Yomawari: Lost in the Dark

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is more of the same. The custom avatar was an almost meaningless addition and it plays itself extremely safe. Fortunately, those who are looking to play an atmospheric and moody horror game will find that this latest entry is just as scary as the rest. There are some choice jump moments and the ambiance keeps players in a constant state of dread and unease.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a third installment totally continuous with respect to its two previous installments. This can be a handicap given the few novelties that we are going to find in its proposal and gameplay, but on the other hand it guarantees the most notable of the other two games, the tension and terror achieved with situations that will leave us very bad, not counting the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability that we will have at all times. Any fan of survival horror and horror games should play this remarkable trilogy.”

“To break a curse placed upon her, a young girl must venture into the haunted streets of her town at night to search for her lost memories while evading the twisted spirits that lurk in the darkness.”

“Ultimately, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark shows very little progression from the previous two entries, which is a shame, since the series has tons of potential. While this plot has something of a more meaningful framework and boasts an unexpectedly impressive final chapter, this game continues to be bogged down with the same glacial gameplay and woolly storytelling as Night Alone and Midnight Shadows. Lost in the Dark will be greatly enjoyed by existing fans of the series, as it follows the established formula closely, but those wishing for more than the same pretty hand-drawn graphics and well-rounded sound design will be left disappointed, as there’s been little evolution between entries one, two and three.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a new game in the franchise five years after its last, delivering familiar gameplay and setting for fans of the series, but losing the opportunity to reinvent itself and target a wider public.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark's core gameplay loop is one that's not exactly brimming with mechanical complexity. But thanks to the impeccable atmosphere, extensive enemy variety, and memorable moments, the game doesn't really need it.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark features the franchise’s trademark dichotomy that combines a disarmingly cute art style with disturbing suspense-horror sensibilities. Admittedly, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive and drawn out as you find yourself constantly running away from things instead of truly confronting your fears. The story, however, is a high point that manages to keep you on your toes while also touching your heart at the same time. Give it a look if you like the Yomawari series or a survival game that’s different from the norm.”

“Yomawari: Lost In the Dark uses every resource it has to create an unsettling and involving horror puzzle experience. It provides plenty of scares and a surprisingly effective story that should be enough to compel players forward even after the game starts to lose its impact.”

“Like comedy, horror is subjective. Some people prefer the thrills that come with a jump scare, whereas others prefer a slower and more psychological horror. In that sense, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark can satisfy both camps. The majority of it is atmospheric, building up dread as you explore eerie locales. Then, right when the tension starts to reach a fever pitch, it throws you into fast-paced action sequences during which a second of hesitation can cost you your life.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is perfect for amateur-level horror players wanting to dip their feet into a game scarier than what they're used to. The dim lighting, disfigured monsters, stealth mechanics, and creepy atmosphere-all wrapped up in a beautiful (but really terrifying) 2D world-will be all the training you need to take on even scarier games. And if horror doesn't phase you, then the well-crafted and deeply folkloric setting will reel you in. Be warned though, the final act is both monotonous and disappointing.”

“This third entry in the survival horror series developed by Nippon Ichi doesn't add so much to the original formula, but it feels more mature and brings more content to the "explore, hide and resolve" side.”

“Even with the story not living up to previous entries, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark does a good job continuing the unique horror series.”

“That being said, Yomawari: Lost In The Dark is such a fascinating, beautiful little horror game. With some smart mechanics, spot-on perfect pacing and atmosphere, and an intense, melancholy narrative this horror experience achieves something rare for video game horror: spooky good times that will make you think and even feel.”

“With its unique gameplay and superb audio, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark offers a solid albeit repetitious fear-fest that fits in 2 dimensions.”

“A third chapter that does not differ too much from the previous ones but is expanded in terms of map and plot.”

“Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is one of the most unique horror games in the market, it has a great and disturbing artstyle, with chibi characters, disturbing creature designs, an excellent sound design that adds a lot to its immersion, and a very enjoyable mystery to discover. It is also pretty interesting how it creates more of a non-linear experience with you being able to progress in almost any order you would prefer, just be careful not to get frustrated as this is not a game with a lot of action, and it can take a while for things to happen until you find the items and paths necessary to progress.”

“Solid and definitely have an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.”

“It effectively retains what makes the series so enjoyable - including a terrific atmosphere, terrifying opponents, challenging gameplay, and twisted puzzles - while also being dramatically harder than the first two entries.”