75
Although it is very short (only two hours!), Lucifer Within Us is one of the best puzzle games of 2020. Set in a world infested with evil forces, it puts you in a role of an inquisitor/detective who must interrogate suspects, identify demons that possessed them, and perform exorcisms. In terms of mechanics, the developers somehow managed to blend Phoenix Wright with “The Exorcist”. Don’t ask how that works, just try it out. [02/2021, p.45]
60
Lucifer Within Us shows a lot of promise, with a creatively imagined setting and a unique take on its subject matter, but this tale of daemons and detective work seems so determined to cross its own finish line that it never feels fully realized.
90
Lucifer Within Us is a must-have for any fan of the detective genre. Adding a perfect mechanic like the timelines feature should be rewarded not only with player support but developer attention — I’d like to see this continued in future titles.
6
It pains me to do this, because this game truly had potential. The characters and worldbuilding were interesting, the execution was enrapturing, and if not for the most glaring issues it could've been something to rival the Phoenix Wrights and Danganronpas of the world. First and foremost; it's short. The game costs 1/3 of the price of the average AAA title but a decently astute player can clear it in two hours and still be in Steam's refund frame. Secondly; the game revolves around rooting out people possessed by demons, and the given list of demons makes it too easy to eliminate suspects that don't display the required motives, contributing to the game's length (or lack thereof). The game is too obvious with the story it tells, pulling down the mystery element too much despite it being the game's main selling point. Since it's more of a visual novel, there's little replay value to speak of but while other similar games make up for this by giving players dozens of hours of mysteries and character interactions, this game fails miserably. Lastly, the ending twist ends up making the world less interesting when you leave it than when you came in, and I cannot imagine a greater failure of storytelling. In summation, wait for a 75% sale.
Lucifer Within Us
Released On:
Oct 15, 2020
Metascore
Generally Favorable
76
User score
Mixed or Average
6.6
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
67% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
33% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Oct 27, 2020
90
Lucifer Within Us is a must-have for any fan of the detective genre. Adding a perfect mechanic like the timelines feature should be rewarded not only with player support but developer attention — I’d like to see this continued in future titles.
Oct 15, 2020
90
A deep cyber detective tale, with a unique take on the tools of the trade, Lucifer Within Us is special for its use of intuitive timelines and mechanics to control and manipulate every part of the mystery. Add an engrossing narrative and interesting characters, and you have a recipe for a short, but very cerebral experience.
Oct 20, 2020
83
Lucifer Within Us has more than a few flaws and is unmistakably indie, especially with its short length, but it’s still one of the better mystery games I have played in recent times.
Jul 23, 2021
75
Although it is very short (only two hours!), Lucifer Within Us is one of the best puzzle games of 2020. Set in a world infested with evil forces, it puts you in a role of an inquisitor/detective who must interrogate suspects, identify demons that possessed them, and perform exorcisms. In terms of mechanics, the developers somehow managed to blend Phoenix Wright with “The Exorcist”. Don’t ask how that works, just try it out. [02/2021, p.45]
Nov 17, 2020
60
Lucifer Within Us shows a lot of promise, with a creatively imagined setting and a unique take on its subject matter, but this tale of daemons and detective work seems so determined to cross its own finish line that it never feels fully realized.
Oct 15, 2020
60
It’s a neat, ambitious game that teases us with the silhouette of a rich, engaging mythology and the role of digital exorcisms in this particular world. Its stellar voice cast carries much of the game’s narrative momentum on their shoulders, especially Alex Grossman and Miguel Doucet, who play Brother Gideon. But even with all its ambition and aesthetics, Lucifer’s gameplay and narrative could have been refined into a leaner, meaner experience befitting its daemonic themes.
User score
Mixed or Average
14% Positive
1 Rating
1 Rating
86% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Mar 11, 2021
6
It pains me to do this, because this game truly had potential. The characters and worldbuilding were interesting, the execution was enrapturing, and if not for the most glaring issues it could've been something to rival the Phoenix Wrights and Danganronpas of the world. First and foremost; it's short. The game costs 1/3 of the price of the average AAA title but a decently astute player can clear it in two hours and still be in Steam's refund frame. Secondly; the game revolves around rooting out people possessed by demons, and the given list of demons makes it too easy to eliminate suspects that don't display the required motives, contributing to the game's length (or lack thereof). The game is too obvious with the story it tells, pulling down the mystery element too much despite it being the game's main selling point. Since it's more of a visual novel, there's little replay value to speak of but while other similar games make up for this by giving players dozens of hours of mysteries and character interactions, this game fails miserably. Lastly, the ending twist ends up making the world less interesting when you leave it than when you came in, and I cannot imagine a greater failure of storytelling. In summation, wait for a 75% sale.
SummaryYou are a digital exorcist, seeing beyond this reality into alternate timelines of the accused. In this short mystery, solve murders, purify the possessed, and purge their daemons.
