The Fabulous Fear Machine
- October 4, 2023
- Fictiorama Studios
- 14h median play time
The Fabulous Fear Machine features a unique pulp art style and some straightforward ideas that make it a wonderfully addictive strategy title.
Get on Steam"The Fabulous Fear Machine" is a single-player horror strategy game with an intriguing narrative and beautiful gameplay. As the Master of the Machine, generate fear by playing Legend cards, such as creepy stories, urban myths, and conspiracy theories, while managing resources and dispatching agents to new locations. With over 80 Legends to choose from, craft a custom blend of terror and evolve horror in this narrative-driven strategy game with pulp horror style.
Reviews
- The game features a captivating art style reminiscent of classic horror comics, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
- The gameplay is engaging and introduces new mechanics throughout the campaigns, keeping the experience fresh and interesting.
- The stories are darkly humorous and thought-provoking, exploring themes of fear and manipulation in society.
- The game is relatively short, with most players completing it in under 10 hours, leaving them wanting more content.
- Some players found the gameplay mechanics to be simplistic and lacking depth, leading to a feeling of monotony.
- The tutorial can be overwhelming, and the game may feel too easy once players grasp the mechanics, reducing replayability.
- gameplay89 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as straightforward and accessible, with a mix of engaging mechanics and resource management that keeps players entertained, though some find it lacking in depth and variety. While the art style and narrative elements are praised, many reviewers note that the gameplay can become repetitive and may not offer significant replayability. Overall, it strikes a balance between being easy to learn and providing enough strategic elements to maintain interest, but opinions vary on its complexity and engagement level.
“Brilliant gameplay and storytelling; from the moment I first launched the game, I could not stop playing. After an uninterrupted 9 hours, I managed to finally finish it, and all I can say is I want more. The game has such a satisfying finish to each story, and the overarching plot is so good.”
“The gameplay is fun, and the game introduces new mechanics at a pace that allows you to easily learn how to play.”
“The gameplay loop is somewhat similar to outbreak sims like Plague Inc., where you play as several tragically flawed and/or demented masterminds who use the fear machine to manipulate the local populace by spreading various conspiracy theories and urban legends.”
“Gameplay-wise, it feels like someone took 'Plague Inc.', slowed it down, and made it far too complicated.”
“I did not like the gameplay mechanics one bit; I found them tedious and ultimately boring.”
“The gameplay is merely a way to have the story and pulp art be displayed.”
- story80 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is a standout feature, praised for its immersive and unique blend of pulp horror, conspiracy theories, and dark themes, often delivered in a comic book style. While some players found the narratives engaging and filled with intriguing twists, others noted that the overall length and challenge of the campaigns could be improved. Despite mixed feelings about the gameplay mechanics, the storytelling and aesthetic elements consistently captivated players, leaving them eager for more content.
“A hidden gem of smart storytelling: immersive, replayable, and pleasingly pulpy.”
“Brilliant gameplay and storytelling; from the moment I first launched the game, I could not stop playing. After an uninterrupted 9 hours, I managed to finally finish it, and all I can say is I want more. The game has such a satisfying finish to each story, and the overarching plot is so good.”
“The story plays out like a comic book and is genuinely captivating.”
“Maybe things change after the first scenario, but I found the story to be less paranormal and purely conspiratorial.”
“It feels like an overlong demo for a full game (I expected the 'real story' to come after the three provided campaigns finished) but there is no full game.”
“The story is okay, albeit likely the weakest aspect.”
- graphics59 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their vibrant comic book aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic horror comics like "Tales from the Crypt." Reviewers highlight the art style as a major selling point, enhancing the narrative and gameplay experience, while also noting its ability to convey grim themes and engaging stories. Overall, the visuals are described as both captivating and integral to the game's unique atmosphere, making it a standout feature.
“The art style and concept are the big draws here.”
“The aesthetic is awesome, love the campy pulp horror aesthetic and the stories.”
“The presentation is top notch, it really nails the aesthetic and it's the game's big selling point for me.”
“Some of the art is properly disturbing, not graphic, just in what it conjures up in your head about myths and legends of fear.”
