The Obsessive Shadow

About

The Obsessive Shadow is a single player strategy game. It was developed by Pablo Heckman and was released on March 19, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

In The Obsessive Shadow, you take on the role of Liam, a 9-year-old boy left alone in his home after the power suddenly goes out, plunging the house into suffocating darkness. Armed with only a flashlight, you must navigate the unsettling dangers of the night as you are being watched throughout the night. Your mother's voice on the phone is your guide to surviving, But as her instructions gr…

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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91%

Audience ScoreBased on 11 reviews

story2 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

The atmosphere and storytelling are masterfully crafted, creating a creeping sense of dread and psychological horror.
The game features engaging mechanics and a variety of difficulties, making it challenging yet accessible for players.
The voice acting and soundtrack are exceptional, enhancing the overall experience and immersion in the game.

Jumpscares become predictable and repetitive after the initial encounters, diminishing their impact.
There are glitches related to the monster's appearance and sound cues that can lead to unfair deaths and frustration.
The game could benefit from additional content and settings for customization, such as graphics options and smoother controls.

story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
The game's story is praised for its masterful storytelling and engaging atmosphere, making it a highlight for players. However, some users noted technical issues, particularly with sound synchronization, which detracted from the overall experience and led to frustrating gameplay moments.
- “Love the atmosphere and the story; plus, gameplay is simple but interesting!”
- “The storytelling is masterful.”
- “The main issue I had with this game, though, is that the knocking (at least for the Quest version, but it seems to be an issue in this version, too) didn't feel synced with where the shadow actually was. This is a huge problem for a game that relies heavily on sound, causing a few deaths because I could not find the shadow. Coupled with the hitbox issues, it makes for borderline unfair deaths sometimes.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
Gameplay is generally well-received, with players appreciating its simplicity and interesting mechanics, though some have experienced issues that affected their enjoyment. The developer's active engagement and willingness to address feedback have been positively noted, contributing to a supportive gaming experience. Overall, the mechanics are seen as challenging yet accessible after a few attempts.
- “Love the atmosphere and the story; plus, the gameplay is simple but interesting!”
- “The developer was so kind in being very active as I played and helped me understand some of the mechanics, while also taking notes and feedback to improve the game.”
- “The mechanics are challenging but not too hard to pick up after a few tries.”
- “I hope this will be patched soon since it did ruin the gameplay for me a bit.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, with many players appreciating its rich narrative tension and slow-burning horror elements. While some find it less scary, the overall ambiance effectively captivates players from the start, enhancing the gameplay experience.
- “Love the atmosphere! The story and gameplay are simple, but interesting!”
- “From the very first moments, the atmosphere grabs you.”
- “If you love slow-burning, atmospheric horror with rich narrative tension, 'The Obsessive Shadow' is a must-play.”
- “The overall atmosphere isn't really that scary either.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and lacks any real tension.”
- “The game fails to create an immersive atmosphere, leaving it feeling lifeless.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The music in the game has received high praise for its quality, with many users highlighting the incredible voice acting and soundtrack. However, some players noted that the music's predictability, particularly during jumpscares, detracted from the overall scare factor.
- “The voice acting and soundtrack are absolutely incredible.”
- “The graphics look fairly good and the music is dope as all hell.”
- “The monster wasn't that scary, but I did jump at the first jumpscare, although it was very predictable since the music mostly cuts off when you are about to get jumpscared.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The graphics are generally well-received, with users noting their quality, while also expressing a desire for additional settings to enhance the visual experience, such as smooth turning and comfort options.
- “The graphics look fairly good and the music is dope as all hell.”
- “The graphics are outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
- “I found the textures to be low quality, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
- “The character models look flat and lifeless, making it hard to get immersed in the game.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the unexpected appearances of the demon, which are perceived as more amusing than frightening, adding a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
- “The feature where the demon appears out of nowhere comes off as more funny than scary.”