Get Even is a first-person psychological thriller developed by The Farm 51 and published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, blending narrative-driven mystery with exploration, stealth, light shooting mechanics, and puzzle-solving. Released in 2017, the game stands apart from traditional first-person shooters by placing its primary emphasis not on combat spectacle, but on atmosphere, memory, and moral ambiguity. It is less concerned with reflex-based action and more invested in unsettling the player through fragmented storytelling and emotional disorientation.
The story follows Cole Black, a mercenary who awakens inside a decaying asylum with little recollection of how he arrived there. The only image lingering in his mind is that of a young girl strapped to a bomb. Guided by a mysterious figure named Red, Black is forced to relive distorted memories through a device called Pandora, which allows him to navigate reconstructed events from his past. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, weaving between interrogation sessions and immersive memory sequences. As players delve deeper into Black’s recollections, the line between objective truth and psychological fabrication becomes increasingly blurred. The game’s strength lies in this constant uncertainty, keeping players questioning both the protagonist’s reliability and their own interpretations.
Exploration plays a central role in shaping the experience. Many sections function like interactive investigations rather than traditional levels. Black’s smartphone serves as a multifunctional tool, capable of scanning environments, detecting hidden objects, illuminating dark spaces with UV light, and solving environmental puzzles. The act of combing through abandoned apartments, industrial complexes, and institutional corridors creates a steady rhythm of discovery. Clues are often subtle, requiring attention to detail and patience. These quieter investigative moments are where the game excels, building tension through environmental storytelling and mood rather than overt threats.
Combat exists but is not the focal point. Firearms are available, and there are sequences involving enemy encounters, yet these moments often feel secondary to the narrative arc. The gunplay is serviceable but lacks the mechanical depth of dedicated shooters. Stealth is frequently encouraged, allowing players to avoid confrontation and preserve the fragile atmosphere. While neither combat nor stealth systems are groundbreaking, they function adequately within the broader framework of psychological storytelling. In many cases, the most compelling moments occur when the player is navigating tense environments without firing a shot.
Atmosphere is arguably Get Even’s greatest achievement. The game makes deliberate use of lighting, environmental decay, and sound design to cultivate unease. The asylum setting is particularly effective, filled with dim corridors, flickering lights, and unsettling echoes. The use of photogrammetry technology lends certain environments a grounded realism that enhances immersion. Meanwhile, the soundtrack and ambient audio cues heighten emotional intensity, sometimes swelling dramatically during narrative revelations and other times receding into near silence to amplify tension.
Thematically, Get Even explores guilt, responsibility, and the fragility of memory. As Black uncovers more of his past actions, players are invited to question moral justifications and personal accountability. The narrative does not provide simple answers, instead layering ambiguity into character motivations and plot developments. Twists emerge gradually, recontextualizing earlier events and encouraging reflection on what was assumed to be true. This psychological complexity elevates the experience beyond conventional action narratives.
Pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly when transitioning between investigative exploration and combat segments. Some players may find that the mechanical systems do not always match the narrative ambition. However, the cohesive tone and emotional weight often compensate for these inconsistencies. The game’s willingness to prioritize story and mood over polished action mechanics reflects a clear creative vision.
Ultimately, Get Even is an atmospheric thriller that prioritizes psychological tension and narrative experimentation over conventional shooter dynamics. It invites players into a fragmented mindscape where truth is elusive and memory is unreliable. While its gameplay mechanics may not satisfy those seeking pure action intensity, its immersive storytelling, moody environments, and thought-provoking themes leave a lasting impression. For players drawn to narrative-driven experiences that challenge perception and explore moral complexity, Get Even delivers a haunting and memorable journey.
Rating: 7/10
