Conscript, developed by Catchweight Studio for Team17, brings a novel approach to the survival horror genre, despite drawing heavy inspiration from genre classics. Set against the backdrop of the 1916 Battle of Verdun, it manages to combine the tense, punishing mechanics of old-school horror with a unique historical setting, creating an engaging experience for fans of the genre looking for something a bit different than the norm.
The premise of Conscript quickly captures your attention. Players take on the role of a French soldier on a desperate search for his missing brother amidst the chaos and carnage of the Great War – a narrative that provides a poignant and emotionally charged motivation. This drives players through the trenches, overrun forts, and perilous no-man’s-land of the way. The story immerses you deeply into the bleak and brutal reality of World War I, making the stakes feel personal and urgent.
Gameplay mechanics in Conscript are a blend of classic survival horror elements and strategic planning. The top-down perspective, combined with well designed levels, forces players to carefully manage their resources and plan their routes. The combat is methodical, requiring the use of WW1-era melee weapons and firearms, adding to the game’s authenticity. The game’s puzzles are complex and often interwoven with the environment, requiring thoughtful exploration and problem-solving. However, this also means there’s a steep difficulty curve, as the game demands patience to stay alive and get past its puzzles.
The controls in Conscript are designed to evoke the feel of older survival horror games, and while that adds a bit of retro flair it can also come across as a bit clunky to those used to modern games. This choice, however, also adds to the tension and atmosphere, making every encounter feel more precarious. The deliberate and slower pace of movement and combat enhances the survival aspect, ensuring that players are always on edge, calculating their every move to avoid a premature death.
Visually, Conscript stands out with its pixel art aesthetic. The detailed environments effectively capture the horrors of war, creating an oppressive atmosphere that is both haunting and immersive. The game’s art style complements its dark narrative, with the pixelated visuals adding a layer of abstraction that leaves much to the imagination, heightening the horror elements. This visual style is supported by some excellent sound design, where the ambient sounds of warfare and the eerie silence between battles amplify the tension and unease. The audio experience, complete with unsettling sound effects and a somber soundtrack, is a crucial component of the game’s strong sense of atmosphere.
Conscript’s potential drawbacks include its difficulty and the old-school control scheme that might deter some players, while the pacing of the narrative can occasionally feel slow, especially during extended puzzle-solving segments. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall experience, which is rich, immersive, and deeply rewarding for those who appreciate its atmosphere and challenge.
In conclusion, Conscript on PlayStation 5 is a standout indie title in the survival horror genre. It successfully marries the tense, methodical gameplay of classic horror games with a unique historical setting, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing. Its gripping narrative, challenging mechanics, and atmospheric presentation make it a must-play for fans of survival horror and historical narratives alike. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty and deliberate pacing, Conscript is a well-crafted horror experience that embraces its novel approach to the genre.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 