The Patient: After Hours
- July 15, 2022
- Aaron Wise
Get on SteamA new psychological horror game from Aaron Wise. What is worse than working the night shift at your local mall? Not knowing that what you are doing is real. Experience a dark & foreboding story set within the confines of a seemingly abandoned shopping mall. Experience the epilogue "After Hours", an introductory chapter to a bigger story set within the same universe. After …
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game captures a nostalgic PS1 vibe with its graphics and atmosphere, reminiscent of classic 90s horror games.
- The use of silence and music effectively builds suspense and tension throughout the gameplay.
- Despite its short length, the game offers an interesting exploration experience with visually chaotic and abstract imagery.
- The game feels more like a demo than a complete title, with a very short playtime of around 30-40 minutes.
- The ending is confusing and does not provide a satisfying conclusion to the experience.
- Gameplay can be frustrating due to controls that take time to get used to and a poorly designed maze segment.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally enjoyable and does not feel overly drawn out with item hunting, though some users feel it lacks depth compared to other free games and newer horror titles. Overall, it offers a fun experience, but may not stand out significantly in terms of gameplay mechanics or AI.
“Overall, it was a fun game. I wouldn't say it's anything special, but compared to some of the new horror games I've played on Steam, it was enjoyable and did not drag out the gameplay with item hunting.”
“If my words failed to explain the game, then below you will find a video of my gameplay; it might help you make a choice.”
“Click the link to see my gameplay and judge for yourself.”
“I've played free games that had more gameplay time and better monster AI.”
“If my words failed to explain the game, then below you will find a video of my gameplay; it might help you make a choice.”
“Click the link to see my gameplay and judge for yourself.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their impressive low poly style and abstract visuals that create a dreamlike atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the detailed design, particularly in the end cutscene, expressing a desire for even more visual content.
“Stop impressing me with a cool atmosphere and detailed graphics.”
“The visuals are great and have a low-poly style, with abstract visuals that feel at home in a dream world.”
“Honestly, I love the visuals even in the end cutscene; I would have loved to see more.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its effective use of silence in the early stages, which builds suspense and tension as music is introduced later on. Reviewers appreciate the immersive experience created by the detailed graphics, although some feel that the focus on atmosphere should not overshadow gameplay.
“In terms of atmosphere, this game is the full package. It effectively utilizes the absence of music in the earlier stages, creating a sense of immersion, and then introduces it during moments of suspense and tension in the later stages.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly impressive, complemented by detailed graphics that enhance the overall experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as unintentionally amusing, with players finding the overall experience to be "hilariously bad," particularly noting that the nonsensical ending adds to its comedic value.
“This game is hilariously bad, and the ending makes no sense.”
“The humor in this game is so absurd that I couldn't stop laughing.”
“I love how the game constantly breaks the fourth wall with its witty jokes.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's music effectively enhances the atmosphere, utilizing silence in the early stages to build tension and strategically introducing music during key moments to amplify suspense.
“In terms of atmosphere, this game is the full package. It effectively utilizes the absence of music in the earlier stages, creating a sense of suspense and tension that is heightened by the music in the later stages.”
“The soundtrack is absolutely mesmerizing, perfectly complementing the game's emotional beats and enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is meticulously crafted, immersing players in the world and making every moment feel significant.”
