The Gap
- April 14, 2023
- MV JPL
The Gap had the potential to tell an emotional and unique story, but instead features too much dry science and too little character development.
Get on Steam"The Gap" is a first-person horror experience set in a deserted, eerie house. You play as a desperate parent searching for your missing daughter, guided by a mysterious letter. The game boasts a frightening atmosphere, a gripping narrative, and a free roam mode. Minimal gameplay mechanics and low lighting create an intense, suspenseful experience, but may strain lower-end systems.
Reviews
- The game features a great atmosphere with impressive graphics and sound quality, enhancing the horror experience.
- Some jump scares are effective and can genuinely frighten players, contributing to a suspenseful gameplay experience.
- The addition of a free roam mode allows players to explore the environment further, adding value to the short playtime.
- The story is very bare-bones and incoherent, leaving players with many unanswered questions and a lack of engagement.
- The game is extremely short, with many players completing it in under 30 minutes, which may not justify the price for some.
- Many jump scares feel cheap and predictable, detracting from the overall horror experience.
- story16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story is largely criticized for being underdeveloped and incoherent, with many reviewers noting its brevity and lack of meaningful plot progression. While some moments evoke suspense and a few players appreciate the emotional depth, the overall narrative is seen as a jumble of cheap jump scares and vague exposition, leaving players wanting a more substantial and clearer storyline.
“Story-wise, you're a father looking for your missing daughter.”
“Some cheesy gimmick scares at times, but overall the scares were on point and so was the heartwarming and sad story that came with it all.”
“+very sad story that wrapped up nicely at the end.”
“The story is incredibly bare-bones, which is a big disappointment since this is just a game where you walk around, unable to interact with literally anything other than doors and light switches, so you just wander until the next paranormal incident happens.”
“It starts off with exposition-heavy text in a car ride, alluding to a story that never happens.”
“The gap is not terrible but its story is an incoherent jumble that doesn't really deliver anything.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its spookiness, impressive graphics, and effective sound design, contributing to a tense and immersive experience. However, some reviewers feel it relies on clichés and lacks originality compared to other horror titles. Overall, while many enjoyed the atmospheric elements, opinions vary on its uniqueness.
“The atmosphere was amazing!”
“Spooky atmosphere, fun jump scares, gorgeous graphics!”
“I really liked the atmosphere; the eerie background sounds made it tense from start to finish.”
“The atmosphere is cliché and offers nothing I haven't seen a hundred times before, and done better by other horror games.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning art style and atmospheric design, which effectively contribute to the spooky ambiance and enhance the overall experience. Many players appreciate the film grain effect and beautiful visuals, noting that they play a significant role in creating tension and jump scares, despite some wishing for more scare elements. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature that elevates the game's appeal.
“Spooky atmosphere, fun jump scares, gorgeous graphics!”
“The game was short but very well made and had great graphics.”
“It's also full of beautiful visuals; honestly, it's worth the few bucks for the free roam.”
“I'm torn with this game; I did like it and it was scary, but I think it was mainly the visuals.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay showcases engaging mechanics and fluid controls, allowing players to immerse themselves in the experience. The absence of commentary highlights the game's visual and interactive elements, emphasizing its intuitive design and dynamic action. Overall, it appears to offer a captivating and enjoyable experience for players.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of heartwarming and sad storytelling, effectively balancing moments of genuine fear with poignant themes. While some elements may feel clichéd, the overall narrative resonates deeply with players, leaving a lasting impact.
“Some cheesy gimmick scares at times, but overall the scares were on point and so was the heartwarming and sad story that came with it all.”
“It was sad but heartwarming at the same time.”
