Conscript Review – War Never Changes

As a seasoned survival horror enthusiast with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Conscript has left a lasting impression on me. With its old-school vibes and meticulously crafted design, this game harkened back to the golden age of horror games for me.

In simpler terms, “Conscript” offers a distinct take on survival horror with elements reminiscent of classic games like “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill.” Though it may not deliver an abundance of frights, this solo project is worth exploring for its design and atmosphere, making it a must-try for horror game enthusiasts.

In 1916, during the chaos of World War 1, you find yourself in the role of Andre, a French soldier, as you tread the treacherous trenches of the Battle of Verdun. Your mission: locate your missing brother and fellow soldier, Pierre. This survival horror game set against the backdrop of the First World War is an uncommon find, yet “Conscript” masterfully employs its unique setting. The game vividly portrays the horrors of war, immersing players in a tense, overwhelming atmosphere that perfectly captures the haunting essence of this nightmarish battlefield.

Drawing significant inspiration from the classic horror games “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill,” the indie game “Conscript” primarily created by one person, may not provide an abundance of frightening moments – those seeking authentic terror might be underwhelmed. However, for its design and unique setting, this game is a must-play for horror genre enthusiasts.

In other words, despite its historical backdrop and focus on human adversity, the game “Conscript” struggles to truly frighten players. It excels at establishing a chilling ambiance and maintaining a somber mood. However, unlike some survival horror games that effectively use tension to keep players engaged, “Conscript” may not deliver the expected level of terror if scares are a priority for you.

If you’re on the hunt for a survival horror game that delivers an authentic experience from a gameplay and design perspective, give “Conscript” a try. This game seems to embody a devoted approach to the genre, utilizing classic tropes effectively. From the emphasis on exploration, backtracking, and puzzle-solving, to inventory management and resource conservation, it’s clear that the creators have a deep appreciation for the genre. Unlike other games that may stray from the traditional survival horror formula with their setting, narrative, or thematic elements, “Conscript” stays true to the blueprint, resulting in a solid gameplay experience rooted in what makes survival horror games successful.

For example, consider the journey through Conscript. You’ll be tasked with navigating an intricate network of detailed maps. In keeping with survival horror tradition, there are hidden shortcuts to find, interconnected pathways and loops to explore, and frequent backtracking required. The need to manage your inventory carefully is a significant aspect of the gameplay experience, as in true survival horror fashion, you’ll have limited slots for carrying items. You must decide which items to keep with you and which ones to store away in save rooms. If you’ve played Resident Evil before, you’ll recognize this gameplay style.

Conscript Review – War Never Changes

If you’re in search of a game that delivers an authentic survival horror experience in terms of gameplay and design, then give “Conscript” a try. It’s definitely worth exploring.

During the adventure, discovery continues to be an enjoyable part of the process. Instead of locating new items or essential supplies like ammo, you might stumble upon hidden notes or intriguing story details. You could also come across resources for crafting, shortcuts, or other useful finds. In each safe haven, there’s a merchant waiting who accepts cigarettes as payment. With these, you can trade for additional ammo, supplies, consumables, and upgrades for your weapons. By providing gun parts to the merchant, they can enhance your firearms with improvements such as increased damage, faster firing rates, swifter reloads, and larger magazines.

In the intricately designed world of “Conscript,” the blend of engaging level layouts and hidden exploration offers both benefits and challenges for players. At times, this game’s enigmatic nature can be a boon, as it evokes the spirit of classic survival horror titles that leave room for discovery. However, similar to these games, “Conscript” can at moments appear aimlessly vague about objectives or directions. This deliberate withholding of information aims to encourage exploration and empowers players to uncover solutions independently. The resulting sense of freedom is undeniably captivating, but it can also make the game slightly puzzling at times. Essentially, “Conscript” sometimes pushes the boundaries of clear communication a bit too far.

As a gamer, I found the combat in “Conscript” to be an aspect that didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Despite being played from a top-down perspective like classic “Resident Evil” games, the lack of tank controls made it feel distinct. However, the game tried to mimic the combat experience by preventing movement while shooting and making aiming a patient process. Additionally, even the most potent weapons didn’t seem too overpowered.

In theory, this combat system is exciting, and it delivers tense moments during gameplay. However, in practice, the combat in “Conscript” feels unpolished to me. The need to monitor your stamina while dodging and creating space between you and an adversary becomes tedious fast. Moreover, close-quarter fights seem awkwardly clunky. Though I understand that some roughness is intentional, I believe it diminishes the overall enjoyment of the game.

Conscript Review – War Never Changes

“The distinct perspective of looking down at the game from above is already unusual and contributes to its character. But pair that with retro-style pixel art, and you have a game with a distinctive and effective visual identity, which harmonizes nicely with its gritty World War 1 theme.”

Fortunately, Conscript allows you to dodge combats frequently. The main gameplay revolves mainly around exploration, revisiting areas, and solving puzzles. These puzzles involve determining which items should be used where to gain access to previously obstructed paths or discovering clues that lead to unlocking hidden locations. This design echoes the classic survival horror genre, but Conscript effectively executes it with a deep appreciation for the genre’s essence.

In the visual department, Conscript distinguishes itself. Its distinctive top-down perspective already sets it apart, but coupled with its nostalgic pixel art reminiscent of old games, the result is a game boasting a distinct and appealing appearance. This artistic style gels effectively with the raw reality of its World War 1 backdrop.

As a big fan of survival horror games, I can tell you that “Conscript” may not be the most terrifying game out there or push the boundaries of the genre in new ways, but it certainly delivers a compelling and well-executed vision. The game’s stunning pixel art style and immersive World War 1 atmosphere transport you to an oppressive world that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

2024-07-22 16:11

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