“From the art style to the campy, over-wrought dialogue to the rather shockingly gruesome violence in the inevitable twist ending, it all feels so damn authentic and true to that genre.”
“The art style is a huge plus, just make sure you are ready for some gore, because the game doesn't pull any punches.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is limited due to a small number of missions and a lack of additional modes, such as skirmish or freeplay options. While some players appreciate the narrative and thematic elements, many express disappointment in the absence of challenging gameplay mechanics or post-campaign content, leaving little incentive to replay. However, completionists may find some value in collecting items or exploring potential custom campaigns.
“A hidden gem of smart storytelling: immersive, replayable, and pleasingly pulpy.”
“Only 3 campaigns, though there is replayability for those completionists who want to get all of the classic horror comic cards.”
“I could also see the potential of a custom campaign with a custom deck for replayability.”
“Game basically plays itself on normal, and I didn't see an option to play a 'hard mode' - if it gets unlocked after beating the game, I'll pass; there's basically no replayability as there are only 10 missions total (12 or 13 if you count the tutorial, which you shouldn't), and nothing like a 'skirmish' mode that I could see.”
“A strong focus on narrative and lack of interesting game mechanics offer little to no replayability.”
“Great game, easy to learn, good if you like darker stories, but after finishing the 3 campaigns there isn't much replayability. I was hoping for a freeplay/custom mode to play around with after I finished the campaigns; still, it was fun while it lasted.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique blend of aesthetic appeal and emotional depth, creating a captivating and sometimes creepy experience. Reviewers highlight the effective use of comic-style visuals that evoke a nostalgic pulp vibe, reminiscent of classic horror media, while also noting the engaging and challenging storytelling that keeps players invested. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature that enhances the game's overall impact.
“Atmosphere and aesthetic is what really makes this game special, though.”
“I’m not an RTS guy typically, but this game’s atmosphere, challenge, and story really got me hooked.”
“The comic style is amazing and manages to evoke the pulp atmosphere of the magazines of the time; it reminds me of Creepshow and other B-horror movies.”
“As cartoony and over the top as the atmosphere is, some of the stories and tactics emerging are gut-wrenchingly real.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate its funny and thoughtful storytelling alongside enjoyable mechanics, others find the critique of human nature to be unoriginal and lacking depth. Overall, it seems to resonate well with those who enjoy its quirky style, even if it doesn't appeal to everyone.
“Funny and thoughtful story, nice game mechanics.”
“Bought on a whim not expecting much, but this is a funny little strategy game.”
“I'm not actually a 'Tales from the Crypt' guy, but even I could enjoy the humor and art.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its seamless integration with the gameplay and art style, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the voiceover complements the music effectively, contributing to an engaging atmosphere.
“The gameplay, art style, and music tie together beautifully.”
“The voiceover and the music are fitting and interesting as well.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the game to be challenging rather than excessively grindy, though some express dissatisfaction with the gameplay mechanics, describing them as tedious and boring.
“I did not like the gameplay mechanics one bit; I found them tedious and ultimately boring.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game effectively evokes a sense of unease, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
“The game made me feel genuinely uneasy a few times, but in a good way.”
“The emotional depth of the characters left a lasting impact on me.”
“I found myself deeply connected to the story, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions.”
Critic Reviews
The Fabulous Fear Machine Review – Produce a little Panic
The Fabulous Fear Machine is a phenomenal narrative-driven strategy game that should hook you on its stories and keep you interested with its brain-stimulating gameplay. The phenomenal art compliments every aspect of the game, from its uniquely presented levels to its fantastic writing. Give into your desire for power and spread a little fear with this rare and fantastic title.
90%The Fabulous Fear Machine review
The Fabulous Fear Machine features a unique pulp art style and some straightforward ideas that make it a wonderfully addictive strategy title.
90%The Fabulous Fear Machine Review – Scary Good
The Fabulous Fear Machine is the perfect game for the spooky season. Beautiful art, satisfying gameplay, and an engrossing story. Put a quarter in the slot and let’s make mischief happen!
90%
