The Midnight Sanctuary
- October 3, 2018
- CAVYHOUSE
Get on SteamThe Midnight Sanctuary blurs the line between reality and surreal both in storytelling and visual style. Blending static 2D textures and moving 3D models creates a striking visual effect, further enhanced in VR. The Midnight Sanctuary's graphics, which incorporate a stained glass-style to create a beautiful aesthetic, provides an eerie background for the alarming events Tachibana encounters.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Virtual Reality
Windows
Nintendo Ds
PlayStation
PlayStation VR
Reviews
- The Midnight Sanctuary features a unique and striking art style that sets it apart from other visual novels, creating an immersive atmosphere.
- The fully voice-acted story is engaging and thought-provoking, with a mysterious narrative that unfolds in an intriguing manner.
- The VR experience enhances the storytelling, allowing players to feel present in the 3D scenes, making it a must-try for those curious about narrative-driven VR games.
- The game has rough visuals and animations that may be off-putting to some players, with issues like strange mouth movements and a lack of depth in shading.
- It is a short experience, clocking in at about 3 hours, which may leave players wanting more content for the price.
- The VR implementation is somewhat dated and can lead to minor comfort issues, such as dizziness from the unique art style and technical glitches with audio and controls.
- story14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The story of "The Midnight Sanctuary" is a unique and engaging experience, presented in a fully voice-acted format that immerses players in a mysterious Japanese village grappling with modernization. While some reviewers noted that the narrative can feel drawn out and lacks impactful twists, the charming atmosphere, minimalist yet lavish visuals, and excellent voice acting contribute to a captivating storytelling experience. Overall, it offers a distinctive blend of visual novel elements and VR immersion, making it a memorable journey despite its brevity.
“The midnight sanctuary tells a fantastic, fully voice-acted story better read than read about.”
“Unique art direction, an excellent voice cast, and an engaging story that explores faith, salvation, life, and death.”
“The story is drawn out a bit too much and the mystery isn't very impactful, but I dare anyone to come up with a game with the same tone and ambiance that this game delivers.”
“The game has the format of a visual novel (although without choices beyond the order in which to do things, so more of a 'VR-format story' than a 'game' per se)... but, with the viewer present inside 3D scenes, embodied as a (fairly passive) character, while fully voice-acted characters animate around you... the art and animation style is minimalist, but it still feels lavish to be in a story within this full-size physical town where so many things are happening.”
“The story is mysterious and charming, though I can't say too much without risking spoiling things; it starts out confusing, but by the end you're invested in everything, and left with a lot to think about... the voice acting is excellent, and helps bring everything to life despite the slightly abstract visuals.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are described as strikingly unique and atmospheric, featuring a bold art style that enhances the storytelling experience. While the visuals are visually stunning, some players noted minor VR comfort issues due to the lack of shading and depth perception challenges. Overall, the distinctive aesthetic contributes significantly to the game's charm, despite some initial adjustment required for players.
“The atmosphere, the themes, the visuals, all very unique and thought-provoking.”
“The art style is wonderful in VR if you're a fan of how it looks from the trailer.”
“I really wish to see more things like this, that give such a vivid stage for a story to unfold on, and take such a beautifully bold approach to visuals.”
“I'm sure many of you have reservations about giving this game a try due to its visuals.”
“The voice acting is excellent, and helps bring everything to life despite the slightly abstract visuals.”
“The visuals are very unshaded and silhouette-based, which looks wonderful and lends itself to the game's surreal mood, but it does make it hard for your eye to resolve depth sometimes, in a way that can be a little straining after long enough.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its unique and thought-provoking themes and visuals, creating a creatively strange environment that enhances the storytelling experience. Despite its small scale, it effectively immerses players in a captivating and imaginative world.
“The atmosphere, the themes, the visuals, all very unique and thought-provoking.”
“This game is small but creative, filled with a strange atmosphere as well as a great story.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is well-received, contributing to the overall immersive experience alongside the unique texture effects and engaging voice acting.
“I played this in VR and really enjoyed the unique music, along with the weird texture effects and voice acting.”
“The soundtrack is absolutely captivating and enhances the overall experience of the game.”
“The music perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's distinctive art style, which enhances its emotional impact, though some experience minor discomfort due to its immersive visuals. Despite initial dizziness, most users quickly adapt, allowing them to fully engage with the game's emotional depth.
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as a pleasant and enjoyable experience, enhanced by the inclusion of voice acting, which adds to its overall quality.
“Nice and sweet gameplay experience, very good indeed with voices included.”
