Signalis Review

 It all comes back around in the end

I miss the 6th generation of consoles. For that matter, the 7th and handhelds too.

A game could have fully realized 3d graphics, engaging gameplay, and a compelling story on a team of, what, 6-10? Even less sometimes? There's a reason credits lists can be hilariously short on projects back in the day. Even on big name brands. You don't get that anymore. Well, not out of AAA...

Signalis is an indie survival horror developed by rose-engine, and to call it delibrately retro would be an understatement. While graphically the PSX/Quake era 3D look is currently trending in nostalgic circles, gameplay wise Signalis doesn't just resemble your Resident Evil or Silent Hill gameplay. It is, top to bottom, a PSX era survival horror experience. Down to the limited inventory, dancing around enemies to conserve ammo, and slightly obscured health and healing systems. This, thankfully, makes the game extremely easy to recommend without spoiling. 

If you enjoy Resident Evil, Silent Hill, or any tank controlled survival horror in that Alone in the Dark vein. You owe it to yourself to play Signalis, no need to read more, no need to debate, it's only 6-10 hours and well worth the experience going in completely blind. With perhaps, a single warning to those who can't handle visual/audio distortions, flashing lights, or in particular sounds similar to tinnitus.

I don't want to dwell on the story, if you want to see my thoughts there I recommend checking out my stream since I really don't want to spoil anything for anyone. But I will say it's one you have to piece together as you play, and very much more about the experience and themes than traditional story beats. Think 2001: A Space Odyssey. You can understand what's happening, but some parts may require stronger examination and understanding of tropes and themes to 100% understand. But hey if not that's what video essayists are for.

All in all, Signalis is a new favourite survival horror and instant recommend on my part, I enjoy it both in what it was trying to be, and what it itself was in the end. Some parts may not land as hardly for others, and I would not recommend it to someone new to the genre or new to similar, slightly hard to read, sci-fi. But for those looking for something more out of their space scares it will not disappoint.

What's all that got to do with opening up about how the indie sphere is following behind AAA at just the right pace to enjoy the best parts of nostalgia and hindsight without the overwhelming development costs? Uh, it's a long story. Tell you what, play Signalis, beat it, then DM me and I'll tell ya.

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