The realm of indie roguelites is a pretty busy one these days, but World of Horror manages to stand apart, harkening back to the text-based adventures of the early ’80s with its gameplay and visual style. And while its retro aesthetic may initially make the game seem antiquated, delving deeper reveals a complex, challenging, and captivating experience. The game presents players with a series of self-contained mysteries set in the enigmatic town of Shiokawa, Japan, where unexplainable horrors test the sanity of its residents. We tested the PlayStation version of the game.
Each mystery, which on average only takes roughly ten minutes to complete, unfolds through a series of text-based interactions reminiscent of how tabletop RPGs are structured. Players must make careful decisions, navigate stat checks, and manage resources in the face of unforeseeable outcomes. This dynamic, though initially daunting, cultivates a sense of unpredictability, ensuring every choice feels consequential. This can feel a tad too randomized at first, but as players persist their knowledge accumulates, contributing to a satisfying sense of progress over repeated attempts.
Combat encounters, though simple in structure, infuse tension into the experience. Balancing stamina, reason, and ‘doom’, which essentially translate into three health bars, adds strategic depth. The stakes are high, as the depletion of any of these three bars leads to instant failure. Engaging with eerie adversaries, ranging from eye-worm afflicted figures to vengeful spirits, creates a palpable sense of dread, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
As interesting and unique as it seems, World of Horror is not without its rougher edges. Initially, players may find themselves grappling with the mechanics, as the game offers minimal handholding. This lack of guidance lends an air of deliberate disorientation, mirroring the unsettling atmosphere of the game world. While some may find this approach intriguing, others may find it initially frustrating. However, with perseverance and experimentation, the game gradually reveals its nuanced systems. In addition, on console systems, navigating the screen using a simulated mouse controlled by analog sticks can feel somewhat clunky.
The mysteries themselves prove engaging, offering a variety of scenarios and outcomes. The most compelling scenarios challenge players with time-sensitive tasks, empowering them to influence the narrative’s direction. The narratives themselves, while not overly deep because of their short runtime, align well with the overarching theme of cosmic horror. The encounters, though occasionally disconnected from the wider story, contribute to the game’s overall atmosphere of dread and despair.
Visually, World of Horror is a standout title, drawing inspiration from Junji Ito’s distinctive art style. The monochromatic palette and MS Paint-rendered (!) graphics exude an eerie beauty, effectively conveying grotesque and cosmic horrors. This unique aesthetic choice, while initially disorienting, ultimately proves to be a powerful storytelling tool – and wonderfully nostalgic for older gamers. Paired with a fittingly suspenseful chiptune soundtrack, the game successfully immerses players in its bleak world.
In conclusion, World of Horror emerges as a distinctive and rewarding addition to the roguelite genre. With its evocative art style, Lovecraftian influences, and TTRPG-inspired mechanics, it offers a compelling, if initially challenging, experience. While its minimalist approach to tutorials and visuals may deter some, those who persist will uncover a game that expertly blends elements of survival horror, turn-based combat, and cosmic dread. World of Horror is a testament to the power of retro aesthetics and the enduring appeal of Lovecraftian horror.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 