The Strange City
- November 24, 2024
- Newmatic Co., Ltd.
Get on SteamThe Strange City is a single-player horror adventure game that invites you into a world of eerie mysteries and strange discoveries. The Strange City—A World of Mystery, Fear, and Survival On an unsettling night, Agent G awakens after a brutal car crash. Disoriented and alone, she notices two mysterious lights drifting into the forest. Compelled by an inexplicable force, G ventures deeper into th…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a fantastic eerie atmosphere and unique world that horror fans will appreciate.
- Character designs are adorable yet creepy, adding charm to the overall experience.
- The action moments are engaging and provide excitement once you get past the slower segments.
- The story feels like an afterthought, lacking depth and clarity, which detracts from the overall experience.
- There are technical issues, such as loading problems and repetitive cutscenes after dying, which can frustrate players.
- Gameplay mechanics are simplistic, with few puzzles and predictable monster patterns, making it feel like a barebones clone of other games.
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and coherence, with players noting that it feels like an afterthought, offering minimal context for the protagonist's quest to find a missing partner. While some find the story acceptable, others describe it as short and strange, leaving many wishing for a more engaging narrative.
“The story was not bad but short.”
“Story: good”
“There's zero story; you just run through random places to find your missing partner.”
“It's a cute game, but I would've liked more storytelling - or any, to be frank - to explain why we're doing what we're doing and generally what the heck is going on.”
“The story just felt like an afterthought.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay features decent mechanics with manageable puzzles and functional platforming, though some players find the mechanics confusing and not very engaging. Overall, while there are elements of enjoyment, the experience is marred by a lack of clarity in gameplay.
“Puzzles weren't too complex, and the platforming mechanics worked fine for the most part.”
“Gameplay: not very good”
“The monsters are spooky, but the real terror is my inability to understand basic mechanics.”
“As far as game mechanics go, it's fairly decent.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is described as unsettling and reminiscent of games like Little Nightmares, offering a unique take on atmospheric horror. The environments are visually appealing, and the monster designs are noteworthy, showcasing the studio's skill in creating immersive settings. However, some reviewers feel that the atmosphere is the standout feature, with limited strengths beyond it.
“If you’re into atmospheric horror with a twist, it’s definitely worth checking out.”
“Places are nice to look at, have a good atmosphere, and the monster designs are pretty neat.”
“The atmosphere is definitely unsettling, and there are moments that remind me of games like Little Nightmares—but it’s definitely its own thing, which is what makes it interesting.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been criticized for its inconsistent loops and changes, often resembling stock music rather than an original score. While some users find the soundtrack to be decent, the overall impression is that it lacks depth and cohesion.
“The soundtrack is decent.”
“Music loops and changes inconsistently, also sounds like it's all stock music.”
“Music loops and changes inconsistently, also sounds like it's all stock music.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally well-received, with users praising the mood and artwork as cool, while others describe them as good overall.
“The mood and artwork were cool.”
“Graphics: very good”
“Graphics: good”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development is noted for its unique and engaging designs, which blend adorable and creepy elements, adding depth and intrigue to the characters.
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Effective optimization at launch is crucial for maintaining a loyal fan base, as it ensures a smoother gameplay experience and reduces technical issues.
“Releasing a game properly once it has been optimized is one of the best ways to maintain a loyal fan base.”
