Although it failed to raise the required amount on the crowdfunding platform, the developers managed to get funding from other sources. Fortunately, because this game is really fascinating and worth playing.
Table of Contents
Awakening in a strange place
Gamers are usually accustomed to various kinds of introductions to the game, which serve to introduce the plot. Then tasks are carried out, notes are collected or conversations are had with non-player characters and the worlds story is uncovered. In “Scorn” it is completely different.Upon starting the game, the player is immediately dropped into a disquieting location. The issue is that initially, it is not clear what is going on. Answers slowly begin to appear as progress is made in “Scorn” but they still remain ambiguous. There is great freedom in the interpretation of the game, allowing each person to take away a different experience from it. Though gaming, one can identify three constant elements, such as
- beginning
- playing
- The Grim Reaper
Disgusting, organic world
Almost everything on the map is created from organic matter. This applies not only to the protagonist and monsters, but also to weapons, tools and entire rooms. The graphics are largely reminiscent of disturbingly realistic human organisms with an emphasis on the intimate spheres of men and women. Delving further into the gameplay, one can conclude that this treatment was entirely intentional and absolutely apt.
Despite the slight disgust evoked by the graphic design of “Scorn”, it cannot be denied its beauty. Almost every frame is a small work of art, and the inspiration of David Cronenberg, H. R. Giger and Zdzislaw Beksinski is even obvious.
In order to improve the player’s experience and make it easier to focus on the world depicted, the “Scorn” game does not have a classic HUD interface. Thus, all distractions have been eliminated.
Interesting mechanical solutions
The game “Scorn” is a first-person title maintained in the convention of survival horror. The vast majority of the game involves exploring a vast map divided into locations, as well as solving environmental puzzles. Combat elements are few and far between, and this is a great advantage of this game, as clashes are the most serious drawback of the production.
Clashes with enemies are tedious, difficult and challenging. Unfortunately, not because of the high level of artificial intelligence, or because of the unusual mechanics. The main drawback is the incredibly long time of reloading weapons and the flawed aiming system. Four weapons were put at the player’s disposal:
- shotgun
- pistol
- Grenade Launcher
- air powered weapon
- pneumatic firearm
The aforementioned disadvantages apply to each of them. In addition, a single shot at an enemy monster causes other beasts to start descending from every direction, and the player is forced into a tedious, tedious and frustrating shootout. While the very idea of enemies reacting to noise is not innovative, it is sometimes effective. Unfortunately, not when combined with such a combat system. Fortunately, clashes with enemies can usually be avoided, and you will only have to reach for your weapon a few times.
What is specific, however, is the appearance, as well as the way some items and weapons work. Certainly in many players this mechanic will cause a strong feeling of unease.
The theme of the enemies themselves has already been developed quite interestingly. Fighting is better avoided, but it is impossible to completely evade all monsters. It is interesting that they are quite indifferent to the player. The only problem is their mood swings. Depending on their mood (which is hard to judge), they may ignore the hero or throw themselves at his throat. Such mechanics mean that the player is kept in constant suspense and has to be careful at every turn.
Much of the game, however, is based on exploring the map and solving environmental puzzles. They are not particularly difficult, but they are not among the easiest either. It can be said that they are reasonably balanced. It’s hard to say anything about them that won’t be too strong a spoiler. However, two things are worth considering:
- Successive guessing of the puzzle gives the player great satisfaction
- Omitting (intentionally or not) any puzzle or environment element significantly affects the further course of the game.
As the player takes the next steps in the game, his character will shape up and gain new abilities that can be used in various situations during the game.
Original experience
The game “Scorn” manages to instill delight and disgust at the same time. The graphic design certainly deserves attention and appreciation. It has been refined to the smallest detail and looks as if Giger or Beksinski himself worked on the visualization of the world depicted.
With a specific atmosphere, little typical action, a strong feeling of unease, mixed feelings about the monsters and the player’s awakening awareness of the location and history of the characters, producer Ebb Software has managed to achieve its goal. “Scorn” is a unique game that will appeal to few players, but will always be a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
The environmental puzzles, the idea, the graphics and many of the solutions are truly top-notch. The problem, on the other hand, may be for some a kind of monotony of the locations, although this was certainly the intention of the developers. Especially given the content of the story told through images. Unfortunately, the impressions of the game are also spoiled by the combat system. This is one of the few games where completely banishing weapons from the game would work in its favor.
Rating the game “Scorn” is quite difficult, as each player will have completely different experiences and insights. Nevertheless, the game deserves a rating of 7/10, given the specific subject matter, interesting mechanical solutions and tragic combat system.
