Summary
Concealed successfully expands on the groundwork laid by Ghost in the Pool, delivering a chilling and visually striking experience. The game’s strengths lie in its compelling narrative, unique visual style, and the promise of a larger interconnected horror universe. However, the lack of clarity in the consequences of player choices and occasionally forced crossovers detract from its overall potential.
Developer β CASCHA GAMES
Publisher β Neverland Entertainment
Platforms β PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
Concealed, the latest addition to the horror gaming scene, takes players on a spine-chilling journey into the eerie world of Parallel, a series of short horror comics by the enigmatic creator, δΉζ₯εε€. In this review, we’ll delve into the game’s story, features, and overall experience, highlighting its strengths and uncovering a couple of flaws along the way.
The narrative of Concealed centers around Meng Jiangnan, a returning student to Diyingling high school. The game introduces players to a seemingly normal semester that takes a dark turn with mysterious disappearances, unsolved cases, and unsettling urban legends circulating within the school’s walls. As Meng confronts the unfolding horrors alone, players are drawn into a narrative that promises both cruelty and heartbreak.
Concealed distinguishes itself with its black and white comic style, offering a unique visual experience. The game unfolds across seven chapters, each revealing a layer of the complex plot as time progresses. With over 10 hours of gameplay, players navigate through rich narratives and diverse scenarios, with every choice influencing the outcome. The inclusion of more than 200k words, 20+ characters, and traditional storyboard-style presentation enhances the immersive experience, providing a captivating and unique gaming venture.
Despite its strengths, Concealed is not without its flaws. One notable drawback is the occasional lack of clarity in the consequences of player choices. Some decisions, though seemingly impactful, result in outcomes that feel disconnected from the established narrative, creating a sense of inconsistency in the overall storytelling. This can leave players feeling disconnected from the consequences of their actions, diminishing the intended emotional impact.
The crossover with Ghost in the Pool introduces Ya Ru as a key character in Concealed, promising to unveil high school secrets. While this crossover adds a layer of intrigue for fans of the series, it may feel slightly forced for those unfamiliar with the previous installment, potentially detracting from the overall cohesion of the narrative.
Furthermore, despite the promise of multiple endings based on player choices, some paths feel predetermined, limiting the true impact of decisions. A more dynamic decision-making system could have elevated the gaming experience, providing a greater sense of agency for players invested in the unfolding horror.
Concealed successfully expands on the groundwork laid by Ghost in the Pool, delivering a chilling and visually striking experience. The game’s strengths lie in its compelling narrative, unique visual style, and the promise of a larger interconnected horror universe. However, the lack of clarity in the consequences of player choices and occasionally forced crossovers detract from its overall potential. Despite these flaws, Concealed remains a noteworthy addition to the horror genre, offering a captivating journey into the mysteries of Diyingling high school.
