Conarium

One of the best Lovecraft theme game i played. You start exploring ruins on a polar base as part of an mission. No jump scare, just a game of atmosphere. In each level you will have to solve riddles in order to progress in the story and the game. Doing so, you will found notes (written and oral) explaining you more about the mission you're in. The story is crytpic but just enough to keep you in the game. Graphics aren't that great, but the artistic direction nailed it and the voice acting is really good. The gameplay is pretty simple, you walk an interact with objects. There are no fight or weapons (expect an axe but only to break stone and make path) Some blackspot : the game presentation say that there are multiple ending, in reality there is only two. If you are a lovecraft fan or want to discover his universe go for it.

Narrative game with story inspired from Lovecraft’s works. As you play, take it slow and read every note, in order to comprehend everything. There’s a strong story and a decent part of it is written in notes. Not overly much though, so reading the notes doesn’t become tiresome. Also, all dialogues are voiced. The feeling that you are alone in a most desolate part of the world, is very strong. Amazing ambient sounds, as is expected from the genre. Thankfully, it isn’t needed to keep pressed the LMB and move the mouse (click and drag) in order to make simple actions (open cupboards, turn valves, etc.), as is the case in other similar games. Here you simply click on them and the action will be done. Apart from the puzzles, there are also simple riddles and what I really liked is that if you find the item needed for an action (e.g. a key, or a gas tank), then by clicking just on where it must be used (a door, or the machine that needs gas, respectively, etc.), the action will be done. So it isn’t needed to first open the inventory and select the item and then select the object on which it must be used. Very good, simplifying matters. However, you need to equip your axe, to break thin walls. Two endings, depending on a decision you make near the end. A while over 10 hours for me.

Conarium is a decent attempt at emulating Lovecraft's writing in video game form. It could have been more imaginative, but at least it doesn't fail as an adaptation; it plays to the source material's strengths and weaknesses alike. You will encounter hints of worlds beyond our own: some subtle and spooky, and some taking shape of goofy lizard creatures or reanimated mummies. That's all very much in Lovecraft spirit. Devs show some restraint in regards to tentacles and direct references to Cthulhu mythos. Both are present, but tastefully spaced out. There's also a lot of overwritten prose scattered around which can be read at your leisure; I found it mostly compelling even if predictable. Now, here's where Conarium really succeeds - it looks just GREAT. I mean it, the environments are crafted with incredible flair, the atmosphere is top notch, and the lighting is pretty awesome. It's a good thing, cause in terms of gameplay Conarium is a rather basic first person puzzle game. All except for maybe two puzzles are so simple that you'll see people calling this game a 'walking sim' a lot; but those two harder puzzles can catch you off guard if you get too comfortable and stop paying attention. All in all, while it's not a masterpiece by any stretch, Conarium is a tight and concise Lovecraft-inspired game that delivers the goods.

I love All Lovecraft's works and this is a true masterpiece for Cthulhu Mythos lovers. Maybe the puzzles aren't very hard, but you can live a true horror adeventure like one of the main characters of the novels like "At the mountains of madness" or "The Temple".

Conarium definitely captures the essence of Lovecraft presenting a great atmosphere with palpable tension and a level of uneasiness, which generally builds as one progresses. Not terribly scary, equally the game has it's moments in a few places where things rapidly and surprisingly change putting the player on edge. The game is short and relatively easy I didn't rush, preferring to take in the environments. Overall I enjoyed the game and it certainly entertained, completing in a single session. Not a game for all, as there is very little action, puzzles are relatively straightforward. Conarium is more of an experience, I'll likely play the game again just to take in the environments again and enjoy the atmosphere. I'd like to see a sequel in the same Lovecraftian style, longer, and a little more challenging. If a Lovecraft fan a buy as you'll enjoy the atmosphere & fan service, and the game will be discounted again sooner or later. Personally I bought the game discounted a while back, have to say best $10 I've spent in a good while.