STASIS: BONE TOTEM – A Masterclass in Atmospheric Storytelling
Unearth the depths of horror with a captivating narrative and intriguing puzzles that keep you glued to your screen.
last updated Aug 10, 2024
BONE TOTEM is a shining example of indie excellence, combining evocative storytelling, stunning visuals, and compelling gameplay mechanics.
Gameplay – Puzzles and Perspectives
STASIS: BONE TOTEM offers a fresh twist on the classic point-and-click formula, placing you in the shoes of three distinct characters, each with unique abilities vital for puzzle-solving. The dynamic between these characters creates an engaging narrative flow that keeps the gameplay consistently intriguing. However, some puzzles can veer toward the nonsensical, occasionally leaving players scratching their heads in confusion. The game encourages exploration, with environmental storytelling woven seamlessly through item interactions and logs, but patience is often a requirement when navigating through more convoluted puzzle solutions. There’s a fine line between challenging and frustrating, and while the game succeeds in many areas, it could certainly benefit from clearer guidance in certain situations.
Atmospheric Soundscapes
Prepare your ears for a haunting auditory experience, as the score by Mark Morgan elevates the overall ambiance and tension present throughout the game. The sound design effectively complements the eerie visuals, creating an immersive atmosphere that telegraphs dread silently—just how every horror game should operate. Voice acting plays a significant role in bringing the characters to life, and while the performances are generally spot on, the delivery can wane at times, particularly in high-tension scenes. This inconsistency doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience but does highlight the growing pains of a small team creating a game of such a grand nature. The interplay of sound and silence is where STASIS: BONE TOTEM thrives, deftly keeping players on edge as they venture deeper into the narrative.
Visually Striking Yet Darkly Themed
Graphically, BONE TOTEM excels with its atmospheric isometric art that captures the claustrophobic essence of underwater horror. The environments are richly detailed, a delightful treat for players who appreciate the finer points of visual artistry in pixelated landscapes. However, be prepared for some darker scenes where details can get lost in the shadows, leading to a puzzling experience in dimly lit areas. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly most of the time, but a few hiccups can pop up, especially during cinematic transitions that left a bit to be desired. Despite this, the overall aesthetic successfully conjures feelings of suspense and intrigue, immersing players in a beautifully crafted yet unsettling world.
Narrative Depth and Emotional Engagement
One of the standout features of STASIS: BONE TOTEM is its commitment to storytelling, providing an emotional depth that is often absent in the genre. The characters are well-developed and face harrowing situations, allowing players to empathize with their struggles. As the plot unravels, the interspersed themes of loss and horror echo strongly, echoing the serious tones of classic titles while pushing new boundaries. The writing is likely one of its strongest suits, akin to an engaging novel that lures you in with each chapter. Yet, while the journey of discovery and emotional growth is compelling, the countless dialogues may occasionally drag, pressing pause on the gameplay. If the devs could streamline this yet maintain the emotional weight, it would deepen the overall narrative experience even more.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
THE BROTHERHOOD
Release Date
May 31, 2023
An Emotional and Engaging Dive Into Horror
STASIS: BONE TOTEM is a shining example of indie excellence, combining evocative storytelling, stunning visuals, and compelling gameplay mechanics into a darkly atmospheric package. Despite a few puzzling design choices and pacing hitches, it proves to be a worthwhile venture for lovers of narrative-driven horror games. Its ability to pull on the heartstrings while immersing players in fear is commendable, creating a bond that resonates long after the screen fades to black.
