The Fan

69%
Game Brain Score Based on 58 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
The Fan Game Cover
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In "The Fan," you play as a stalker, obsessed with a famous actress. Use clues, hide in shadows, and avoid security as you infiltrate her events to get closer to your obsession. Will you maintain the line between fandom and madness, or will your fixation lead to darker places? For a more immersive experience, check out the game on Steam with the ID 572330. Please note that this game contains intense themes, including stalking, which may not be suitable for all players.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

69%
Audience ScoreBased on 58 reviews
story9 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • The game features photorealistic graphics and immersive environments that enhance the overall atmosphere.
  • The story, while simple, is intriguing and offers a unique perspective by allowing players to step into the shoes of a serial killer.
  • The attention to detail in the game, including the decoration of rooms and the inclusion of fun cameos, adds depth to the experience.
  • The game is very short, typically taking less than an hour to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
  • Gameplay is primarily focused on finding items with little challenge, leading to a lack of engagement and replay value.
  • The narrative lacks depth and character development, making it feel linear and unsatisfying despite the potential for multiple endings.
  • story40 mentions

    The game's story is described as simple and lacking depth, primarily revolving around a serial killer's perspective with minimal character development and a straightforward plot. While some players appreciate the ambient storytelling through detailed environments, many criticize the lack of meaningful choices and a fulfilling narrative arc, resulting in a short experience that feels more like a slideshow than a fully realized story. Overall, the game offers a unique concept but falls short in delivering a compelling and engaging narrative.

    • “The photographer behind the scenes has a good eye for ambient storytelling, with the items strewn around each area revealing something about the lifestyle of the inhabitants.”
    • “The fan is an interactive horror point-and-click game made completely with pictures, where you play as the killer and uncover a gruesome story of kidnapping and murder.”
    • “A fun and gritty short story from the eyes of a serial killer, told through real photos, providing a unique perspective on the narrative.”
    • “I hate to say it, but it's a poorly written game with little plot, less story, and no replay value.”
    • “Sadly, though, there is not much of a story here to be found despite it being the whole promise of a story-focused game.”
    • “Another factor about the story is that there is no real beginning and no development for any character.”
  • gameplay15 mentions

    The gameplay is primarily a point-and-click experience that revolves around finding objects in still images and videos, reminiscent of hidden object games, but lacks depth and challenge. Players report that the game is very short, often completing it in under an hour, and while it offers some intriguing themes, the mechanics feel shallow and anticlimactic. Despite its immersive elements, many reviewers express a desire for more substantial gameplay and storytelling.

    • “It's very old school mechanically in that most of the game consists of still images overlaid with indicators of interactivity; at heart it's basically a hidden object game but the unique topic lifts it above the mass of those games out there.”
    • “The gameplay is a point and click.”
    • “Though as shallow as the gameplay and story may be, what the fan really has going for it is its ability to suck players in with captivating immersion.”
    • “This Se7en-knock-off meets Peeping Tom inspired FMV has some interesting subtextual ideas behind its mechanics, but, as others have pointed out, the game is incredibly short (I managed to beat my first run in under an hour), too easy for it to be challenging, and ends abruptly and anticlimactically for it to have any strong impact.”
    • “The majority of the 40-50 minutes of gameplay you're stalking about a couple of your victim's apartments, finding a set list of items for an unknown reason.”
    • “As far as gameplay is concerned, this title can be compared to a point and click equivalent of a walking simulator; without the in-depth story that most of them carry, however.”
  • graphics11 mentions

    The game's graphics are praised for their photorealistic quality, utilizing real locations and photography instead of traditional animation, which creates an immersive and intense atmosphere. This unique visual style, combined with a compelling sound design, enhances the game's creepy and terrifying premise, although it may take some time for players to adjust to the photographic scenes. Overall, the art style is considered impressive and contributes significantly to the game's narrative experience.

