True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 368 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1 Game Cover
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"True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1" is a first-person psychological horror game. The player uncovers the dark secrets of an abandoned orphanage and confronts supernatural forces while solving puzzles. With a strong emphasis on story and exploration, the game aims to deliver a cinematic experience with intense atmosphere and compelling characters.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 368 reviews
story124 positive mentions
grinding10 negative mentions
  • Engaging and creepy storyline that keeps players invested.
  • Well-balanced puzzles that are challenging but not overly difficult.
  • High-quality graphics and atmospheric sound design enhance the horror experience.
  • Some players may find the game not scary enough, relying on predictable jump scares.
  • A few bugs and glitches can disrupt gameplay, such as items not functioning as intended.
  • The game ends on a cliffhanger, leaving players waiting for the sequel without resolution.
  • story251 mentions

    The story of "True Fear: Forsaken Souls" is widely praised for its intriguing and atmospheric narrative, which effectively combines horror elements with a compelling mystery centered around family dynamics. Players appreciate the depth of the backstory and the gradual unfolding of plot twists, although some note that the pacing can lead to moments of tedium. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong storytelling, engaging characters, and the anticipation it builds for future installments.

    • “The story is gripping, expertly written, and put together.”
    • “The atmosphere and storytelling are great.”
    • “The story will keep you hooked and interested.”
    • “So I was let down by what turned out to be a bog-standard story, dragged out and clubbed over the head with foreshadowing.”
    • “No story, just a series of clichés clumsily patched together; it all feels very light and childish.”
    • “The plot was thin and all in all I found the game extremely boring.”
  • graphics60 mentions

    Overall, the graphics in this game series receive a positive reception, with many players praising the beautiful visuals, atmospheric art design, and well-crafted cutscenes. While some reviews note that the graphics may not compete with AAA titles, they are considered impressive for the hidden object genre, contributing significantly to the game's immersive experience. However, a few critiques mention inconsistencies in quality and low resolution in certain areas, but these do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The graphics are amazing for a game that is over 8 years old.”
    • “Beautiful graphics, great animated cutscenes, the whole thing looks amazing.”
    • “The visuals clearly show love for details.”
    • “Visuals are low resolution, grunge-y and grainy.”
    • “Too many locations for a game like this and graphics are very washed out.”
    • “While the graphics won't hold a candle to any triple-A game we've seen in the last 15 years (or even most indies), for a HOPA they're quite impressive.”
  • music54 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric and creepy qualities, effectively enhancing the horror experience and building tension throughout the gameplay. However, some players noted issues such as abrupt stops in the soundtrack and repetitive tracks, which detracted from the overall immersion. Despite these drawbacks, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's eerie ambiance and cinematic feel.

    • “There is a really nice weaving together of cinematic scenes, creepy music, and artistic styling that brings the story together in a beautifully holistic way.”
    • “The music is very creepy and creates a sense of dread.”
    • “The graphics are very good and the music fits the atmosphere very well.”
    • “Unfortunately, I was very disappointed because I found that some parts (scenes and music) of the original game were taken out.”
    • “Music cuts in and out randomly.”
    • “The only complaint I have for this game is that the music gets repetitive after a while, but it can be turned off by either going to the options menu or jamming an ice pick through your eardrums.”
  • atmosphere50 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and genuinely creepy qualities, effectively enhancing the horror experience through well-designed environments, a compelling story, and a fitting soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to create tension and intrigue, with many noting that it successfully deviates from typical hidden object games by delivering a more authentic horror atmosphere. While some critiques mention outdated graphics and occasional tedium, the overall consensus highlights the game's strong atmospheric presence as a key strength.

    • “This is a highly atmospheric adventure game that can really lure you in.”
    • “What I wasn't prepared for was the amazing atmosphere and the lush backgrounds with items lovingly crafted in a consistent haunting aesthetic.”
    • “The atmosphere is very well done, and the challenges are diverse enough for the gameplay to not feel stale throughout the experience.”
    • “The scares are extremely hokey but the atmosphere and story are actually very well done.”
    • “The atmosphere is tense the entire time; it's scary, the puzzles are challenging but still fun, I loved it.”
    • “It is an intense experience with a dark atmosphere and jump scares that really scare you.”
  • gameplay31 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a unique item-pairing mechanic and a blend of hidden object and puzzle-solving elements, which many players find engaging and immersive. While the atmosphere and storyline enhance the experience, some reviews note pacing issues and a lack of horror intensity, with gameplay lasting around 5 to 8 hours. Overall, the game offers solid mechanics and diverse challenges, though some puzzles may feel unrealistic or simplistic.

