Thou Shalt Not Kill

About

Thou Shalt Not Kill is a single player simulation game with horror, mystery and thriller themes. It was developed by SolitaryStudios and was released on July 10, 2024. It received neutral reviews from players.

"Thou Shalt Not Kill" is a VHS-style first-person walking simulator horror game. You play as Angel, a girl traveling through the forest who finds a VHS tape lying on the ground. She starts watching it, only to discover that the footage is unsettling and tells a mysterious story. As you watch the entire tape, you realize this is no ordinary VHS footage, and you are shocked by its revelati…

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44%

Audience ScoreBased on 16 reviews

gameplay3 negative mentions

Strong atmospheric and psychological horror experience with effective use of audiovisual tension and a retro VHS-inspired aesthetic.
Well-executed sound design featuring ambient noises and directional audio that enhance immersion and unease without relying on cheap scares.
Concise runtime maintains high tension and pacing, making it a recommended short horror vignette for players who enjoy mood and suggestion over complex gameplay.

Game suffers from frequent crashing, often at critical moments, preventing completion and causing loss of progress.
Extremely slow character movement which detracts from engagement and may frustrate players.
Very limited gameplay interactivity and minimal player agency, with no puzzles or combat, combined with a brief and somewhat incomplete narrative.

gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
56%
33%
The gameplay of "Thou Shalt Not Kill" is minimalistic and focuses on creating a tense, atmospheric experience rather than offering mechanical depth or challenge. It is praised for its mood, audiovisual tension, and immersive horror elements, appealing to players who value ambiance over traditional gameplay. However, opinions vary, with some critics finding certain games lacking in engaging gameplay and overall quality.
- “Thou Shalt Not Kill is a short-form psychological horror experience that places atmosphere and unease above traditional gameplay depth or narrative exposition.”
- “In terms of gameplay, Thou Shalt Not Kill is extremely minimalistic.”
- “Engagement comes primarily from curiosity about what will happen next rather than from mechanical challenge or problem-solving.”
- “It is designed as a compact, cinematic journey meant to be consumed in a single sitting, relying on mood, audiovisual tension, and ambiguity to leave an impression rather than sustained mechanical engagement.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The atmosphere in "Thou shalt not kill" is highly praised for its tense, eerie mood created through visual style and sound design, especially when played with headphones in a dark setting. While it excels at immersion and unsettling ambiance, some players note limited gameplay depth and occasional technical issues that may impact the experience. Overall, its carefully crafted atmosphere leaves a strong, lasting impression despite its short length and simplicity.
- “Thou shalt not kill is a short-form psychological horror experience that places atmosphere and unease above traditional gameplay depth or narrative exposition.”
- “Players who appreciate experimental, atmospheric horror often praise its aesthetic choices and unsettling mood, particularly when experienced with headphones in a dark environment.”
- “It succeeds in creating a tense, eerie atmosphere through visual style and sound design, delivering a memorable experience for players who value mood and suggestion over mechanics and clarity.”
- “While this simplicity reinforces immersion and keeps the focus on atmosphere, it also means that player agency is limited.”
- “While it may leave some players wanting more substance or a longer journey, it achieves its goal of providing a concise, unsettling experience that lingers in the mind, proving that even a short horror title can leave a lasting impression when its atmosphere is carefully crafted.”
- “The atmosphere is done well, but that’s pretty much the only real positive.”
story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
The story is primarily conveyed through environmental details and unsettling visuals, resulting in a fragmented and subtle narrative that some find intriguing but incomplete. While it has effective pacing and atmosphere with occasional good scares, many feel the plot is too short, disjointed, and relies on clichés, leaving a desire for further development.
- “It's a very good game, very subtle jumpscares and a good story flow.”
- “The storyline, if you can call it that, is a disjointed mess of clichés and nonsensical plot twists that would make a b-rated soap opera cringe.”
- “Some players may feel that the story ends just as it begins to become truly intriguing, with themes and imagery that could have benefited from further exploration.”
- “The story is told almost entirely through environmental cues and disturbing footage rather than dialogue, creating a fragmented narrative that feels deliberately incomplete.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some praising its distinctive retro VHS-inspired and atmospheric horror aesthetic that enhances immersion, while others criticize its visuals as outdated and lackluster, reminiscent of early 2000s quality. This divide highlights how the style appeals to fans of experimental horror but may disappoint those expecting modern, realistic graphics.
- “One of the game’s strongest elements is its visual presentation, which leans heavily into a retro VHS-inspired aesthetic.”
- “Players who appreciate experimental, atmospheric horror often praise its aesthetic choices and unsettling mood, particularly when experienced with headphones in a dark environment.”
- “Very fun short horror with extremely realistic graphics and fun gameplay.”
- “From the moment you load this digital torture device, you're greeted with graphics straight out of the early 2000s, and not in a nostalgic way, but in a 'did my computer just time-travel?' kind of way.”
- “In conclusion, 'Mundane Misadventures: The Snoozefest Saga' is a testament to everything wrong with modern gaming—lackluster graphics, abysmal gameplay, a storyline that insults your intelligence, and audio that makes you question the existence of good taste.”
- “-goood graphics.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music has been widely criticized for its inconsistent and unappealing quality, alternating between irritating techno beats and dull elevator-style tunes.
- “The soundtrack, if it can be called that, alternates between grating techno beats and elevator music that would put a hyperactive toddler to sleep.”