Now that July is over and August is just beginning, many people are rushing to get started for Halloween and everything that it entails. Hopefully they are also preparing for the games that come with the holiday. Maid of Sker developed and published by Wales Interactive is an indie action horror game with some new features you probably haven’t used before.
Set in 1898, this horror game is inspired by the tale of Elizabeth Williams. The real Sker house was built over 900 years and a book made the house famous in 1872. The legend tied to Elizabeth Williams says that her father was shipwrecked nearby and locked her in a room of the house to keep her away from her lover. She is said to have died from a broken heart there. So the developers here have worked with a long Welsh history in order to bring you this game.
The Maid of Sker is flooded with enemies called “The Quiet Ones,” so stealth is going to be the biggest, if not only way to get around. They kind of look like well dressed enemies with canvas bags over their face, but no actual eyes, mouths or ear. That’s creepy by itself.
In order to combat these enemies and make your way around you need to solve puzzles and activate sonic weaponry. The enemies are completely sound based so you have to cover your mouth so The Quiet Ones don’t even hear you breath, or else it’s all over. In some ways this steampunk weaponry reminds me of Soma and Bioshock (both which I love). Sadly, I’m pretty bad at stealth.
The game immediately reminded me of Resident Evil 3 too with the graphics, but also added a new feeling. As a whole the environment is very well represented and just looks fabulous. This allows for the game to really pull players into the story and cause for more intense fear later on. If you’re brave enough you can play the game again too for different endings.
Music from The Maid of Sker is absolutely fantastic. This is one of those games where I would buy the music and the game. Very rarely does a game hit the mark when it comes to the music they use. Luckily you can get both from Welsh Interactive. The songs are down right haunting, yet beautifully done.
Overall, Maid of Sker is amazing with a real history. This is the perfect game to get the season started and a great game to give you a challenge. With the music and imagery being on point, you will not be happy with any other games that don’t come close. Just be warned that this game is not for children.
9/10
Available on PC, Xbox, PS4