A game destined to be a cult classic. Never have I found myself so invested in a world and it's mysteries. It's opening premise is incredibly interesting, providing short term and long term challenges perfectly designed to keep this game interesting to the very end. While the gameplay is middling, with not much interesting happening in infected or hostile zone, I have the feeling that this was an active choice made, as the game serves as a backdrop for the deeper story. The opening act provides an incredible introduction to the game and it's mechanics, teaching the user that mystery is the heart of this game, and you are going to have to fight tooth and nail to uncover the secrets of the town. The game is able to stay consistently fresh with mysteries providing more questions than answers, all the while your priorities slowly shift in managing the town, it's not long before you stay for the town itself rather than the headline mystery. The characters portrayed in this game are unlike any other. Each with deep philosophical views which are constantly tested and challenged over many crisis's. A notable "character" I'd like to mention is the tragedian. This "character" serves more as a plot device, displaying your active progress with some characters while also advising the player on their next move. Their signature bell toll which accompanies their presence does nothing but create despair every time I hear it, especially when it is unexpected. While the game consists of 12 days, I have only reached day 8. So far I am adoring the game, even with it's punishing attitude to mistakes, particularly with certain resources. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates a good mystery, along with deep lore. This incredibly unique game may also appeal to those looking for a novel experience unlike any other. I haven't played a game like it and I feel I never will again. I wouldn't however recommend this game to somebody expecting an action horror / thriller, this game is very much a slow burn which paces itself. I should note however I have not played any of the other games though I have been aware of the series for quite some time.

I should start by stating that I am a long time fan of this franchise and that I fully acknowledge this type of game is not for everyone. However, if you are patient enough to give it a chance, it will take over your life. The writing is excellent and the survival mechanics are unique and interesting. While it doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of its predecessor, it does everything that I would expect a sequel in this franchise to do.

the cinematics skip like crazy on any graphical settings, motion blur and movement are a bit problematic. the upscaling is just not done very effectively imo, and shouldn't always be in every 3d game. i will be giving this another shot soon, but after the first flashback where you are expected to craft fuel for a machine but not given enough ingredients, i just sort of gave up. i interacted with everything that i could and searched around holding Q, it seemed the intended course was for me to run through some of the miasma to find more ingredients, but it both slows you and deals far too much damage so i died immediately. i tried talking to the doctor again, i tried spamming around just seeing if there was something interactive not lighting up, but it keeps telling me i dont have enough ingredients. it needs a more intuitive ui or a little more direction about what to do, and i really did not like the pacing of having a linear flashback before im able to learn my present environment. if you want to start it that way, then begin with the flashback, not the intro cinematic. i would also appreciate some kind of voice acting, even if it's minor generic ad libs instead of full scripted lines. since i have not experienced much of the game yet i'll be leaving this at a 5, but poor introductory experiences are ruining a lot of projects with great potential and i just hate a bad, restrictive, or poorly paced tutorial. if you are forcing me to do something that interrupts the narrative and prevents me from further exploring the game, then at least tell me how to do it in clear phrasing, or make the process itself more intuitive.