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 successfully captures a nostalgic PS1 vibe, enhancing the horror experience.
- The atmosphere is well-crafted, utilizing silence and music effectively to build suspense.
- The visuals are praised for their low poly style and abstract imagery, creating an engaging dream-like world.
- The game is very short, taking only about 30-40 minutes to complete, which may leave players wanting more.
- Some gameplay elements, like monster AI and certain segments, are considered weak compared to other titles.
- The ending is confusing and does not provide a satisfying conclusion to the experience.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as enjoyable but not particularly remarkable, especially when compared to other horror games. Players appreciated that it avoids excessive item hunting, leading to a more streamlined experience, though some noted that it lacks depth in monster AI and overall gameplay time.
“Overall, it was a fun game. I wouldn't say anything special, but compared to some of the new horror games I played on Steam, it was enjoyable and did not drag out the gameplay with item hunting.”
“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.”
“I've played free games that had more gameplay time and better monster AI.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their impressive low poly style and abstract visuals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Many users express a desire for even more visual content, particularly in the end cutscene.
“The visuals are great and have a low poly style, with abstract visuals that feel in place in a dream world.”
“Honestly, I like the visuals even at the end cutscene; I would have loved for more.”
“The graphics create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % 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 combination of detailed graphics and strategic sound design.
“In terms of atmosphere, this game is the full package, making use of the absence of music in the earlier stages and utilizing it for moments of suspense and tension in the later stages.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game world with its detailed graphics and environmental storytelling.”
“The combination of sound design and visual elements creates a haunting atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as unintentionally amusing, with players finding it "hilariously bad," particularly noting that the nonsensical ending adds to its comedic value.
“This game is hilariously bad, and the ending makes no sense.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's music is strategically utilized to enhance the atmosphere, with a notable absence of music in the early stages that builds suspense, followed by impactful musical moments that heighten tension in later parts of the game.
“In terms of atmosphere, this game is the full package. It effectively utilizes the absence of music in the earlier stages and introduces it for moments of suspense and tension in the later stages.”
