Pneumata review (PS5)

Pneumata, recently released on the PS5 by Perp Games, introduces players to a world where the line between reality and nightmares blurs, offering a psychological horror experience that attempts to evoke memories classic survival horror titles. Set in the grim and decaying Clover Hill apartment complex, the game effectively sets up a narrative of paranoia, madness, and dark secrets waiting to be uncovered. As a detective dealing with fragmented memories, your task is to investigate the disappearances of tenants, piecing together clues while facing the terrors that seem to be hiding in every corner.

The premise of Pneumata is enticing for fans of psychological horror, blending crime-solving with a chilling atmosphere. Its focus on unraveling gruesome murders adds a layer of intrigue to the supernatural elements, but although the narrative has potential, the execution doesn’t always hit the mark. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with certain plot points feeling underdeveloped compared to the gripping opening sequences that raised our expectations.

In terms of gameplay, Pneumata stays true to its survival horror inspirations. Resources are scarce, and your interactions with the world revolve around scavenging for supplies, solving puzzles, and making the choice of when to run or hide from the unpredictable enemies. While this approach keeps tension high, the actual gameplay can feel clunky at times, particularly with the combat mechanics, which lack the fluidity you might expect from a modern horror game. The AI-driven enemies, while formidable, don’t always behave as expected, which can lead to frustrating moments when trying to outwit or escape them.

Visually, Pneumata does a commendable job of creating an oppressive atmosphere. The gritty, decaying apartment complex is full of hidden pathways and secret rooms, encouraging exploration despite the ever-present danger. The game’s use of lighting and sound design heightens the experience, with shadows creeping across walls and unsettling ambient noises keeping players on edge. However, the graphical fidelity doesn’t always maintain consistency, with some underwhelming textures and effects appearing, detracting from the immersion at times.

The audio design stands out, with eerie soundscapes that pull players deeper into the world of Clover Hill. The lack of a traditional soundtrack works in the game’s favor in this case, relying instead on environmental sounds like distant screams or the creaking of floors, adding to the tension. Voice acting is solid, though it occasionally feels like lines are being overacted, which can break the immersion in moments of heightened tension.

Pneumata is an okay entry in the survival horror genre, but its potential is held back by technical issues and uneven design choices. While the atmosphere is undeniably creepy and the narrative intriguing, the game’s mechanics don’t always support its ambitious storytelling, making it a recommendation for genre enthusiasts rather than a must-play for all gamers. With further polish, this could stand as a strong psychological horror title, but as it stands, it leaves some of its potential untapped.

Score: 6.2/10