Brume

Before getting into anything for this review, one thing should be known, atmosphere trumps all. Brume is founded solely on it's desolate lonely atmosphere reminiscent of movies by director Robert Eggers such as the Witch and the Lighthouse. Right from the get go the presentation is put front and center, the art style combined with the unconventional aspect ratio really make it feel like you're in some sort of fantasy art house film. You as a player are trapped on the outside forced to look into a world that you know nothing about. It's a really interesting feeling that works perfectly and helps contribute to that sense of exploration that this game prides itself on. You really aren't given any directions or objections and it's up to you to figure out how things work and where to go. It truly feels like a journey across an unexplored land where the odds are against you as you start off with just a wooden stick and slowly build up your arsenal. Combat isn't anything to write home about, it's fairly simple as you repeat the cycle of dodge and attack. Although combat overall is fairly negative, it never got annoying or frustrating as exploring and finding new items kept me constantly enthralled. The game is perfect in length as well, barely scratching a few hours for just one play through, closer to 6-7 hours to do absolutely everything. With the game as short as it is, nothing ever over stays it's welcome and you never get bored. Boss fights are also pretty fun as well, with some of them even have some interesting mechanics to help differentiate the fight. The game even has fun little challenges to attempt on subsequent runs to push players to step outside their comfort zone. I would say this game is absolutely worth the price and is a fun little adventure.