Unraveling the Enigmatic Hallways of The Exit 8
A labyrinth of eeriness and a test for sharp eyes - is it worth stepping into this unsettling underground?
last updated Dec 30, 2023
It's a testament to the fact that there are still novel ideas in gaming, with innovative gameplay that taps into the primal fear of the unknown.
Circling the Paranoia
Diving headfirst into the simple yet infinitely complex gameplay of 'The Exit 8', one can't help but appreciate the sinister genius behind this spot-the-difference escapade. It appears deceptively straightforward: trot around the same stretch of corridor over and over, but the devil is in the details – like trying to find Waldo if he were a master of disguise in a sea of identical twins. I mean, seriously, you think you've seen this soda can before, but was it always cherry-flavored? This game hones in on your natural ability to detect anomalies or, as I discovered, your lack thereof. Each loop injects a fresh dose of doubt into your already twitchy psyche, making you question your own memory – was that poster always slightly crooked?
Elegant Terrors Whisper
Subtlety reigns supreme in 'The Exit 8's' sound design. Without a single note of music, this game instead plays you, plucking at your nerves with the finely orchestrated ambience of an underground void. The dampened echo of your own footsteps becomes a sinister metronome that keeps time with your increasing heart rate. And let's not forget the anomalies that sometimes come with their own auditory calling cards - a hum, a rattle, or this creepy breathing that's definitely not your own. Trust me, even the introverts find solace no more, as the game taunts with the silent passers-by; a reminder that being alone with your thoughts here might not be quite the paradise one hoped for.
Behold, A Visual Mind Maze
Graphically, 'The Exit 8' doesn't just put its best foot forward; it strides into brilliance with an RTX-powered visual tour de force that clads its corridors in a realistic veneer. It's beautifully realized – so much so that spotting the subtle shifts in the environment becomes a game of scrupulous observation and self-doubt. Performance-wise, we're talking smooth as the finest silk from the emporium of processing silk things – provided your rig can handle it. And yes, while some anomalies might seem as noticeable as a vegan at a barbecue on lower graphics settings, there's nothing that can't be overcome with a keen eye and possibly a few squint-induced headaches.
A Labor of Love and Terror
It's hard not to be charmed by a title that so boldly shuns traditional game design, opting instead for a premise that feels both experimental and intimate. 'The Exit 8' is the brainchild of inspired game developers who dared to dream of something fresh, and for that alone, it deserves applause. Not for them the overblown AAA budget or the gratuitous gore-fest – instead, they opted to generate scares from... well, normality and its fractures. With a price tag that barely scratches the wallet lining, it's clear this endeavor was born not of financial pursuit, but of pure creative curiosity.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
KOTAKE CREATE
Release Date
November 29, 2023
The Verdict
In an industry often focused on pushing more polygons or drowning in an ocean of DLC, 'The Exit 8's' minimalist approach is not just a breath of fresh air – it's a lungful. It's a testament to the fact that there are still novel ideas in gaming, with innovative gameplay that taps into the primal fear of the unknown. 'The Exit 8' doesn't hold your hand, but instead looks you dead in the eye and dares you to blink first. With its captivating atmosphere and gameplay that forces you to second-guess every step, this game earns its place in the library of anyone seeking a quick shot of adrenaline, a test of their perception, or just an affordable detour into a well-crafted world of the slightly strange. Just try not to let the anomalies find a permanent home in your nightmares, alright?
