The Exit 8

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,323 reviews
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
  • graphics
The Exit 8 Game Cover
The Exit 8 is an incredibly unique and massively memorable experience, and for the price of a coffee it's very easy to recommend.
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"The Exit 8" is a captivating 2D puzzle-platformer game set in a mysterious world. As the player, you control a character named Kotake, who must use her abilities to solve increasingly complex puzzles and overcome obstacles to uncover the truth about the enigmatic Exit 8. With its unique atmosphere and immersive storyline, this game offers a satisfying and challenging experience for fans of the genre.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,323 reviews
gameplay85 positive mentions
story13 negative mentions
  • gameplay271 mentions

    The gameplay of this title is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics, primarily revolving around a "spot the difference" concept within a looping corridor environment. While the game offers a smooth and intuitive experience, players noted that the difficulty can vary, with some anomalies being challenging to spot, leading to moments of frustration. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its atmosphere and unique approach, though many felt it could benefit from additional content to extend playtime beyond the roughly one to two hours it currently offers.

    • “The gameplay is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to get lost in the adventure.”
    • “It manages to create a great gameplay loop of strengthening the details you pay attention to, it is absolutely astounding how this game can make big changes that you don't notice for a long time, leaving you wondering why you failed even after you go back to check for differences once it lets you know you have, but then when you do figure it out you have a great 'ahhhhh' moment many times.”
    • “Very clever horror game with a neat observation-based gameplay hook.”
    • “If you expect a horror game, you'll be sorely deluded. The atmosphere is nice, but too many anomalies are hard to spot and bring little to no spook factor. The looping mechanic is interesting, but I feel like there's a lot of missing potential; a shame.”
    • “The gameplay is simple and there's not much more to it - once you do, you win and that's it.”
    • “This is a low-effort horror game with gameplay that consists of spotting the differences in the environment.”
  • atmosphere225 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively capturing a liminal space aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the top-notch sound design and minimal reliance on jump scares, which contribute to a suspenseful and unsettling environment. However, some reviewers note that the short length and repetitive gameplay can diminish the initial tension, though the atmospheric elements remain strong throughout.

    • “The sound design is top-notch, with an atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood of the game.”
    • “From its liminal space aesthetic to its subtly creepy vibes, the game left a lasting impression with its immersive atmosphere and attention to detail.”
    • “The atmosphere, the subtlety and the quality of the finished product made this a big recommendation!”
    • “A series of walkways crawling with potential predators, doors that lead nowhere, signs smeared in blood and feces, and a general atmosphere that would make Silent Hill seem like a safe place to live.”
    • “I managed to make it to the 8th corridor a couple of times early on (and apparently just missed something immediately after) but the next hour or so consisted of me painstakingly examining every little object for the remaining, much harder to spot anomalies, and it ended up killing the entire atmosphere of the game and making it a chore.”
    • “It's unfortunate, because I was just starting to get immersed into a genuinely creepy and unsettling atmosphere.”
  • graphics217 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing a unique aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Many players noted the high-quality visuals, which run smoothly on capable hardware, although some experienced performance issues on lower-end systems. While the graphics are a highlight, some reviewers felt that the game's content was lacking, suggesting that the impressive visuals could not fully compensate for the simplicity of the gameplay.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with meticulous attention to detail that brings every scene to life.”
    • “Everything looks detailed and sharp, and the game ran perfectly for me on the highest graphic settings.”
    • “The graphics and detail are flawless, and there's a real sense of horror because of the unknown.”
    • “The only thing that doesn't really stand out is its graphic style, since it seems almost 'pre-made' and it really does not have that much character.”
    • “However, the graphics are really high even if you put it on low graphics, which still makes me lag really hard on the PC I'm playing on.”
    • “If there was a better option for me where the graphics were even lower, I'd definitely play this more often, because I really want to, but the lag is just too much.”
  • replayability90 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it can be enjoyable for a few playthroughs, it tends to lose its appeal once all anomalies are discovered. Some appreciate the randomization of anomalies and the fun of playing with friends, but overall, the consensus is that the game is short and lacks significant long-term replay value. Despite this, it remains a decent option for casual play, especially given its low price.

    • “Super fun and easily replayable, such a simple but effective concept!”
    • “This game is very replayable because the order of anomalies changes each time.”
    • “Great replay value in the randomization of the anomalies plus the challenge of finding them all.”
    • “First few playthroughs are fun and tense, but after you've seen all the anomalies, it loses all replayability.”
    • “Unfortunately not very replayable, as you would start to remember each anomaly and know exactly what to look for - but a very fun experience on your first playthrough!”
    • “If I had to pick out a negative aspect, I'd say that it's a dollar or two overpriced for what you get as there is nearly no replay value; once you know what you're looking for, there is no challenge in finding it again.”
  • story69 mentions

    The game's story is a point of contention among players, with some praising its intriguing narrative and seamless integration with gameplay, while others criticize it for lacking depth and complexity. Many reviews highlight that the game does not prioritize a traditional story, instead focusing on atmosphere and puzzle-solving, which some players appreciate, while others express a desire for more narrative engagement. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the story may not be central, it can still enhance the experience for those who value it.

