The Inpatient, a psychological horror game developed by Supermassive Games, is an immersive prequel to the critically acclaimed title Until Dawn. Set 60 years before the events of Until Dawn, the game places players in the role of an amnesiac patient at the Blackwood Sanatorium, a place shrouded in mystery and horror. In this review, we’ll delve into the various aspects of The Inpatient, exploring its gameplay mechanics, story, visuals, and overall impact on the horror genre. By the end, we’ll also address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to give you a comprehensive understanding of this chilling experience.
Overview of The Inpatient
The Storyline: A Descent into Madness
The Inpatient is a narrative-driven horror game that immerses players in the eerie atmosphere of Blackwood Sanatorium. As an amnesiac patient, you are tasked with uncovering the truth behind your identity and the dark secrets of the sanatorium. The game’s story is deeply connected to the events of Until Dawn, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
The Setting: Blackwood Sanatorium
The game is set in the infamous Blackwood Sanatorium, a place filled with unsettling history and hidden horrors. The sanatorium’s dark and foreboding atmosphere is expertly crafted, with every corner of the facility steeped in mystery. As you explore the sanatorium, you’ll encounter disturbing visions, terrifying creatures, and enigmatic characters that will keep you on edge throughout the experience.
Gameplay Mechanics: Immersive Horror
First-Person Perspective and VR Integration
The Inpatient is designed to be played in virtual reality (VR), offering an immersive first-person experience. The VR integration enhances the game’s sense of presence, making every scare and eerie moment feel all the more real. The use of VR also allows players to interact with the environment in unique ways, such as examining objects, opening doors, and engaging in conversations with other characters.
Choices and Consequences: A Branching Narrative
One of the standout features of The Inpatient is its branching narrative, which is heavily influenced by the choices you make throughout the game. Every decision you make, no matter how small, can have significant consequences on the story’s outcome. This adds a layer of replayability to the game, as players may want to explore different choices to see how the story unfolds.
Psychological Horror: Fear and Tension
The game excels in creating an atmosphere of psychological horror, where fear and tension are constantly present. The use of sound design, lighting, and pacing all contribute to the unsettling experience. The game doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it builds tension gradually, keeping players on edge as they explore the dark corridors of the sanatorium.
Visuals and Sound Design: Crafting the Atmosphere
Realistic Graphics and Detailed Environments
The Inpatient boasts impressive visuals, with realistic graphics that bring the sanatorium to life. The attention to detail in the environments is remarkable, with every room and corridor meticulously designed to create a sense of dread. The lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, with shadows and dimly lit areas adding to the game’s ominous atmosphere.
Sound Design: The Power of Silence
Sound design is one of the game’s strongest aspects. The use of ambient sounds, eerie music, and unsettling noises creates an immersive auditory experience that heightens the sense of fear. The game also effectively uses silence, with quiet moments that leave players anticipating the next terrifying event. The voice acting is top-notch, with performances that add depth to the characters and the overall narrative.
The Inpatient’s Connection to Until Dawn
Exploring the Lore: Prequel Insights
The Inpatient serves as a prequel to Until Dawn, providing players with valuable insights into the lore and backstory of the Blackwood Sanatorium. Fans of Until Dawn will appreciate the connections between the two games, as The Inpatient sheds light on events that are only hinted at in the original game. This connection makes the game a must-play for those who want to fully understand the Until Dawn universe.
Character Connections: Familiar Faces and New Encounters
While The Inpatient introduces new characters, there are also connections to familiar faces from Until Dawn. These connections help to create a cohesive narrative between the two games, with certain characters’ backstories being explored in greater depth. For those who enjoyed the character-driven narrative of Until Dawn, The Inpatient offers a similar experience, with a focus on character interactions and development.
The Pros and Cons of The Inpatient
The Strengths: What The Inpatient Gets Right
Immersive VR Experience
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its use of VR to create an immersive horror experience. The first-person perspective and VR integration make players feel as though they are truly inside the Blackwood Sanatorium, heightening the fear and tension.
