The Watson-Scott Test
- October 19, 2018
- Normal Wholesome Games
The Watson-Scott Test is a psychological horror game where you take a fictional personality test that quickly reveals your fears and insecurities. As you progress, the tests become more intense and surreal, blurring the line between reality and the player's subconscious. With multiple endings, your choices and reactions determine your outcome in this disturbing and suspenseful experience.
Reviews
- The game creates a tense atmosphere that effectively builds paranoia and unease.
- Sound design is well-executed, enhancing the overall horror experience.
- The concept of a psychological test intertwined with horror elements is unique and intriguing.
- The game relies heavily on cheap jump scares that detract from the psychological horror experience.
- Gameplay is very short, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes, which many players feel is not worth the price.
- The questions and narrative lack depth, often feeling generic and not tailored to individual player fears.
- atmosphere115 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its unsettling sound design and effective use of audio to build tension, creating a creepy and immersive experience. However, many reviewers feel that the reliance on jump scares undermines the otherwise strong atmosphere, detracting from the overall horror experience. While some players appreciate the unique ambiance and psychological elements, others believe that a more consistent focus on atmosphere without the interruptions of jump scares would enhance the game's impact.
“The Watson-Scott Test made me feel like I had been pulled into the world of the game with its unsettling sound design and atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere was great, the intensity is fantastic, and the character development is nice.”
“It comes down to some truly sweet sound work: the slow tick-tacking of the questions being asked, the fizzes and blurs of 'glitches' coming at largely unexpected times, and the use of 3D sound space to emulate someone standing behind you, someone knocking at your door, etc. This combined with the tone of the questionnaire itself makes for some great atmosphere.”
“It's a stereotypical 'there's someone in with you, pretend they're not there' type of thing, and the jumpscare at the end royally messes up the creepy atmosphere the game tries to cultivate.”
“Furthermore, this game didn't need jumpscares, which was the one thing that made me say 'okay, this game isn't good.' Since it's relying on my real-life atmosphere to be the source of fear, it's a bummer when all of a sudden an ugly zombie thing pops up on your screen like an uninvited guest.”
“The game's horror elements are largely limited to a few jump scares and eerie music, and it fails to create a truly terrifying atmosphere that would engage the player on a deeper level.”
- replayability28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 36 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has very low replayability, with most players noting that it offers little incentive to return after the initial playthrough, aside from achievement hunting. While there are some random elements and different endings to explore, the short duration of the game (around 20-30 minutes) limits its replay value significantly, making it feel like a missed opportunity for a more engaging experience.
“There is certainly some replayability here as well if you wish to look for 100% achievements.”
“Some of the questions on the main test are random, so there's a little bit of replayability, though you should receive all the questions the test has to offer on your second go.”
“It's not a long game by any means, maybe 20-30 minutes or so, but it has replay value with finding different endings and going through all the questions differently.”
“The replayability is very low for this game and at most you'll maybe get an hour out of it.”
“The game's short length and lack of replay value make it difficult to justify the purchase price, and it feels like a missed opportunity to create a more substantial and satisfying horror experience.”
“I liked it when I first saw it on YouTube and I enjoyed playing it for the first time, but there's almost no replay value.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is largely criticized for being minimal and short, with many players noting that it lasts around 20 to 30 minutes and often culminates in a cheap jump scare. While some appreciate the unique approach to horror and the atmospheric elements, the consensus is that the experience does not justify the price, especially when compared to other games offering longer playtimes. Overall, the game is seen more as a conceptual experience rather than a traditional gameplay offering.
“Expensive for the short gameplay but very fun and scary on a blind playthrough.”
“For the gameplay (nature of the game) the devs definitely achieved their goal, showing there are more ways to experience the horror genre.”
“The gameplay is simple, but gradually gets into your mind and absorbs you.”
“There is barely any gameplay to be found.”
“30 minutes of gameplay that ends with a cheap jump scare, that's about it.”
“It's aesthetically in-line with its theme, but definitely not worth five dollars for 20 minutes of gameplay.”
- music24 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game effectively enhance the atmosphere and tension, contributing to a sense of horror that immerses players and evokes feelings of paranoia. While the ambient music and sound effects are praised for their ability to build suspense, some players feel that the game could benefit from a greater focus on these elements rather than relying on jump scares. Overall, the soundtrack is well-received, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in creating a truly terrifying experience.
