Shines Over: The Damned: Review

06/05/2024

This game was reviewed on Playstation 5

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Step into a world shrouded in darkness and mystery with Shines Over: The Damned on PlayStation 5, a supernatural adventure that beckons players to uncover the secrets of a haunted realm. As an enthusiast of dark fantasy games and atmospheric storytelling, I eagerly embarked on this eerie journey to explore its haunted landscapes and confront the darkness that lurks within. In this review, we'll delve into the game's atmospheric world-building, haunting ambience, and overall experience, ultimately awarding it a score of 5 out of 10.

Atmospheric World-Building: 

Shines Over: The Damned immerses players in a world steeped in darkness and intrigue, featuring haunting landscapes, ominous architecture, and foreboding environments that evoke a sense of dread and unease. From crumbling ruins to eerie forests, each location is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense, drawing players deeper into the mysteries that lie within. The game's dark and atmospheric visuals are complemented by a haunting soundtrack and ambient sound design, further enhancing the sense of immersion and immersion in the game's chilling world.

Haunting Ambiance: 

The ambience of Shines Over: The Damned is its greatest strength, with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling encounters creating a sense of tension and dread that permeates every moment of gameplay. From encounters with malevolent spirits to encounters with eldritch horrors, the game's supernatural elements are masterfully executed, keeping players on edge as they navigate through its shadowy corridors and haunted landscapes. However, while the ambience is effective at creating a sense of fear and unease, it can also become repetitive and predictable over time, detracting from the overall experience.

Overall Experience: 

Shines Over: The Damned offers a mixed experience, with its atmospheric world-building and haunting ambience offset by its repetitive gameplay and lacklustre storytelling. While the game excels at creating a sense of dread and tension, it struggles to maintain player engagement over extended periods due to its repetitive objectives and lack of meaningful progression. Additionally, the game's narrative fails to deliver on its initial promise, with a disjointed plot and underdeveloped characters leaving players feeling disconnected from the world and its inhabitants.

Final Score: 5 out of 10

In conclusion, Shines Over: The Damned on PlayStation 5 offers a haunting and atmospheric experience that shines in its moments of tension and dread. However, its repetitive gameplay, lacklustre storytelling, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may appeal to fans of dark fantasy and atmospheric horror, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable and engaging experience. So tread carefully, brave the shadows, and uncover the secrets of the damned in Shines Over.

Reviewed by: David Cameron