The Great Below
- December 5, 2023
- Dobra Studios
In "The Great Below," you'll explore a creepy mansion and decipher cryptic puzzles to find a sacred artifact, while immersed in an unconventional mix of 2D and 3D visual storytelling. This avant-garde game redefines horror boundaries and challenges you to transcend reason before your mind succumbs to the abyss. Be prepared for a mind-bending journey driven by a secret society's hidden motives.
Reviews
- The game features a unique premise and artistic design that creates a deeply immersive atmosphere, reminiscent of classic horror games.
- Puzzles are engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging exploration and critical thinking, while the soundtrack enhances the overall experience.
- The short runtime is a strength, providing a focused and intense experience without overstaying its welcome.
- The game has some bugs, particularly towards the end, which can disrupt the experience.
- The ending is abrupt and cryptic, leaving some players feeling confused and deflated after the journey.
- Controls could be improved, as some players found them to be obtuse and frustrating.
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, immersive quality, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack and effective audio design. Players appreciate the creepy, claustrophobic environment that fosters a sense of tension and vulnerability, although some note the lack of traditional horror elements like jumpscares. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as a unique blend of creativity and tension, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
“The great bellow's soundtrack is also a key component that makes this experience unique, contributing to and enhancing the game's dark and immersive atmosphere.”
“The art and the music create a fantastic and dark atmosphere, and the exploration creates a sense of vulnerability that keeps you in constant tension.”
“Besides the atmosphere, not much horror if that's what you are looking for.”
“While the game itself has a creepy atmosphere, there are no jumpscares or threats of death.”
“The atmosphere of being watched and the claustrophobic and existential pressure that surrounds the game is chilling, and they create a rich and evolving universe that unravels in front of the player.”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the dark and immersive atmosphere, contributing significantly to the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a key element that builds tension and creates a sense of vulnerability, making it a standout feature of the game. Overall, the audio design is considered a strong point, complementing the gameplay effectively.
“The great bellow's soundtrack is also a key component that makes this experience unique, contributing to and enhancing the game's dark and immersive atmosphere.”
“It has an awesome soundtrack, and a tense claustrophobic atmosphere.”
“The art and the music create a fantastic and dark atmosphere, and the exploration creates a sense of vulnerability that keeps you in constant tension.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique blend of horror-themed puzzles set within a 3D interactable mansion and a 2D map, offering an engaging experience. Its relatively short runtime is seen as a strength, ensuring that the innovative mechanics remain fresh without overstaying their welcome.
“A short puzzle game with horror themes and unique gameplay.”
“Unique gameplay environment of switching between a 3D interactable mansion and a 2D map.”
“Its relatively short runtime (while still being more than fitting its price) also serves as one of its strengths, making sure that its unique set of mechanics doesn't overstay their welcome.”
“It's relatively short runtime (while still being more than fitting its price) also serves as one of its strengths, making sure that its unique set of mechanics doesn't overstay their welcome.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is engaging and compelling, effectively drawing players in and encouraging them to explore further. Many users find it worth the investment, especially for those who enjoy puzzles intertwined with a captivating narrative.
“The story unfolding in front of you keeps you invested.”
“Definitely worth the price tag if you enjoy puzzles and story.”
“The story is intriguing, and I felt compelled to keep digging for information!”
“The story is predictable and lacks depth.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and fail to evoke any real emotion.”
“The plot twists are uninspired and feel forced.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics have been positively compared to the aesthetic of "Inscryption," highlighting a visually appealing style that enhances the overall experience.
“The whole aesthetic reminded me of 'Inscryption', which was a huge plus.”