How retro do you want to go? World of Horror, developed by Panstasz, is coming in at an astounding 1-bit. This game, however, shows how to make that 1-bit work. An RPG that is full of action, horror, mechanics and story, this game can lay claim to being one of the most inventive games in recent memory. The fact that it feels so complete while still being in early access means that the full game could be extra special.
In a small town in Japan, strange things are starting to happen. A new ramen shop opens and people become obsessed with the strange meat. A neighbor develops an unusually interest in eels. A classmate goes missing after talking about a strange women with large scissors stalking him. You have to investigate these mysteries as they might lead you to a bigger one. A lighthouse on the shore might hold the answer, but it might also be the home of an Elder God.
World of Horror is an homage to the works of Junji Ito. A horror manga creator, his works deal with cosmic horror and forces bigger then the human race. I was not familiar with his work, but my husband was and showed me the story Uzumaki (Spiral). When I got to a panel that I can only describe as “Snail Boy comes to school” I was hooked. This game matches the tone and art work of these stories perfectly. This game was created by one person and using MS Paint. It is remarkable.
You pick a character (each have their own pros and cons) and choose a mystery to investigate. The titles are awesome and all have alliteration (Macabre Memoir of Morbid Mermaids for example). You chose an area and investigate. You either get a random occurrence where you have to chose what to do. The choice is not always obvious. Sometimes you have to fight, against an assortment of the most creative monsters ever.
The fights are based around a meter you have to fill before launching your attacks. You can punch, defend, create a weapon or perform a spell. Different actions take different points so choose carefully. As you take damage, your stamina goes down and your portrait begins to take damage. Beat the enemy and you get experience to upgrade your character by leveling up. This is not just simply punch until the foe goes down. You have to learn what will be the most effective.
World of Horror has a lot going for it. As things progress, you start realizing that having a lucky run is key to getting to the lighthouse. Different runs give different abilities and you want to keep playing to discover all the secrets. There is so much then I still do not understand. You can peek out your door between mysteries and see weird and creepy stuff. What does it mean? I don’t know.
What might throw people is the game screen. There is a lot of information presented. Trust me, I was panicked but eventually I got through it. You learn what to focus on and when. It is amazing that this game looks like one from the early 1980. I can’t really compare it to anything, but your mileage may vary.
World of Horror is an amazing game and everyone should give it a try. For a person who shy away from RPG’s, this was a very fun time. Even when you complete the ten mysteries, you want to play again to solve the case in a different way. With a full release on the horizon, there might be a whole lot more of cosmic horror to uncover. I can not wait.
9.9/10
Available Now on PC.
Available Soon on Switch and PS4
