John Wack | Deppart
1if you do not have 20 morbillion pistol mag pouches are you even operator bro
SOCIALS
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/andynomical
Discord: https://discord.gg/YE6gKSnhZy
REVIEW
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The curious thing about horror is that usually, the paradigm founds a sense of fear accompanied by vulnerability, that threats are an inevitability and more often than not, you end up having to run away or hide. Most games utilize this trope but all sorts of methods to this genre can achieve a balance of action and horror via means of defending yourself against threats. N4bA showcases how this can work in their prototype game, Deppart.
Not much of a plot as there is more emphasis on gameplay experimentation. It seems that N4bA is dipping their toes in the unconventional, attempting a approach in horror execution which is significantly different compared to their other titles I've played in the past. A more immersive perspective with "faux-realistic" aspects (no hud, 1-hit life, restricted movement, etc.) enables a more unique combo of horror build-up and player interaction. Enemies serving as passive threats, overwhelming your vision and hearing, and your fickle mortality constantly being on the line creates much more impact compared to the cheesy scripted "up-in-your-face", haunted house theme that serves only to startle, not threaten.
Ironically enough, the setting for this game does strike many similarities to a haunted house design but the engagement is beyond what is at face value. Some sequences were heavily cliched but can be overlooked for the endeavor to break way from standard horror formulas. As for the story,
one can argue that they're the backbone to any fictional piece of entertainment but from the many video games I've played, I've noticed that they get more leniency. So long as the gameplay and overall themes of the game's genre are done well and enjoyable, the plotline can be at whatever.
There's an appreciation to be had, the willingness to strive for success in another region of what horror espouses. This type of formula allows for more depth to player/horror engagements as opposed to your typical jump-scare fest. If N4bA is willing to tackle this moving forward, even putting a price tag on something of this caliber, I'm all for it.