ObsCure: PS2 Gameplay Part 2 - 2004 Survival Horror! Good Ending Commentary Blind Playthrough!
8Follow on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/aloversgaming
Support the channel on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/AloversGaming
ObsCure, "PS2 Survival Horror Game", introduced to me through PCSX2 emulation, showing that Sony's Playstation 2 classic console continues to deliver more hidden gems. This time, in the form of high schoolers searching for their missing friend - Kenny.
"PS2's ObsCure" has the usual survival horror tropes you'd expect. Low ammo, some puzzles, jump scares, and cheesy scripts. All elements form to bring us one fun experience. Plaything ObsCure was as as much a scary nightmare as it was a stressful pain. Whether it was due to the monsters ripping at my health, or acid dripping out of my paper cup, I never found a dull moment. Hair pulling moments perhaps. But never dull.
One major highlight with ObsCure is the fun characters. They're all so enjoyable to play as. Each with their own special purpose. Whether they can run faster than the others, or pick locks, or get a second attack for the price of one, they stand out well in a large cast to choose from. However, you'll quickly realize that some abilities are better than others. Leaving certain characters by the way side.
Another aspect of PS2's ObsCure is that characters die for good if killed. Meaning, you'll not just lose a perfect ending, but also possibly a useful ability that without it, the games difficulty increases. This run was aimed at a perfect, save all characters run. It was an attempt that made for a lot of tense and angry moments that have left this PS2 hidden gem with a special place in my heart. It is one of the funnier games of the survival horror genre that I have encountered. Sometimes I didn't know if Obscure's developers; Hydravision Entertainment, knew what they were doing. All I can say is that i'm grateful to the developers for creating such a quirky little horror adventure.
Each of the characters: Shannon Matthews, Kenny Matthews, Josh Carter, Stanley Jones, Ashley Thompson all stand out. Besides their abilities mentioned earlier, their teenage live in their own bubble personalities are a joy. You'll quickly question why the characters are smashing windows in their high school instead of seeking help from adults before remembering how perfectly written these 17 year olds are in line with every American horror and slasher flick you've seen since the 1990s.
Perfectly designed top to bottom to have you feel like you're watching people that could fit into Scream or The Faculty without standing out as the odd duck. In fact, looking at the characters faces, it's clear not only was that Hydravision Entertainment's goal, they used actors and celebs of that era as reference models for the playable characters. Giving me an instant nostalgia shot.
Another important aspect of survival horror games beyond general gameplay is the level design, or map layout. ObsCure's devs took good care in making sure their little game had a fun to explore world. The high school setting is designed in a way that each section, from main hall to library, and cafeteria having their own identity and challenges. As well as a look that sets them apart from one another without feeling like they don't belong to the same building. An aspect I felt lost with the sequel "ObsCure 2: Aftermath", but we'll get to that hot mess next time.
ObsCure on PS2 is probably not a classic. At least as far as the single player experience goes. Perhaps coop speaks differently. Though, not being a classic doesn't equal bad. In fact, I had much more fun and came away with stronger positive feelings for ObsCure 1 and ObsCure: The Aftermath than I did such games as Resident Evil 8 Village. Sometimes I find it's the lower budget titles that breath with passion and fun quirks that leave an impression on the gamer. What ObsCure PS2 lacks in polish and budget, it makes up for in imagination and a focus on giving the player a fun time, never taking its self too seriously, yet keeping that dark atmosphere and focus on moving the story ahead.
I recommend ObsCure PS2 to everyone that enjoys survival horror games, and doesn't mind dealing with AA development budgets. In my opinion, I feel blessed to have finally given this little horror game a chance, and I got to walk away with a lot of fond and funny memories. The chat on Twitch also played a role in making this title become more than expected.