“The music and the background, as well as the glitch effect, create a sense of horror around you and make you feel like it's really happening.”
“I think the most effective portions of this game would have to be this atmosphere, as it uses some good sound effects and music to help make the player tense.”
“Made me scared and a little paranoid, and the soundtrack was awesome!”
“The game's horror elements are largely limited to a few jump scares and eerie music, and it fails to create a truly terrifying atmosphere that would engage the player on a deeper level.”
“They are just asking questions with a 'very scary (sarcasm)' music in the background.”
“Game is very spicy, but I don't really enjoy the jump scare at the end. Maybe just have the song slow down until it fades away, then just leave it there.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally well-received, with many reviewers noting their fitting and spooky aesthetic that aligns with the horror theme. While some visuals are described as interesting and effective in creating an unnerving atmosphere, others feel they are typical of the genre and not particularly groundbreaking. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's tension, though opinions vary on their overall impact relative to the gameplay experience.
“Sound design and aesthetically glitching text that varies in speed and color as the dialogue progresses will draw you in.”
“Sound is realistic, the atmosphere made me poop my pants, questions are really creepy, and the visuals are absolutely perfect.”
“It's aesthetically in-line with its theme, but definitely not worth five dollars for 20 minutes of gameplay.”
“The audio and graphics created an uncomfortable, tense atmosphere, and only nervous laughter got me through.”
“They're the kind you'd see in horror games, but I found the macabre/dark psychological visuals to be the better ones.”
- humor20 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it genuinely hilarious and well-integrated into the horror atmosphere, while others criticize it as overly edgy or not funny at all. Some moments elicit laughter, particularly in unexpected scenarios, but the novelty writing and pacing can detract from the overall experience for some. Overall, the humor seems to resonate well with those who appreciate its quirky style, though it may not appeal to everyone.
“The answer options were sometimes a little funny instead of being creepy, though I think that is on purpose.”
“It adds a kind of humor that still works within the horror atmosphere.”
“Popping up in the middle of the question or dialogue was simply hilarious after a while, and I kept finding myself chuckling.”
“Not funny, didn't laugh.”
“Not funny, didn't laugh.”
- story18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the surprising plot twist in the Skibidi Toilet trilogy, others criticize the overall narrative for being shallow and lacking depth. Many feel that the game fails to engage players with meaningful interactions or a compelling storyline, often resorting to predictable jump scares without sufficient context. Overall, the narrative is seen as uninspired and not particularly captivating.
“It's designed to put you in the moment of the story - that you are completing a test in this vague, unsettling universe.”
“For instance, 'A Dark Place', a game I recommend very highly, has jumpscares that make context within the story.”
“Skibidi Toilet game was goated and the plot twist at the end with the camera heads was amazing; highly recommend the Skibidi Toilet trilogy!”
“I expected a lot more interaction with my actions and something of a story.”
“There's very little 'lore' or story to be had and there's a few jumpscares later on.”
“The game is plain and lacking in depth, with uninspired puzzles and a lackluster story that fails to capture the player's interest.”
- emotional18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, particularly through the unsettling atmosphere and sound design of the Watson-Scott Test, which evokes feelings of nervousness and fear. The game's ability to create a sense of unease, even when players are familiar with its content, highlights its effectiveness in immersing users in a horror experience that feels personal and intense. Overall, the emotional engagement is marked by a mix of giddiness and anxiety, making it a memorable experience for players.
“The Watson-Scott Test made me feel like I had been pulled into the world of the game with its unsettling sound design and atmosphere.”
“This horror literally made me feel like something was in my house from just answering questions.”
“Even though I watched videos of it, because it's random for each user, it never failed to amaze me how scary it was and how uneasy it made me feel.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is somewhat inconsistent, with reports of bugs affecting achievements and basic jumpscares. While the sound design contributes to an engaging atmosphere, the execution of its "spooky" glitches feels familiar and less polished compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, players appreciate the fun elements but note the presence of technical issues.
“The concept of 'spooky' computer glitches, a generally eerie ambiance through noise has been done hundreds of times, and has been executed better before.”
“It's a little bit buggy with some of the achievements from what I've seen, but I liked finding the Easter eggs that I could find.”
“The glitches and little questions were pretty fun, but really basic jumpscares.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is generally well-received, with players appreciating the depth and growth of characters throughout the game, contributing positively to the overall immersive experience.
“The atmosphere was great, the intensity is fantastic, and the character development is nice.”