Shift 87 PC (Steam) Review

Shift 87, a mesmerizing indie game, invites players into a surreal, dark world. Classified as a walking sim, it offers a unique blend of atmospheric visuals, straightforward level design, and a focus on environmental clues. While the game’s aesthetics are a standout feature, its repetitive gameplay and lack of a substantial narrative may leave some players feeling unsatisfied.

A Surreal Nightmare

The game’s world is a labyrinth of interconnected spooky corridors, each filled with intricate details and hidden secrets. The gray color palette and mesmerizing lighting effects immerse players in a nightmare-like experience. All this, combined with the game’s stunning visuals, creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere. The artistic direction is top-notch, with every element contributing to the overall aesthetic.

From a technical standpoint, Shift 87 is a marvel among indie games. The game runs smoothly, with minimal frame rate drops, even on midrange hardware. The developers have paid attention to optimization, ensuring that players can fully enjoy the game without technical issues. The game is not huge and doesn’t have complicated physics that helps the performance. You can rarely see this sort of realistic and technically advanced graphics in indie games. The sound design in Shift 87 complements the game’s visuals perfectly. The ambient soundscapes create a haunting and eerie atmosphere, while the sound effects are crisp and satisfying. The game’s soundtrack is minimal, but it works because it blends perfectly with the game’s surreal tone.

Attention to Details

Shift 87 is a game that rewards exploration. Every nook and cranny of the game world is filled with interesting anomalies you must find and report. The developers have put a lot of thought into the game’s world-building, creating a believable and immersive experience. But despite its strengths, Shift 87 suffers from repetitive gameplay. The game’s core gameplay is barebone, and every playthrough is similar to each other. The game’s short length may also leave players wanting more, but as there isn’t enough variety to keep them engaged throughout the entire experience, it’s not necessarily bad. The story is also incredibly minimalistic, focusing primarily on the player’s journey through the surreal world.

While this approach can be refreshing, it may leave some players feeling unsatisfied. The lack of a clear narrative or character development can make it difficult to connect with the game on a deeper level. While the game’s repetitive gameplay and minimal story may be seen as drawbacks, they also contribute to Shift 87’s unique identity. The game’s focus on atmosphere and visual experience is a refreshing change of pace from more traditional walking sims. For players who appreciate a game that prioritizes aesthetics over narrative, Shift 87 may be a hidden gem.

Improvements for Shift 87

If the developers were to create a sequel to Shift 87, they could consider adding more variety to the gameplay and expanding the narrative. Introducing new mechanics and puzzle types could help to alleviate the feeling of repetition, while a more developed story could provide players with a deeper sense of connection to the game world. Shift 87 is a visually stunning and technically impressive game that offers a unique and atmospheric experience. The game’s sound design and attention to detail are all top-notch. However, the repetitive gameplay and lack of a substantial story may limit its appeal to some players. If you’re looking for a visually striking and short walking sim, Shift 87 is worth checking out especially since it’s only 5 dollars.

The review code was provided by the publisher