As a seasoned gamer with a particular affinity for psychological horror games and immersive storytelling, I found the 30-minute demo of Fractured Minds both intriguing and disconcerting in equal measure. The game’s unique blend of unsettling visual glitches, eerie radio broadcasts, and a deeply disturbed protagonist immediately captured my attention.
In the sea of indie horror games emerging, some manage to leave a lasting impression. One such game is “Fractured Mind,” which has piqued our interest with its authentic bodycam perspective and influences from “PT.” Created by a lone developer named ACid, this game stands out as an authentic indie project given that it seems to be ACid’s initial public foray into video game development. Unlike other hyperrealistic games that may boast trailers without demos or releases, “Fractured Mind” is currently offering a free early access demo on Steam until its predicted launch in September. Join us as we delve deeper into the enigma that is “Fractured Mind” and assess whether it lives up to the hype.
As a fan, I was immediately drawn to the lifelike bodycam visuals in Fractured Mind. The bodycam perspective in this game seems influenced by Unrecord, an upcoming first-person title developed in Unreal Engine 5. With Unrecord’s March 2023 trailer sparking a wave of tutorials on how to replicate its realistic bodycam view using UE5, it’s no wonder that Fractured Mind, among other games, is following this trend.
Individuals accustomed to Hideo Kojima’s game “PT” will grasp the essence of “Fractured Mind”‘s concept and mechanics. Similar to “PT,” you traverse a continually evolving environment that subtly alters every few iterations, providing new story clues and puzzles to solve. Instead of a mansion corridor, “Fractured Mind” is set inside train cabins. In the demo, you progress from one cabin to another, essentially restarting each time you enter the next cabin. The demo encompasses just one chapter of the game, indicating that there are probably other locations beyond the looping train in “Fractured Mind.” We’ve already been introduced to other environments within the demo itself, like the rainy Romanian suburban train platform. It will be intriguing to explore other areas of Romania as the player accompanies the tormented protagonist, Michael, on his psychological voyage. Just like “PT,” “Fractured Mind” fully embraces its psychological horror aspects.
In simpler terms, during the 30-minute demo, there were several instances that left me doubting the reality I was witnessing. The train’s leisurely journey through a loop created an intriguing pace, with minute differences in each cycle subtly revealing plot twists and character development. The game Fractured Mind shares this gradual build-up of tension with PT, leading to some startlingly bizarre events towards the end. It’s when you come across an unusual occurrence that the demo transforms into a surreal and unsettling experience. Some examples of these strange occurrences include passengers seated on top of train chairs, disquieting radio broadcasts, and fleeting glimpses of demonic creatures lurking in the periphery.
Based on the 30-minute demo, the complete game promises an unending succession of unexpected occurrences and anomalies, as if they were glitches in the protagonist’s perspective. The protagonist boasts a rich history, suggesting that his character development or deeper understanding will be revealed with the final version. Take a peek at the Steam game description for further insight; it outlines the protagonist’s detailed mental health assessment, featuring authentic DSM-5 descriptions of his PTSD diagnosis. This extensive backstory is integrated into the game through posters in the train and fluctuating radio broadcasts, which blend local events with voices inside Michael’s head.
In relation to radio broadcasts in this game, only the voices are generated by artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, having real actors would have added more depth to the game’s storyline and ambiance. However, the developer is open about using AI, which is commendable. The background sounds are perfectly fitting, with a train ambiance setting the mood for the journey. Occasions of complete silence don’t feel as effective, though it’s unclear if this is deliberate or not, given the game’s tendency to play mind games. Overall, the game creates an immersive atmosphere, and Unreal Engine 5 enhances the experience with stunning visuals.
In Fractured Minds, there’s more than just walking around; it also includes gunplay scenes. However, the game isn’t primarily about shooting, as the train posters suggest. During the demo, I didn’t encounter any shooting sequences, but based on what I saw of a demon alien creature, I assume there will be moments where you shoot strange objects in the complete version. But, I have only experienced one of the two possible endings in the demo, so perhaps shooting is involved in the other ending as well. Overall, the shooting mechanics function as expected for a first-person shooter game.
You hold a pistol with a limited number of bullets. To improve accuracy, you can peer through the gun’s sights, but there’s no heads-up display except for crosshairs when focusing on environmental interactables. As you aim and turn your character, there is a sense of weight and inertia. Unfortunately, there isn’t a run button or any other means of quick movement besides a small hop. The game Fractured Mind also features puzzles as an essential element. Although I didn’t come across any during the demo, there are documents you can collect that contain hints and numbers. Even the window posters advise paying attention to numbers, suggesting the presence of hidden object puzzles once the game is fully released.
As a seasoned gamer with a deep appreciation for psychological horror games and immersive experiences, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of “Fractured Mind.” Having played the demo, I can confidently say that it has piqued my interest with its promising storyline and intriguing gameplay mechanics.
I’d like to share some thoughts that are entirely my own, which may not align with the perspectives of GamingBolt as a whole. Having said that, I believe it’s important to acknowledge my unique experiences and biases that shape my viewpoint. For instance, growing up, I was always captivated by video games and their ability to transport me to new worlds. My fascination with this medium has led me to explore various aspects of the gaming industry, from development to journalism. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s experiences are different, and there is value in diverse perspectives. With that said, please keep in mind that the opinions expressed here belong solely to me.
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2024-07-29 15:41