Labyrinthine: Terror Redefined in the Company of Friends
An in-depth look at the co-op horror experience that's taking gamers by storm.
VR Support
last updated Jan 03, 2024
The game shines brightest when played with friends; you'll laugh, scream and solve your way through mazes that feel as though they've been twisted by a funhouse mirror.
Twists, Turns, and Terrors:
Labyrinthine offers players a co-op horror adventure that's certain to test the strength of their friendships. With gameplay that demands collaboration and quick thinking, it's a marvel in puzzle design and atmosphere. Sure, you might have marathon-running monstrosities that are more relentless than my cat when he's decided it's feeding time, but that's the joy of it, really. Whether you're escaping the clutches of a paranormal pursuer or floundering through the story with pals, Labyrinthine keeps you on your toes. AI that's just clingy enough to make you consider a restraining order and spooky challenges offer a fresh encounter on each playthrough, making it seem like the developers crafted an amusement park ride from hell – but in the best way possible.
Eerie Serenades in the Shadows:
The sound design in Labyrinthine will have you throwing out your headphones in fright – and I mean that mostly as a compliment. With music that's as atmospheric as an abandoned house in a thunderstorm, you're truly immersed in the game's terror-filled mazes. Every ghostly whisper, distant scream, and rustling leaf comes together to create a score for your nightmares. The game has a way of using its sound palette to guide, mislead, and outright terrify you. If hearing is believing, then Labyrinthine solidifies itself as a work of nerve-wracking art – or maybe an auditory torture device for the brave. Either way, it's effective.
A Macabre Canvas that Haunts:
Graphics in Labyrinthine are like a love letter to darkness. Haunting environments and well-crafted monsters give the game a distinctive visual flair. Even without talking about performance, the game's commitment to making you afraid of the dark again is laudable. The graphics are so good, they could probably spook your reflection in the mirror. Performance-wise, it's stable enough to prevent any immersion-breaking tantrums. The attention to detail with the character cosmetics ensures that you can scream in style, whether you're sporting an unfortunately non-luminescent clown hat or a glowing reindeer nose. However, a few reports of bugs suggest that sometimes the real terror is being trapped by a glitch in the scenery rather than by the in-game horrors.
The Schizophrenic Social Club:
Playing with friends elevates the experience of Labyrinthine to new heights, turning every shriek-worthy moment into a shared comedic memory. Forget about Discord—using in-game proximity voice chat is like playing hide and seek with death: hilariously harrowing and definitely not for the faint of heart. The social aspect of this game transforms the otherwise grueling mazes into laughter-lined labyrinths of doom—especially when you come across that one friend who has a better chance at winning the lottery than solving a puzzle. Plus, the community and developers seem friendly enough, engaging with players and regularly dishing out updates that make you forgive the occasional frustrating level design or gameplay mechanic.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Valko Game Studios
Release Date
August 18, 2023
The Verdict
If co-op horror that's drenched in dark charm and relentless thrills sounds like your jam, then Labyrinthine is a no-brainer. The game shines brightest when played with friends; you'll laugh, scream and solve your way through mazes that feel as though they've been twisted by a funhouse mirror. The occasional bugs and bewildering mazes do little to tarnish what is an otherwise stellar multiplayer horror experience. With responsive developers and a game that changes each time you play, Labyrinthine offers a spine-tingling good time without any real redundancy. It's the sort of game that makes you reluctant to enter mazes in real life, and enthusiastic about doing it virtually over and over again.
