World of Horror

“The art is spot on in its reverence to the Junji Ito works that inspired it, and the soundtrack matches the game's 1-bit graphics with a collection of fantastic 8-bit style jams, all of which come together to create a visual experience you're not likely to get anywhere else. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well the game's interface can be navigated using a gamepad as opposed to a mouse, though if you still prefer using a mouse cursor that is also an option built in as well. I'm not sure I would overall recommend the Switch version over the PC version of the game, but if portability is a big factor for you (an aspect this game lends itself to very well), then the Switch is a perfectly acceptable platform for stopping an old god from engulfing this sleepy Japanese town in madness.”

“Drawing from horror authors and their creations, World of Horror builds its own web of eldritch beings and cosmic occurrences. The roguelike nature of mysteries in the game ensures that no two runs remain the same. Though certain mechanics rise above others, World of Horror keeps things fresh with creepy visuals, multiple plot resolutions, and degrees of customization, even as its coastal town falls into decay.”

“Structural complexity and a magpie's eye for pilfering makes for a strange, fragmentary journey into nightmare.”

“World of Horror isn't a game for all horror lovers, because of its 80s conversational adventure style. But if you connect with its formula, with its roguelite touches, its turn-based combats and its visuals, then get ready to have a great time. Too bad it doesn't squeeze out all the options that Nintendo Switch offers.”

“The horror universe created in World of Horror deserves to be checked, especially for its peculiar mechanics. The different stories, accompanied by a competent soundtrack and art direction, make the experience enjoyable and interesting. It's a shame, however, that the cases don't bring as many ramifications, which can make the game repetitive after a few hours of play.”

“World of Horror is one of the most unique roguelites we've seen on the Switch eShop to date, its expert fusion of text-based adventure, survival horror, and roguelike mechanics makes for a difficult, harrowing, and spooky adventure that we'd recommend you give a shot. Not everyone will be charmed by its extremely retro aesthetics, but if you can get into the right mindset for giving this one a playthrough, you'll find there's a lot to love.”

“A horror role-playing game commendable for its inspirations and aesthetics, much less for everything else.”

“The visuals and roguelike elements of World of Horror combine to create a wholly unique experience for Switch users. The gameplay loop does become repetitive rather quickly, but the short gaming sessions and changing relationship between events make this a successful and scary diversion from the norm.”

“World of Horror from developer panstasz is a wonderful 80s-inspired horror adventure game that brings a roguelite backbone, a turn-based component with a sprinkle of RPG, and plenty of horror that might make you wonder what the heck inspired the devs to create such unsettling tales. The only place the game falls short is in its overwhelming menu system, which is far simpler than it looks once you go through the tutorial.”

“Atmospheric, imaginative, and enjoyably unpredictable-this is one of the year's best horror games.”

“This turn-based horror RPG took its sweet time to full release, but it was well worth it with an addictive gameplay loop, a compelling battle system, and a stunningly beautiful visual aesthetic.”

“World of Horror is a must play for fans of the sickly and macabre. It's a confronting title on several fronts, from its haunting one-bit tales to its, at times, overwhelming role-playing systems. Once you get your head around it though, it's an endlessly replayable source of supernatural horror that more than honours the works of H.P Lovecraft and Junji Ito.”

“For those who want to pull the lever on the slot machine, this is a comfy creepfest of odd and disturbing stories in bite-size fashion, though the simplicity and repetition may grow stale after a while.”

“World of Horror seems to hit all its goals. While its approach to horror is rather derivative of Junji Ito, it’s applied in a creative way and with a vision of its own. I can’t say I was blown away because it really is exactly the game that it claims to be. However, I was immensely satisfied. It’s a wonderfully modular experience, but if you’re deathly afraid of numbers, then that’s where you’ll find the real horror.”

“World of Horror gets its art direction and gameplay mechanics right. But it comes with a learning curve, and can eventually feel stale after doing the same mysteries multiple times.”

“World of Horror does an incredible job matching the 80s horror aesthetic in both look and gameplay. While the gameplay and some of the deeper mechanics are obtuse on first entry, through experimentation you'll find out just how deep this roguelike gets.”

“World of Horror is an intense and existential horror experience that perfectly captures the work that inspired it.”

“While the premise is great, and it's very polished in execution, sometimes World of Horror can be a frustrating and messy title due to its rogue-like nature. That said, it's so unique, charming, and horrifying, that it's impossible to put down once a good run gets going. It is genuinely gripping, and has just enough intrigue to make players protective of the main characters. Here's hoping this keeps receiving updates, and that the developer rides this success into a new project filled with just as much endearment and love. To conclude, insanely cathartic when luck is on one's side.”