Harthorn

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andynomical

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200

Published on January 16, 2022 6:17:52 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnxzAItc1Rk

Duration: 1:37:28

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School's out but cliché horror is in.

REVIEW:
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It really is mind-blowing how all over the place games can be when engines like Unity are used to develop them. Plenty of indie games using this software can be hit or miss while triple A games tend to maximize the engine's effectiveness to huge degrees, providing players with high-quality games. Unfortunately, while Harthorn does manage to retain my attention and provide some entertainment value, it's extremely rudimentary in many regards.

As I said in the end of the video, everything about the game is simple:

|-| The story is linear and unassuming as while plot elements expand a bit around the halfway point of the game, it becomes pretty clear with notes lying around and cutscenes that you're dealing with a psychotic ex-teacher named Victor that past his wild delusions, is trying to blow up the school. Eventually you come to a standstill where you must engage in a short-lived fight where you "kill" Victor and are left with a cliff-hanger ending. The plot is straightforward but considering how linear the pacing is, this game might as well been an interactive movie.

|-| Much like the point above, the game's interaction is more a walking simulator with the occasional item hunting in some areas. Everything that requires a bit more thought are reserved in scripted sequences, either areas where you must stealth past Victor or solving simple puzzles. No roaming A.I. even when the game teases it twice, making the horror and tension fall short. Not to mention the game even warns about making too much noise could trigger a threat early on but that only applies to the stealth/fight sequences.

|-| Besides the stealth segments that pose actual threats, there is no risk in this game apart from placebo and ominous atmosphere. Naturally playing blind, I had no idea what to expect (the barricaded door jumpscare was pretty good imo) so I stayed on my toes but finishing the game, I realize that I wasn't in danger much at all, even if the game alluded potential danger. This definitely makes the horror feel lackluster and boring.

|-| Unity is an engine that can work pretty well with modern PC setups so losing frames in multiple areas of the game, especially when the game isn't that demanding in the first place is rather ridiculous.

I know it seems I'm ragging on this game harshly because even if it's simple I did enjoy it a fair amount. The gameplay may be easy and the story not complex, I just wish it offered more and was built a bit better in interaction, story and technical aspects.