REVEIL, published by Daedalic Entertainment and developed by Pixelsplit, offers an intriguing dive into the realm of psychological horror, beckoning players into a surreal journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. As Walter Thompson, the protagonist, players awaken in a disoriented state, surrounded by clues hinting at a disturbing truth lurking beneath the surface of his seemingly normal life. The narrative unfolds through a dual approach, combining Walter’s inner monologues with environmental storytelling that gradually unravels the mystery shrouding his existence. We got our first glimpse of this game during Gamescom last year, and couldn’t wait to try it out on a PlayStation 5.
One of the game’s biggest strengths lies in its ability to use its strong sense of atmosphere to play with psychological horror tropes, setting the stage for a narrative that keeps players questioning their perceptions. The initial moments of exploration within Walter’s home serve as a prelude to the unsettling journey ahead, where familiar environments constantly change and morph into twisted, nightmarish landscapes that challenge players’ expectations and perceptions at every turn.
Pixelsplit’s well-executed use of visual storytelling shines through in REVEIL, with meticulously crafted environments that immerse players in a world of eerie and foreboding beauty. From the hauntingly atmospheric circus-inspired setting to the meticulously detailed interiors from Walter’s family life, each location adds depth to the narrative, inviting players to uncover the dark secrets hidden within them.
However, despite its visual prowess, REVEIL is not without its flaws. The reliance on traditional first-person controls, while functional, may feel somewhat derivative, lacking innovation in gameplay mechanics if you’re looking for something more than a walking simulator-esque experience. Additionally, the protagonist’s inner dialogue, while providing insight into the story and initially adding to the atmosphere and immersion, can at times feel superfluous.
Furthermore, the game’s physics-based interactions, while adding a layer of realism and feeling very satisfying when things ‘click’, can also be cumbersome and immersion-breaking when the controls struggle to keep up with the quick reactions that are required. Despite these shortcomings, REVEIL’s intricate puzzles generally offer challenges that are both engaging and rewarding to solve – and are well-designed both visually and in terms of mechanics.
In terms of audiovisual presentation, REVEIL excels, with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack and immersive sound design that heighten the sense of tension and dread. Each eerie melody and ambient sound effect contributes to the game’s immersive atmosphere, drawing players deeper into its nightmarish world. This is a lights down, volume up kind of game, and the excellent visuals help make it impactful.
In conclusion, REVEIL offers a compelling blend of psychological horror and immersive storytelling, despite some shortcomings. With its striking visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and thought-provoking puzzles, it stands as a noteworthy addition to the genre, offering players a chilling journey into the depths of madness and despair. While not without its flaws, REVEIL ultimately delivers a captivating narrative experience that will leave players thinking even after the credits roll.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 