The Sinking Forest - 沈んだ森 - | Game Brain

About

The Sinking Forest - 沈む森 - is a Japanese psychological horror game. The game has autosave system. My sister Sayuri is missing, and she hasn't answered the phone for days, I have to find her! The game has the texts translated with automatic translator. I'm sorry but I don't have the budget to pay for professionals, I hope to be able to do it in the future! Game Features: Spectac…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews

atmosphere14 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game features an incredibly immersive atmosphere and stunning graphics, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, which is impressive for an indie title.
The gameplay includes well-placed jump scares and engaging puzzles that are not overly difficult, making it accessible for a wide range of players.
The price is remarkably low for the quality and experience offered, making it a great value for horror fans looking for a short but intense experience.

The game has a short playtime of around 1.5 to 3 hours, which may leave players wanting more and limits replayability beyond achievement hunting.
There are issues with optimization, as frame rates can drop unexpectedly, affecting the overall experience.
The hitbox for picking up items is very small, which can lead to frustration when trying to interact with important objects in the environment.

story
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
67%
20%
The story is a standout feature, offering an intense horror experience that delves into Japanese culture and myths while employing innovative storytelling techniques. Players are drawn into a suspenseful narrative centered around the quest to find a missing sister, enhanced by immersive atmosphere and engaging puzzles. However, once completed, the story may lack replay value for those not interested in achievements.
- “The sinking forest is an indie gem that stands out for its immersive atmosphere, remarkable graphics, and a very well-paced story, all at an incredibly low price.”
- “As you embark on the quest to find your missing sister, the narrative pulls you deeper into a web of suspense and intrigue, making every moment feel charged with tension.”
- “Although the story is very well handled, once you've finished it, there's not much reason to play again... unless you're an achievement collector: there are some great ones!”
- “If you want to know more backstory, use the camera to find out.”
- “The story is very original, exploring Japanese culture and myths.”
atmosphere
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, enhanced by impressive graphics from Unreal Engine 5. Set in a meticulously crafted gloomy Japanese forest, it effectively combines well-placed jump scares with a dark, enchanting ambiance that captivates players. Overall, the atmospheric design is commended for drawing players into a hauntingly beautiful world.
- “The developer’s use of Unreal Engine 5 brings an impressive level of graphical fidelity, crafting an atmospheric world that pulls you in.”
- “The atmosphere of the game is incredibly well executed and immerses us completely in its dark and disturbing world.”
- “The game's atmospheric design is truly commendable; every shadow and sound immerses players in a world that feels both eerie and enchanting.”
graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
20%
The graphics in the game are highly praised for their impressive fidelity, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 to create an immersive and atmospheric world that feels remarkably realistic. However, while the visuals are stunning, some users note that this level of detail can lead to optimization issues. Overall, the game is considered an indie gem that stands out for its exceptional graphical quality.
- “The developer’s use of Unreal Engine 5 brings an impressive level of graphical fidelity, crafting an atmospheric world that pulls you in.”
- “The sinking forest is an indie gem that stands out for its immersive atmosphere, remarkable graphics, and a very well-paced story, all at an incredibly low price.”
- “Graphically, the use of Unreal Engine 5 makes the landscapes and details eerily realistic: I find the storm effect and lightning illumination a real treat - how could this possibly have been done by just one person?”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
While the game features impressive graphics, its optimization is lacking, leading to performance issues such as not achieving 60 fps on the title screen. However, once gameplay begins, performance stabilizes and runs smoothly.
- “I was a little bit worried about the performance because I couldn't get 60 fps on the title screen, but the game runs fine as soon as you start it.”
- “Graphics are fantastic, but this has an impact on optimization, which is not the best.”
- “I was a little bit worried about the performance because I couldn't get 60 fps in the title screen, but the game runs fine as soon as you start it.”
gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay is generally well-received, with players appreciating the atmosphere and the absence of a previously problematic mechanic that has negatively impacted other games. Overall, the gameplay experience is enjoyable and engaging.
- “I enjoyed the atmosphere and gameplay.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game has been rated an 8 out of 10 for replayability, particularly impressive given it was developed by a solo developer. Players appreciate its duration and price, contributing to a positive replay value.
- “In summary, I'd give it an 8 out of 10, considering that it's made by a solo developer, and taking into account its duration, price, and replayability.”