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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a great atmosphere with beautiful graphics and sound quality, enhancing the horror experience.
- Some jump scares are effective and can genuinely frighten players, contributing to a suspenseful experience.
- The free roam mode adds an enjoyable element, allowing players to explore the environment and discover Easter eggs.
- The game is very short, with many players completing it in under 30 minutes, leaving a sense of incompleteness.
- The story is incoherent and lacks depth, making it difficult for players to engage with the narrative.
- Many jump scares feel cheap and predictable, detracting from the overall horror experience.
- story33 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being incoherent and underdeveloped, with many players noting its brevity and lack of meaningful plot progression. While some moments evoke suspense and a few players appreciated the emotional depth, the overall narrative is seen as a jumble of cheap jump scares and vague exposition, leaving many feeling unsatisfied and confused by the conclusion. Improvements in storytelling and a longer runtime are suggested to enhance the experience.
“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, eluding to a story that never happens.”
“The gap is not terrible but its story is an incoherent jumble that doesn't really deliver anything.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game received mixed reviews, with many praising its spooky ambiance, impressive graphics, and effective sound design that contributed to a tense experience. However, some critics found the atmosphere clichéd and lacking originality compared to other horror titles. Overall, while the game excels in creating an engaging horror environment, it may not stand out for players seeking fresh experiences.
“Spooky atmosphere, fun jump scares, gorgeous graphics!”
“Such a fantastic short horror game with amazing scares and atmosphere.”
“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.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received high praise for their stunning art style, atmospheric film grain, and overall visual quality, contributing significantly to the spooky ambiance and jump scares. Many players noted that while the gameplay may be short, the beautiful visuals and sound design enhance the overall experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
“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.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of heartwarming and sad storytelling, effectively complemented by well-executed scares. However, some players feel that certain elements, like cheesy gimmicks and insufficient character development, detract from its potential to deliver a more impactful emotional experience.
“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.”
“The gap had the potential to tell an emotional and unique story, but instead features too much dry science and too little character development.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is showcased through no-commentary videos, allowing viewers to experience the mechanics and flow of the game directly. This approach emphasizes the game's visual and interactive elements, providing an immersive look at how it plays. Overall, the gameplay appears engaging and well-structured, inviting players to explore its features.
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the game had the potential for emotional storytelling, it ultimately falls short due to an overemphasis on dry scientific elements at the expense of meaningful character development.
“The gap had the potential to tell an emotional and unique story, but instead features too much dry science and too little character development.”
