| Developer | Publisher | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Mr.Skull Game Studio | QUByte Interactive | Microsoft Windows-Xbox Series X/S-Xbox One-Nintendo Switch-PlayStation 5-PlayStation 4 |
Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil aspires to be a chilling narrative adventure, but stumbles under the weight of repetitive gameplay and a narrative that, while intriguing at first, fails to blossom. Stepping into the shoes of Father August, a weary exorcist wrestling with a crisis of faith initially holds promise. However, this initial spark quickly dwindles, leaving you yearning for a more fulfilling exploration of both the character and the narrative.
The narrative attempts to delve into themes of faith and doubt, but often falls victim to familiar tropes. The “haunted family” scenario feels tired, and the “secrets” revealed throughout the story are underwhelming, offering little in the way of originality or emotional impact. They unfold like withered leaves, offering no new insights or emotional resonance. The story feels like a missed opportunity to explore these themes with depth and nuance.
The atmosphere is perhaps the game’s strongest aspect, but even here, its effectiveness wanes over time. The developers utilize light and shadow effectively, creating a sense of unease in the various environments. From the creaking floorboards of the supposedly haunted house to the dimly lit corridors of a monastery, the game initially succeeds in building tension.
However, this tension quickly stagnates. Because there is a constant reliance on jump scares and most of them are predictable, feel cheap, and repetitive. Additionally, the environments themselves, while initially unsettling, seem empty and lack variety. Exploring the same dimly lit hallways and sparsely furnished rooms becomes a monotonous chore, akin to being trapped in a labyrinth with a broken compass.
The core gameplay loop in Devil Inside Us is a slog. You spend a considerable amount of time simply walking around, collecting seemingly random items, and deciphering cryptic messages that feel more like filler than meaningful puzzles. These puzzles, while thematically relevant, are repetitive and offer little challenge. Father Heylel’s deliberate movement further hampers the slow pace of the game. Simple tasks like navigating a hallway feel like an eternity, dragging down the already sluggish gameplay. It’s akin to wading through molasses in the dark, a constant battle against the game’s inertia.
The combat, or lack thereof, is another source of frustration. Instead of a thrilling battle against demonic forces, you’re limited to wielding a crucifix for basic warding and cleansing. This mechanic feels underdeveloped and ultimately underwhelming. You never feel a true sense of accomplishment or danger overcome. It’s like swatting at flies with a feather, offering little catharsis or engagement.
While Devil Inside Us attempts to explore the complexities of faith, it falls short. The internal struggle of Father Heylel is never fully fleshed out, leaving the player feeling emotionally detached from his plight. Additionally, it feels one-dimensional, lacking the nuance needed to spark genuine introspection. It’s like a surface-level exploration with no depth, failing to delve into the complexities of faith and doubt. This missed opportunity leaves the narrative feeling hollow, echoing with unfulfilled potential.
Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil has some interesting ideas, but the execution fumbles the potential. The repetitive gameplay, underwhelming story, and lack of meaningful scares leave you feeling more bored than terrified. While the atmosphere is initially effective, it quickly loses its potency due to the slow pacing and lack of variety. If you’re looking for a genuinely chilling and thought-provoking horror experience, Devil Inside Us is unlikely to satisfy. There are far better options available for those seeking a good scare or a deep exploration of faith and doubt. Ultimately, Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil is a haunting game with locked potential, a missed opportunity to delve into the darkness and emerge with something profound truly.
The review code was provided by the publisher
| GAMEPLAY | ART | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 60% | 60% |