You alone?- “No, I’m Not a Human“

Scare factor 3/5

“No, I’m Not a Human” is a psychological horror game that skillfully insists on its disturbing nature without relying on jumpscares, focusing instead on creating anxiety and paranoia through unsettling, dreary scenarios. The risk of misidentifying “visitors,” mutated humanoid beasts with a disgusting uncanny valley look, creates a false sense of security that adds onto the unease while playing. Additionally, the visual style of the game mixes 2D and 3D in a surreal, pixelated amalgamation, creating a deeply unnerving environment.

Stress level 5/5

The game is incredibly stressful due to its themes of distrust and tense decision making. It constantly puts the player in positions involving difficult moral decisions. At the doorstep, you may have to deny someone genuinely in need; in your home, you may falsely kill an innocent refugee who you believed to be a “visitor.” New stakes are being added every day as you helplessly watch the end of the world unfold through governmental tensions on television by day and horrifying scenes in your windows at night.

Worth the price? 5/5

For a one-time playthrough, the game is an affordable experience that provides a uniquely grotesque atmosphere with its iconic dithered textures and dreadful storyline. It deviates substantially from mainstream horror games, creating an original and worthwhile spin on the visual novel format. However, the replayability of the game has been said to be poor; there are several different endings included, yet the core gameplay loop lacks variety and becomes repetitive for completionists.

Into the shadows- “Little Nightmare 3”

Scare factor 4/5

“Little Nightmares 3” displays itself as a new iteration of the classic horror game series, providing 4 short and memorable chapters worth of adrenaline-filled sequences and gag-worthy, distorted portrayals of new monsters in refurbished old settings. The brilliant sound design and graphics, both commonplace in the franchise, amplify the feeling of futility in the face of beasts ten times your size. Additionally, the refreshing new playable characters, Low and Alone, provide unique mechanics and an extra fear of the unknown.

Stress level 4/5

An intense looming fear of capture in each location shoves a sense of desperation on the player, creating the need for constant hasty action without a moment of rest. The new co-op appeal of the game serves as yet another stressor as you must navigate through puzzles and chase scenes with another living being rather than a silent AI companion. The stressful moments become repetitive and lackluster after a while, though: puzzles are slightly too easy to solve in comparison to the franchise’s previous entries, reducing the game’s intended tension.

Worth the price? 2/5

Despite its promising appearance, the game is incredibly buggy, with several instances that potentially softlock your playthrough. Cross-platform and cross-generation play are completely unavailable; with the lack of local co-op or an integrated voice chat, the game undermines its own multiplayer selling point. The inclusion of unnecessary cosmetic microtransactions additionally proves  “Little Nightmares 3’s” weakness as a successor in its franchise. The first two games provide a better quality of puzzles, scares and authenticity at a more affordable price.

Fox in the fog- “Silent Hill F“

Scare factor 5/5

Concept-wise, “Silent Hill F” presents a refreshing new take on the “Silent Hill” franchise while enhancing its iconic hallmarks. Cutscenes and monster designs in the game are brilliantly monstrous, pushing the limits of “Unreal Engine” to depict blood-curdling interpretations of Japanese folklore as it relates to Hinako’s psyche and family situation. Beyond the fog and the terror within it, the storyline builds off of a commentary on 60s Japan in the midst of their women’s rights movement, creating a perfect blend of psychological and physical horror that ties into themes of feminism, survivor’s guilt and emotional abuse.

Stress level 3/5

In comparison to other entries in the “Silent Hill” franchise, Hinako’s journey has far lower stakes, with no overarching goal and a solid half of the game taking place in her own unrelated dreamscape. Despite the instinctive human reaction that comes from instant scares, the chase sequences that often follow have a slightly undercooked feel. Unfair difficulty caps during boss fights, clunky combat mechanics and the inclusion of a gambling system at save points greatly reduce the immersion and sense of urgency that typically accompanies horror games, making the game feel more like a strategic RPG at times.

Worth the price? 4/5

The excellent concept and gut-wrenching story that complements this game makes up for its shortcomings in gameplay and results in a genuine, soulful novelty that is absolutely worth looking into for horror fans. While fans of the “Silent Hill” series shouldn’t expect their usual from an esoteric spinoff, the title works excellently as its own standalone experience. For all that it provides, however, “Silent Hill F” is slightly overpriced, with the new commonplace value for AAA games slowly becoming $70 in the industry; shave off about a 4th of the price, and it would be worth every penny.