackluster story. While some found moments of engagement, the overall experience is described as a chore, particularly during second playthroughs where scene skipping is not an option. This game may serve as a light distraction between more engaging titles, but it fails to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience on its own.

    • “Slow and tedious, and if you make me jam the button to do something, it is a bad experience.”
    • “Even by Wales Interactive, the rest of their FMV games I've played are fun; this isn't fun, it's tedious and boring.”
    • “The gameplay was outright boring; FMVs aren't supposed to be focused on gameplay but instead on the story, but the story was so lame that it made the gameplay feel nothing but tedious.”
  • humor
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is described as a consistent element that elicits reactions like "well, that's what you get," though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some players found the experience amusing despite feeling the game was longer than its actual playtime, while others criticized the humor as lacking depth and failing to engage. Overall, the humor is present but not universally appreciated, with mixed feelings about its execution.

    • “The overall experience is humorous, and you find yourself thinking or saying out loud, 'well, that's what you get.'”
    • “I finished the game in 120 minutes, which is funny because I felt like it was at least a 4-hour dull run.”
    • “It's funny because in some parts it looked great, but then in another scene, blood looked more fake than it does on videos.”
  • character development
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, reviews indicate a significant dissatisfaction with character development, with many players feeling that the backstory provided was disconnected from the main plot and did not enhance their understanding of the characters. Several users described the character development as lacking depth, leading to a poor narrative experience.

    • “I liked it for what it was, but I just wish that some of the backstory--specifically, information I obtained via the computers--would've helped me understand more about relative plot points or character development vs. just seemingly 'things that happened a long time ago' that I had a hard time connecting to what was going on.”
    • “Terrible story with no character development.”
    • “Poor character development.”
  • stability
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent crashes and freezing, which detract from the overall experience. Many users reported that videos fail to play, resulting in black screens with only audio, highlighting the game's numerous bugs. Overall, the technical performance is considered very poor.

    • “This game was nicely filmed, but is really buggy - half the videos failed to play and I was presented with a black screen with audio only.”
    • “I don't think I have ever played a game this buggy!”
    • “When the game closes, it freezes.”
  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for being misleading, with players expressing regret over their purchases and feeling that the advertising did not accurately represent the product.

    • “Don't let the hype advertising fool you - I would love my money back from this one.”
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70%Critics’ scoreBased on 16 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Bunker is a simulation game with horror theme.

The Bunker is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 3 hours playing The Bunker.

The Bunker was released on September 20, 2016.

The Bunker was developed by Wales Interactive.

The Bunker has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its gameplay.

The Bunker is a single player game.

Similar games include The Beast Inside, Erica, The Descendant, Moons of Madness, The Medium and others.