    • “The graphics are photorealistic; literally, the game environments are real locations.”
    • “Incredibly immersive atmosphere; everything about the game, the visuals, and the sound design really pushes the entire premise into solid creepy/terrifying territory.”
    • “Basically, the fan is a point-and-click adventure game like any other, but due to the photographic scenes rather than animated scenes, navigating through this game does take some getting used to.”
    • “This is attributed primarily to the use of photography over computer-rendered graphics, as well as the droning industrial soundtrack.”
    • “It is quite intense and has some violent scenes, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially because of the art style used.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and unsettling qualities, effectively enhanced by detailed visuals and heavy, doomy music. Reviewers note that it successfully creates a creepy and terrifying environment, although some feel it ultimately falls short of its potential, leading to a somewhat mediocre experience. Overall, the combination of visuals, sound design, and thematic elements contributes to a gritty and disturbing atmosphere that resonates with players.

    • “Incredibly immersive atmosphere; everything about the game, the visuals, and the sound design really pushes the entire premise into solid creepy/terrifying territory.”
    • “It's a shame, the game and its dark atmosphere were very promising!”
    • “The ambient music is heavy, doomy, and thus serves to emphasize the dark atmosphere of the game.”
    • “All in all, the game starts out with an extremely disturbing atmosphere; you're surrounded by pictures of this girl that you were apparently stalking, implements of torture, padlocked doors with the names of your previous victims, and when you head into the back room, you find your latest victim tied up and terrified.”
  • music7 mentions

    The music in the game is described as atmospheric and heavy, effectively enhancing the dark mood with a doomy, industrial soundtrack. While some find the sound effects simple and serviceable, others appreciate the intriguing and creepy ambiance it creates, contributing to a unique and immersive experience. Overall, the music complements the game's visuals and themes well.

    • “A lot of very interesting detail on the three characters, good imagery and music, and a short but intriguingly creepy experience.”
    • “The ambient music is heavy, doomy, and thus serves to emphasize the dark atmosphere of the game.”
    • “This is attributed primarily to the use of photography over computer rendered graphics, as well as the droning industrial soundtrack.”
    • “+ atmospheric music”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game has been criticized for its lack of engaging plot and story, resulting in minimal replay value. While some players note that multiple choices lead to different outcomes, the overall consensus is that the game is short and lacks the depth needed to encourage repeated play.

    • “With three choices leading to four different outcomes, the game offers incredible replayability.”
    • “The multiple endings and branching paths ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging.”
    • “Every decision you make can lead to a completely different experience, making you want to replay the game multiple times.”
    • “I hate to say it, but it's a poorly written game with little plot, less story, and no replay value.”
    • “This game only takes around 45 minutes if you are not rushing it and has no replay value at all.”
    • “And zero replay value too... it's so very boring!”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players report that grinding can be excessive, with one user noting that a significant portion of their playtime—90%—was spent farming cards, indicating a potentially tedious experience.

    • “I have played for 5 hours, but it feels like 4 and a half of those were just spent farming cards.”
    • “The grinding in this game is excessive and takes away from the overall experience.”
    • “I find myself repeating the same tasks over and over, which makes the game feel tedious.”
  • humor1 mentions

    Reviews indicate that while the game attempts to incorporate humor, it ultimately falls flat due to a lack of substance and meaningful content, leaving players feeling that the comedic elements are insufficient to elevate the overall experience.

  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional impact of the game is profound, earning a perfect score of 10/10, but it is strongly advised to keep it away from children under 18 and emotionally unstable adults due to its intense themes.

    • “This game takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that stays with you long after you've finished playing.”
    • “The storytelling is so powerful that it evokes deep feelings and connections with the characters.”
    • “I found myself tearing up during several moments; the emotional depth of the narrative is truly remarkable.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report that the game exhibits excellent stability, with no glitches, crashes, or errors encountered during gameplay.

    • “The game runs smoothly without any glitches or crashes.”
    • “I haven't encountered any errors while playing; the stability is impressive.”
    • “There are no issues with crashes or bugs, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
    • “The game is plagued by constant crashes, making it nearly unplayable.”
    • “I experienced frequent glitches that disrupted my gameplay experience.”
    • “There are numerous errors that prevent me from enjoying the game fully.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

4hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
1-5hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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