Engaging Storyline
The Inpatient delivers a compelling storyline that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The mystery surrounding the protagonist’s identity and the dark secrets of the sanatorium create a gripping narrative that is difficult to put down.
Atmospheric Horror
The game excels in creating an atmosphere of psychological horror. The use of sound design, lighting, and pacing all contribute to the game’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere, making it a standout in the horror genre.
The Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement
Limited Replayability
While the branching narrative adds some replayability, the overall length of the game is relatively short. Once players have experienced the different story outcomes, there may be little incentive to replay the game.
Pacing Issues
Some players may find the game’s pacing to be slow, particularly during the early stages. While the slow build-up is effective in creating tension, it may not appeal to players who prefer a faster-paced experience.
VR Dependency
The game’s reliance on VR may be a drawback for some players. While the VR experience is undoubtedly immersive, those without access to VR equipment may miss out on the full experience. Additionally, some players may experience discomfort or motion sickness while playing in VR.
Final Verdict: Is The Inpatient Worth Your Time?
The Inpatient is a well-crafted psychological horror game that offers an immersive and chilling experience. Its connection to Until Dawn makes it a must-play for fans of the series, while its engaging storyline and atmospheric horror will appeal to horror enthusiasts in general. The game’s use of VR enhances the experience, making it one of the more memorable horror titles available in the medium.
However, the game’s relatively short length and pacing issues may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, its reliance on VR may be a barrier for those without the necessary equipment. Despite these drawbacks, The Inpatient stands out as a unique and compelling entry in the horror genre, offering a deep and immersive experience that is well worth the time for fans of psychological horror.
FAQ:
What is The Inpatient?
The Inpatient is a psychological horror game developed by Supermassive Games. It serves as a prequel to Until Dawn, set 60 years before the events of the original game. Players take on the role of an amnesiac patient at the Blackwood Sanatorium, where they must uncover the truth behind their identity and the dark secrets of the sanatorium.
Is The Inpatient a VR-Only Game?
While The Inpatient is designed to be played in VR and offers an immersive first-person experience, it is not strictly a VR-only game. However, playing in VR is highly recommended to fully experience the game’s atmosphere and scares.
How Long is The Inpatient?
The Inpatient is relatively short, with the main storyline taking around 3 to 5 hours to complete. The game’s branching narrative offers some replayability, but the overall length may be a drawback for some players.
Do I Need to Play Until Dawn Before Playing The Inpatient?
While The Inpatient is a prequel to Until Dawn, it is not necessary to play Until Dawn before diving into The Inpatient. However, fans of Until Dawn will appreciate the connections between the two games and the additional lore provided by The Inpatient.
What Are the System Requirements for The Inpatient?
To play The Inpatient in VR, you will need a PlayStation VR headset, PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation Move controllers. The game is exclusive to PlayStation 4, so a compatible console is also required.
Are There Multiple Endings in The Inpatient?
Yes, The Inpatient features a branching narrative with multiple possible endings. The choices you make throughout the game will influence the outcome of the story, encouraging players to explore different decisions on subsequent playthroughs.
Can The Inpatient Be Played Without VR?
While The Inpatient is designed with VR in mind, it can technically be played without VR. However, doing so may significantly diminish the immersive experience and the impact of the game’s scares.
Is The Inpatient Scary?
The Inpatient is a psychological horror game that excels in creating an atmosphere of fear and tension. The game’s use of sound design, lighting, and pacing all contribute to a genuinely unsettling experience. While it doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares, the game’s psychological horror elements can be deeply disturbing.
How Does The Inpatient Compare to Other Horror Games?
The Inpatient stands out for its immersive VR experience and its connection to the Until Dawn universe. While it may not be as long or replayable as some other horror titles, its atmospheric horror and engaging narrative make it a unique and memorable experience.
