Theory of Fear
- March 28, 2017
- ANASTASI SUKHONOSOVA
- 9h median play time
Get on Steam"Theory of Fear" is a visual novel where you follow the story of a first-year university student who experiences dreams about a dark fantasy world with five mysterious guys. The game offers 12 chapters, 12 different endings, and 6 characters to form relationships with. Your choices determine the outcome, and you can unlock bonus content in the Secret Room.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features beautiful artwork and top-notch voice acting, enhancing the overall experience.
- It offers a unique take on the otome genre with darker themes and complex characters, appealing to those who enjoy psychological narratives.
- The inclusion of multiple endings and character backstories adds depth and replayability to the game.
- The storyline is often criticized for being poorly written, with many reviewers noting a lack of coherence and depth.
- The game contains intense and potentially triggering content, including themes of sexual abuse and violence, which may not be suitable for all players.
- Character development is inconsistent, with many characters being perceived as one-dimensional and their motivations unclear.
- story42 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its intriguing characters and dark themes, while others criticize it for being shallow and poorly structured. Many noted the variety of love interests and the quality of voice acting, but also pointed out the presence of disturbing elements like sexual abuse and torture, which may not appeal to all players. Overall, while the narrative has potential and depth, it struggles with coherence and character development, leading to a polarized reception.
“On the upside, the voice acting is top-notch, the CGs are beautifully drawn, and the story is really interesting, even if it's a bit short.”
“I enjoyed reading this story and really wish the second one was out already.”
“Overall, a really interesting story underneath some of the minor flaws.”
“The plot was all over the place.”
“There isn't a solid storyline.”
“I'll be honest, the storytelling in this game is terrible and the men are hardly redeemable.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some praise the opening theme and overall appropriateness, others find it forgettable or overly loud and grating. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the experience but lacks consistency in quality.
“The music is nice, the characters are awesome, and I can't wait for Theory of Fear 2.”
“The music is appropriate and there are a lot more CGs than I expected, which is always a plus, even if the art is a little on the unprofessional side.”
“The artwork and music are good.”
“The music is sadly forgettable royalty-free tunes.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics are highlighted as beautiful and well-crafted, contributing positively to the overall aesthetic of the game. While the production quality is deemed serviceable, the artwork and music stand out as notable strengths, despite the presence of some graphic scenes in the narrative.
“The artwork is beautiful too.”
“The artwork and music are good.”
“And I can't think of any pros besides maybe the artwork.”
“As for the production quality, the artwork is serviceable.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While users acknowledge that character consistency, development, and romance building could be improved, they still find the overall experience to be unique and engaging.
“There is definitely room for improvement in character consistency, character development, and romance building, but this is a unique experience overall.”
“There is definitely room for improvement in character consistency, character development, and romance building.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from stability issues, with frequent freezes occurring between save points, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration for players.
“It frequently freezes between save points.”
“The game crashes unexpectedly, making it frustrating to progress.”
“I experienced multiple bugs that caused the game to become unplayable.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is deeply impactful, as players experience heart-wrenching moments, such as discovering a mother's struggle with schizophrenia and the fear of potentially inheriting similar mental health issues. This narrative evokes sadness and introspection, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the weight of mental illness.
“It was heart-breaking to learn that your mother tried to kill you in a schizophrenic state. It was sad, and later your friend tells you he thinks you might be having delusions like her.”
“The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel incredibly real and relatable.”
“I was moved to tears by the story's exploration of loss and redemption, which left a lasting impact on my heart.”
