Brokenlore: Unfollow Review – This Horror Game Is Surprisingly Great

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I love it when a horror game really digs into its main character’s flaws, and Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW does that brilliantly with Anne. She’s not exactly a nimble character to play as, but what really got to me was how the game slowly reveals her backstory. It’s clear she’s deeply traumatized, and the game does a fantastic job of showing that inner pain – it feels like some of the damage might be irreversible, and it’s honestly really compelling.

This game doesn’t rely on flashy effects, opting for a simple presentation that actually enhances the experience. Combined with its strong visuals and sound, it effectively portrays the character Anne’s internal struggles. As I explored the game’s levels, I constantly felt a sense of dread, waiting for the next frightening reminder of her past trauma.

The game immediately puts you in the middle of the story, leaving you to piece together why you’re there as you explore Anne’s house. Through what you find, you learn about her personality and discover how bullying led to her struggles with an eating disorder. This has left her with low self-esteem, constantly linking her worth to her weight, and feeling disappointed with her lack of success on social media.

As you investigate the house, you learn more about the woman who lived there, and this only deepens the sense of sadness surrounding her current situation. The dim lighting inside mirrors her troubled state of mind. While this is a clever way to show her inner struggles, it can be frustrating when you’re trying to find key objects to move the story forward.

To be honest, there were moments when the game became frustrating. I get why the story called for dark environments and a limited flashlight, but it sometimes made things unnecessarily difficult. This was made worse by confusing levels that forced me to retrace my steps a lot, whether I was searching for a key to open a door or a hard-to-find ingredient for a strange recipe.

The game looks and runs as well as any of the best titles in its category.

This horror game excels at its fundamental gameplay, and the story becomes increasingly captivating as you uncover the reasons behind Anne’s situation. The creature designs are particularly impressive, with each enemy offering a unique challenge. Unfortunately, early in the game, many encounters turn into frustrating chases, hampered by awkward level layouts and difficult controls.

Honestly, the slow turning speed is a real problem. It makes it super hard to quickly change direction when you’re being chased, and those lost seconds can mean the difference between escaping and getting caught. It’s even worse because a lot of the areas don’t have good landmarks. When you’re already panicking from a monster breathing down your neck, those tight corridors make it almost impossible to figure out where you are and where to go!

I wasn’t sure if the game’s controls were glitching or if I was just messing up because I was so panicked while trying to escape. My character, Anne, isn’t very tough – she can be defeated quickly, with only a few hits. The game was designed to make you play carefully and sneak around, but I found it simpler to just run as fast as I could, hoping I was heading in the right direction to survive.

Despite a few small issues, the game excels at building a really unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere. It would benefit from a bit more polish – sometimes it’s tricky to interact with objects, requiring precise positioning. This feels out of place given how well the rest of the game flows, and hopefully it’s something the developers can fix with updates after release.

I really appreciate how the game addresses these problems, with thoughtful details and a genuine sense of understanding.

Even with its flaws, the game looks and runs incredibly well, competing with the best in its genre. The lighting is particularly impressive, effectively creating a sense of danger. The game also made good use of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller – for example, petting the main character’s sleeping cat caused subtle vibrations that felt like its gentle breathing, a nice touch considering the scary events happening elsewhere.

I always felt anxious and on edge, especially in dark, quiet places. Finding a bright, comfortable room felt like a huge relief, but those spaces were often rare, leaving me feeling incredibly stressed.

What really makes this game special is its story, characters, and the important themes it explores. It handles a difficult subject – Anne’s eating disorder, what caused it, and how people reacted to her weight loss – with care and understanding. The developers didn’t shy away from tough topics, but they approached them with sensitivity throughout the game.

Anne’s struggles with bullying feel very genuine and will likely resonate with anyone who’s been through similar experiences. Her attempts to escape reality and seek approval are understandable reactions to what she’s faced, and are made even harder by a family that doesn’t quite know how to support her. I especially appreciate how the game tackles these difficult topics with creativity and, most importantly, compassion.

“As far as its horror elements go, Brokenlore is a heavy hitter.”

As a fan, I’m really fascinated by the enemies in this story! They’re not just random monsters, but actually represent people from Anne’s life – people she knows. What’s so clever is that her own struggles make them seem truly terrifying. They’re the source of her stress and exhaustion in the real world, and because she’s so worn down, she sees them as these huge, overwhelming threats. It’s like her own insecurities are what really hold her back from dealing with them effectively, and that makes the whole thing so compelling.

This game brilliantly portrays how someone experiencing bullying might escape into their imagination. The creators deserve praise for seamlessly weaving these difficult themes into a compelling and logical psychedelic horror experience. The choices players make feel deeply personal, prompting them to consider how they would react if they were in the protagonist’s situation.

Okay, seriously, the sound design in this game is incredible. It’s not just about loud noises; sometimes it’s the silence that gets to you. But when an enemy shows up, the music starts, and it really messes with your head. It starts subtly, then gets super intense the second they spot you. Honestly, it makes those escape sequences feel absolutely terrifying – I was practically holding my breath trying to find somewhere safe!

The game includes clever details—like a doll’s laugh when entering a room that startled me enough to stop playing, or a phone ringing unexpectedly through the controller’s speaker, which actually made me drop it! When it comes to horror, Brokenlore really delivers.

I absolutely recommend this game! However, be warned: it tackles some heavy themes right away, and might be difficult if you’re sensitive to those topics. If you’re up for a challenge, though, it’s incredibly engaging and will likely have you hooked within the first hour, once you get past the initial section.

Overall, Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW deals with its sensitive themes skillfully and thoughtfully, and it’s a story that will stay with you long after you finish Anne’s journey.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

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2026-01-21 16:17