Demonstration of the forthcoming FMV interactive horror title surpassed my modest anticipations, transforming into one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I've encountered so far this year.
In the realm of interactive horror games, Dead Reset stands out as a promising title that combines the cinematic quality of a film with the high-stakes survival horror of a time loop. The game, set to release on Steam on September 11, offers an immersive experience that resembles a blend of Alien, The Evil Dead, and Stargate: SG1.
You find yourself in the shoes of an unfortunate former surgeon named Cole, who awakens in a rough-looking facility. The game's narrative unfolds as a series of encounters with a multi-tentacled specimen that resides within the guts of an unconscious woman during an operation. Each time Cole dies, he wakes up at the same moment, just before performing surgery on the same patient.
The horror in Dead Reset is grounded in the psychological impact of the loop: Cole remembers every death and repetition, but other characters do not, creating a heavy sense of isolation and guilt. This loop mechanic forms the backbone of the gameplay, which centers on navigating this time loop, making decisions that affect the narrative while trying to survive increasingly brutal encounters with the alien creature.
The gameplay structure is reminiscent of an interactive movie or choose-your-own-adventure story. There are eight chapters in total, and players make branching narrative decisions during scenes that lead to different outcomes and paths. The time loop mechanic means the story resets after death, but players retain knowledge, pushing forward through trial and error to uncover new story layers.
Choices range from surgical decisions to how to respond to the alien threat; both moral and survival consequences shape the narrative and character fates. The alien presence is a visceral and frequent threat, portrayed with practical effects rather than subtle or metaphorical horror, making the tension palpable and the violence graphic.
The demo of Dead Reset offers a sneak peek into the game's potential to be a standout horror title. It maintains a high level of energy, with a tune-in-next-time cliffhanger that leaves the player eager to know more. Despite the repetitive nature of the time loop, the demo is not repetitive, offering a unique and intriguing storyline.
The acting in Dead Reset is competent and over-the-top, fitting for a direct-to-video slasher flick. The game's sets have a 1970s, Tom Baker-era Doctor Who charm. Regardless of the choice, the player dies in each playthrough, but the demo concludes with a Twilight Zone-style full stop, wrapping things up satisfactorily and with humor.
The specimen, described as gooey, pulsating, and on the cusp of doing something startling and gross, caused the death of the person who first encountered it. The player is given a choice to perform an emergency monsterectomy or die. The Dead Reset demo is self-contained and works well as a standalone game.
If the full game can maintain the level of energy displayed in the demo, it could be a genuine banger. The demo of Dead Reset is an absolute hoot and maintains a high level of splatterfest energy. Even amidst the horror, there are comedic moments that are too good to be an accident.
Overall, Dead Reset aims for a serious, tense horror experience without humor or meta-commentary, combining FMV cinematic quality with the high stakes of a time loop survival horror, underpinned by a strong narrative focus and intense practical effects. By the fourth encounter, the person was no longer creeped out but laughing at the specimen. If you're a fan of interactive horror games, Dead Reset is one to keep an eye on.
- After each death in Dead Reset, the loop forces Cole to relive the same horrifying encounter, generating a fighting spirit within him to break the cycle and win against the monstrous specimen.
- As the entertainment realm expands, Dead Reset exemplifies a unique amalgamation of movies and games, offering an immersive and interactive experience that resembles a horrific season of movies-and-TV.
- Stuck in an inescapable time loop, the gameplay of Dead Reset resembles a suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse with the alien specimen, turning every win into a victorious breakthrough in a seemingly endless cycle.