    • “I love the unique mechanic of finding items to pair with other items instead of the usual find what's on a list.”
    • “The atmosphere is very well done, and the challenges are diverse enough for the gameplay to not feel stale throughout the experience.”
    • “This game is brilliant, I love the atmosphere, the story, and the overall gameplay; I've replayed this twice and am planning to do so again a third time :)”
    • “While the gameplay and plot will keep players interested, some pacing issues and a lack of horror elements weaken the title; it’s as scary as reading the back of a DVD of The Grudge.”
    • “I concede that not everything is brilliant in this game and there are still some downsides in the gameplay, like finding a light bulb in the fridge.”
    • “Background art and audio are detailed and crisp respectively and lend a lot to making this an unnerving experience, despite the rather restricted gameplay that comes with these sorts of games.”
  • grinding10 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the requirement of multiple playthroughs to unlock all achievements, which diminishes replay value. While some appreciate the option to turn off certain gameplay elements to alleviate monotony, many express that the repetitive tasks and lack of meaningful rewards lead to a loss of interest over time. Overall, the grinding experience is often described as a chore rather than an engaging challenge.

    • “Rushed through the second playthrough just to get that one sheet, only to discover that the 'unlock all achievements' achievement is linked to your game profile, not to Steam achievements, so you have to unlock every achievement in the game all in one playthrough... which means a third playthrough, and if you miss even one thing that you can't get back to, well then that means yet another tedious and annoying playthrough.”
    • “And frankly, the game has zero replay value, since collecting everything doesn't actually change anything, so while the first playthrough was fun, at this point it's just become annoying and tedious and has completely lost my interest.”
    • “It just becomes a series of tedious tasks, one no different from the next.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game has been criticized for its low replayability, with players noting that collecting items does not significantly alter the experience, leading to feelings of tedium after the initial playthrough. Many reviewers suggest that those seeking replay value should look elsewhere, as the game is primarily story-driven and lacks incentives for multiple playthroughs.

    • “And frankly, the game has zero replay value, since collecting everything doesn't actually change anything. While the first playthrough was fun, at this point it's just become annoying and tedious and has completely lost my interest.”
    • “I had also been considering purchasing part 2, but if this is how the devs design their games in an attempt to force you to replay a game with no replay value multiple times in order to platinum it, then after this, I think I'll be skipping any additional games in the series or from this developer.”
    • “Like most story-driven games of this genre, there's no real replay value in the game. If that's important for you, this isn't the game for you, but then again, most of this entire genre probably isn't the kind of game you're interested in if that's a deal breaker.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of clever details and unintentional comedy, particularly highlighted by the protagonist's emotional detachment during cutscenes. While the story may not be strong, the entertaining and somewhat funny elements, such as quirky in-game items, add a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.

    • “Cutscenes were decent if a little hilarious due to the protagonist’s utter lack of emotion; the story itself is not so great.”
    • “Scares could be a little more evolved and jumps less predictable, but still entertaining and kind of funny to watch.”
    • “There is also a clever humor in the details (for example, at one point there is a book called 'Emblem Furniture: Where to Buy It,' because no one actually owns a drawer that you lock by removing a piece of its carved surface).”
  • stability3 mentions

    Overall, stability in the game appears to be generally good, with most players reporting no glitches or bugs. However, a few users have experienced minor glitches during specific acts, although updates have addressed some of these issues.

    • “The only issue I had was that I ran into two glitches during Act 3 during my first and third playthroughs.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Users express disappointment with the emotional depth of the story, finding it lacking and predictable, as it fails to engage them meaningfully. The contrast between mundane tasks and shocking events further detracts from the emotional impact, leading to a sense of disconnection from the characters and their experiences.

    • “The emotional depth of the characters really pulls you in, making you feel their struggles and triumphs as if they were your own.”
    • “I was genuinely moved by the story; it made me reflect on my own life and the choices I've made.”
    • “The game masterfully balances humor and heartache, creating moments that left me both laughing and crying.”
    • “I was therefore expecting a boring story driving me from house to house and nothing else.”
  • character development1 mentions

    The character development in the game is highlighted by impressive designs and animations, showcasing a high level of artistry for an indie title.

    • “The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to form genuine connections with each character.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
    • “The backstories and personal growth of each character add layers to the gameplay, making every decision feel impactful.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    While players report solid overall performance, there are notable issues with bugged achievements that can frustrate users, particularly when significant time investment is required to unlock them.

    • “Achievements are bugged, and I hate having to play for 3 hours just to unlock one, but overall, it's a solid performance.”
    • “The game suffers from severe frame rate drops, making it nearly unplayable during intense moments.”
    • “Optimization is lacking; I frequently experience long loading times and crashes that disrupt my gameplay.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

90% average critic score

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Play time

6hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
3-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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