Yomawari: Lost in the Dark
- October 25, 2022
- Nippon Ichi Software
Get on SteamIn "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark," players navigate a dark, eerie world as a young girl searching for her lost sister. The game features a unique mechanic where the player must use a flashlight to reveal hidden ghostly enemies and progress through the game. As the player delves deeper into the darkness, they must avoid these supernatural foes and solve puzzles to uncover the truth about their sister's disappearance.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game maintains the charming 'spooky but not scary' atmosphere of its predecessors, with engaging storytelling that explores themes of trauma and memory.
- The sound design and art style are exceptional, creating an immersive experience that enhances the emotional depth of the game.
- The exploration mechanics allow for some freedom in how players approach the story, with interesting new spirits and character customization options.
- Save points are frustratingly far apart, leading to a tedious experience, especially during challenging sections.
- The gameplay feels less strategic compared to previous entries, with many mechanics removed or simplified, resulting in repetitive encounters.
- The story can be confusing at times, with excessive exposition and a lack of clarity in objectives, making it difficult to progress without getting lost.
- story132 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as more linear and focused compared to previous installments, with a deeper emotional impact that resonates with players. While some reviewers appreciate the engaging narrative and character interactions, others criticize repetitive exposition and gameplay that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the story maintains the series' thematic essence, though opinions vary on its execution and pacing, with some finding it confusing or less compelling than earlier entries.
“It's certainly more driven and focused, with everything you do being guided by that main story & what you 'need' to do next, but the story ended up hitting me in ways I wasn't expecting!”
“The strategic use of storytelling to play around this theme was excellently executed and I loved the twists that I encountered along the way.”
“Overall, I love this series and its style of storytelling.”
“It's the story that makes it so I can't recommend it positively.”
“It's not that it's told poorly, but that it's the sort of story I can't deal with having to play through a game for ~20 hours to see.”
“I find the story always confusing to me and at some point, you might end up stuck in that loop where your curse has been growing.”
- gameplay38 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this installment of the Yomawari series has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the new "close your eyes" mechanic and more open design, while others find it less enjoyable than previous entries due to tedious mechanics and a lack of classic gameplay elements. Although the game offers more content and an interesting story, many feel that the removal of beloved features, such as the badge system and hiding spots, detracts from the overall experience. Overall, while the gameplay has its engaging moments, it is seen as inferior to its predecessors, leading to a sense of frustration rather than enjoyment.
“For returning fans, I broadly enjoyed 3 more than 2. 2 had a tighter, darker story (arguably too dark) and more collectibles and post-game stuff, but for me, 3 has a more interesting story, more interesting mechanics (big ups to closing your eyes and sneaking rather than hiding in bushes), and is the only one of the franchise I even got close to 100% completion on.”
“Gameplay is exploration through various locations to progress a story while surviving ghosts and collecting items.”
“It takes the Yomawari formula and improves on it, with a much more open design compared to its predecessors and some unique gameplay ideas.”
“The specific chapter areas tend to have more new stuff, but a lot of the mechanics and challenges end up feeling kind of tedious.”
“The non-chapter specific enemies are 80% rehashed and provide no synergy with the new mechanic of 'closing your eyes', which, by the way, makes you move at a slug's pace, slowing down the already slow pacing.”
“However, the game has a confused story when it comes to memory if you get caught off guard, and overall the game is inferior compared to the previous game as there are no classic gameplay mechanics.”
- atmosphere20 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game successfully retains its signature "spooky but not scary" atmosphere, characterized by a blend of creepy-cute art style and excellent sound design. While some reviewers note a decline in scares and story depth compared to previous titles, the overall atmospheric quality remains strong, effectively drawing on Japanese folklore and delivering a captivating experience.
“The atmosphere is on point as ever.”
“Those things covered, the game still does well in building atmosphere, and has excellent sound design and maintains the same creepy-cute art style from previous games.”
“Like the previous two Yomawari games, this game is an atmospheric horror game that focuses on Japanese folklore.”
“The atmosphere, scares, and story are all a step down.”
- music18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's music features two original soundtracks, including a notable title theme that resonates emotionally with players. While the overall soundtrack is minimal, the ambient sounds effectively enhance the eerie atmosphere, and the opening and ending themes are particularly praised. Players appreciate the innovative musical expression and the way sound effects complement the game's environments, contributing to a memorable experience.
“This game features two original soundtracks and is the first in the series to have title music.”
“The game's music theme, both opening and ending, is always good, and the sound effects always capture the environment.”
“The game lacks a soundtrack, but the title theme strikes my heartstrings.”
“Ambient sounds dominate and music is kept to a minimum - effective for creating an eerie mood.”
“The game's music theme, both opening and ending, is always good, and the sound effects always catch the environments, although I often hear a car moving around in the town despite there being no moving car in this game.”
- grinding12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with repetitive mechanics and challenges that detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the direction provided compared to previous entries, the constant repetition across chapters and similar paths contribute to frustration. Despite these issues, fans of the series may still find value in the game, provided they are willing to endure the grind.
“It feels tedious to play.”
“The specific chapter areas tend to have more new stuff, but a lot of the mechanics and challenges end up feeling kind of tedious.”
“Each path feels the exact same every time, making it more tedious to traverse the large map.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a charming creepy-cute art style that effectively contrasts horror elements with a cartoon-like anime aesthetic. The detailed environments, particularly in the shopping district, enhance the atmosphere and bring to life Japanese urban legends and superstitions, contributing to the game's unique visual appeal. Overall, the graphics play a significant role in building an immersive and atmospheric experience.
“Although the art style is cute, the contrasting horror elements featured to give life to Japanese urban legends and superstitions showcase its unique charm.”
“The map art style in this game is still a cartoon-like anime with much larger and more details, especially in the shopping district which now has alleys and a lot of objects.”
“I still love this game thanks to its unique art style and gameplay, as well as the music.”
“The map art style in this game is still a cartoon-like anime, but it lacks the depth and realism that could enhance the overall experience.”
“While the art style is cute, it feels inconsistent with the horror elements, which detracts from the immersion.”
“The graphics are underwhelming, with a cartoonish aesthetic that doesn't do justice to the game's themes.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally impactful, praising its ability to gradually reveal the plot and evoke a range of feelings, culminating in a powerful emotional experience that can lead to tears and terror. The consistent theme throughout the series enhances this emotional investment, making it a standout aspect for many.
“But still, the game's main theme has not changed, which is what I like about this series. You slowly uncover the whole plot of the story, and it makes you feel emotional in the end.”
“10/10, I cried and also screamed in terror.”
“It's an emotional investment, of all emotions.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing character names and quirky dialogue, particularly the older girl's frequent use of the word "bird," which resonates with players familiar with the Touhou Galaxy Project. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience.
