Decarnation
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Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Decarnation
Decarnation is a well-written, spine-chilling adventure, but it would have been better off as an animated film instead of a game. The interactivity felt forced, but its writing, characterisation, atmospheres and settings sparkled, leaving me unnerved to the very end. I rooted for Gloria, and though her journey to finding inner strength was a bit trite, I was with her till the very end. This piece of art was self-conscious in so many ways, reflecting the darkest natures of human beings - I just wish it had been more of a game.
Despite several useless and unsatisfying gameplay elements, Decarnation still features one of the best stories I've seen in a horror game with a fantastically portrayed message both visually and narratively and lots of excellent references.
It's quite hard to recommend Decarnation, because the game itself is rather bleak, depressing and melancholy-inducing. But then again - that's the whole point.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Decarnation is an incredible and well written video game, supported by an intelligent and always engaging and impactful storytelling. Furthermore, the play structure fascinates and surprises. Must have absolutely.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Decarnation is a visual treat and indie horror fans will potentially love it, but throwaway gameplay elements and a bloated and sometimes confusing narrative results in an overlong and often uncomfortable game.
Decarnation is not about the gameplay, but about the journey. And that journey is wrought with existentialism, Lovecraftian horror, and psychological quandaries that may be trigger inducing. It will grip you, refuse to let go, and entrap you until the end of its story. Should you play Decarnation, you will be opting into experiencing horror through the eyes of a protagonist you may, or may not, empathize with. Should you play Decarnation, you should also avoid sharing its execution of horrors that should remain unspeakable. In other words, avoid spoiling whenever possible.
Decarnation is a unique horror puzzler that tries to make sense of the main character's emotional breakdown in ways that don't make sense. It effectively keeps players off balance throughout, but also in ways that knock the gameplay off balance, unfortunately.
Decarnation is heavily inspired by Mulholland Drive and Satoshi Kon's works. It's a great psychological horror with a rich story, but also a derivative game with too many gameplay limitations.
Review in Italian | Read full review
