The Door in the Basement

I was really impressed with how well the dev used sound design, every little noise put me on edge. I've played games by far more seasoned developers that don't put this much care into how their game sounds so hats off to you! I thought that this game struck a really good balance between atmosphere, scares, and danger. Checkpoints and save rooms were plentiful so even if you did die it wasn't that punishing. I dislike when horror games become punishing or require a lot of backtracking because the tension can quickly give way to irritation. When the player stops being scared and starts being annoyed that's a death sentence to fun and atmosphere. This dev seems to get that. The fact that this seems to be the developers first game on steam is really promising and I picked up their other two titles. I'm looking forward to seeing what else they come up with.

The Door in the Basement is a more visual horror experience. The designs caught my eye years ago and are what led to to play it. It's a very short game, but worth its time. I'll keep it real, this is a years later review with no attempt at making the experience fresh in my mind. Why? Because I remember everything still as if I played it more recently. There were many moments that stuck out in my mind, many spots that have been scratched into my memory. There is a sort of ethereal horror to a whole brutalist world existing just beyond a door in your basement. Full of horrors and danger that no one would willingly subject themselves to. I love that feeling which is why I believe this one has stuck with me all these years. I don't think about it often, but sometimes the thoughts strike me. Gameplay wise, it's alright. There's nothing too special and the game is mostly a walking sim. There is a good amount of immersion you get from progression. Seeing how badly the world distorts as you go deeper into the space beyond the door. There were some spots that felt sort of confusing to navigate, but I may be somewhat misremembering. Check this one out if you're looking for a short horror experience that aims to get under your skin.