    • “From the very start, the game captivated me with its intriguing storyline and beautifully crafted world.”
    • “"Exit 8" is an excellent use of restraint, never straying past its own core ideal and yet still managing to tell an interesting story and engage its audience with its simple idea.”
    • “The story is deep and moving.”
    • “Game lacks depth and is a mere visual puzzle game. Do not buy into this game assuming you're going to get any sort of portal complexity in story or be able to move things.”
    • “No story but 10/10 for atmosphere.”
    • “While it doesn't really have a story, it takes you into the depths of the unknown, leaving you vulnerable as to what might be lurking beneath the Japan subway.”
  • humor51 mentions

    The humor in the game is a blend of funny and creepy elements, with many players finding the anomalies both amusing and unsettling. While some moments are genuinely humorous, others can be subtly disturbing, creating a unique experience that keeps players engaged. Overall, the game successfully balances lightheartedness with tension, making it enjoyable and entertaining.

    • “The anomalies range from unsettling to strangely funny, and by the time you've gotten to exit 8 you'll feel like you know the tunnel like the back of your white-tiled hand.”
    • “Some of the things you'll see will be funny, some will be creepy, and some will be so subtle it might be a while before you even figure out what you missed... but they're all worth looking at.”
    • “At first it's weird, then it's funny, then it's unnerving, and when you finally make it out, it's satisfying.”
  • music50 mentions

    The game features no music, which some players find enhances the unsettling atmosphere, allowing the well-crafted sound effects to take center stage. While the absence of a soundtrack may not appeal to everyone, many appreciate the minimalist approach that focuses on immersive sound design, creating a unique horror experience. However, some reviewers suggest that the game could benefit from ambient music to further enrich the atmosphere.

    • “The sound design is top-notch, with an atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood of the game.”
    • “I loved the concept and thought the choice to have no music was bold, but it was really effective for the unsettling atmosphere.”
    • “An immersive and horrifying experience without eerie music or cheap jump scares.”
    • “Half the experience of a horror game is arguably how it sounds, and exit 8 falls kind of flat; with stock sound effects, a completely non-existent soundtrack, and a constant buzzing noise that is driving me crazy!”
    • “There isn't much to say about the soundtrack as there isn't really one; however, I do quite enjoy the sound effects and find them to be well-made.”
    • “You might be put off by the lack of a soundtrack, or voice acting, or any set pieces, but therein lies the appeal.”
  • emotional32 mentions

    The emotional impact of the game is significant, with many players reporting feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and a sense of losing their sanity. While some found it challenging and engaging, others experienced a range of emotions from unease to pride in their personal struggles. Overall, the game effectively evokes strong emotional responses, making players feel alive and deeply immersed in its atmosphere.

    • “This game genuinely made me feel anxious.”
    • “It's a great game, and it legitimately made me feel paranoid, which isn't a level of emotional impact you get out of a lot of games.”
    • “I will never emotionally recover from this.”
  • grinding31 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, especially in the later stages where tracking progress becomes challenging. While the initial gameplay is engaging and clever, the novelty quickly wears off, leading to frustration as players often have to restart due to minor oversights. Many reviews suggest that the game could benefit from clearer progression indicators and a more balanced approach to anomaly detection to alleviate the repetitiveness.

    • “Really fun and well-made observation game, with a good level of difficulty that was not tedious.”
    • “It's a nice concept, but once the novelty wears off, the game becomes one of the most tedious and almost downright Sisyphean games you'll ever play. A lot of the 'anomalies' are extremely subtle, to the point where I'd spend several minutes analyzing the hallway I'm in, think there's nothing wrong and that I'm good to move forward, actually move forward, and find that I've been sent back to zero because, oh, the yellow tiles on the floor were different or oh, there was a weird-looking stain on the ceiling or oh, there was absolutely nothing wrong and the game just hates you.”
    • “Extremely tedious, and the slightest mistake or miss-look can result in you having to start all over again. Had some fun creepy scenes, but overall wouldn't say I enjoyed it; at least it was cheap.”
    • “Pretty neat, interesting, and freaky at the start with a couple of really neat and subtle scares, but oh my, did it just get repetitive and tedious eventually, and surprisingly fast.”
  • optimization24 mentions

    The game's optimization receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance as flawless and well-optimized, while others criticize it for being resource-intensive and poorly optimized. Overall, many users report no significant issues or bugs, indicating a generally polished experience, though there is room for improvement in optimization.

    • “In terms of performance, I encountered no significant issues or bugs during my playthrough, which speaks to the developers' dedication to delivering a polished gaming experience.”
    • “Really fun, well optimized, and a cool take on observation style games.”
    • “Great performance, great price, and exactly as advertised; the company also does a good job of being upfront with players about what to expect while playing.”
    • “The game isn't the best optimized as well.”
    • “Horribly optimized, looks bad, takes tons of resources to run.”
    • “The game is decently optimized, could be better.”
  • stability15 mentions

    Overall, players report a high level of stability in the game, with many noting it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck without significant bugs or glitches. While one user experienced a minor issue with camera tilt, the consensus is that the game is well-constructed and largely bug-free, making it a reliable choice for players.

    • “Runs great on my Steam Deck OLED too, which is an added bonus.”
    • “One of my favorite horror games this year - runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “A completed, bug-free game for a reasonable price is hard to come by nowadays.”
    • “I did have one bug where my view was tilted up, but besides that, I didn't have any bugs or glitches.”
    • “Though the premise is somewhat basic (essentially a spot the difference game but in a 3D, navigable space), it was well constructed and I did not experience bugs or glitches and found everything pretty intuitive.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    Monetization in the game is heavily reliant on the features offered by the video distribution platform, leading to concerns about intrusive advertising, particularly for unrelated services like dental offices.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

93% average critic score

Buy The Exit 8

Play time

2hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
1-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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