Fear the Timeloop – Prologue Spiel

by Rian

I prefer not to talk about a game that is not fully released, let alone a demo, but Fear the Timeloop seemed to have positioned itself in a different spot. The reason behind avoiding making a comment on a game before the full release often comes from the common practice amongst the developers not to reveal critical game information, such as gameplay or basic lores. Fear the Timeloop seems to have warranted enough talking point, though I do wish to see some major polishing work before it can be launched.

In one sentence, Fear the Timeloop is a good amalgamation of popular horror elements: some hints of new Resident Evil series, some hints of Silent Hill, and so on. The game even has some rogue-like mechanics, where some parts of the area can only be accessed after death. There are the usual locked doors, inaccessible areas, and/or most quaint security measures for old times’ sake. It offers unique opportunity how the horror game does not become dull as a player becomes more seasoned.

The departments that holds back Fear the Timeloop are overall lack of polishing work. It has some interesting gameplays but button layout could not be more antagonistic toward what this game can deliver. UX is not self-evident or consistent with the world therein, so much so I don’t understand why some of them followed the footsteps of horror classics. Same goes with the graphics. It reminds me of horror games from 2000s, but without the touch to hide away lack of graphical details (think of the fog from Silent Hill).

Conclusions: Kernel of Good Promises

Prologue only lasts for about an hour, maybe longer if you choose to check every nook and cranny. There isn’t much of a reason for me to advise against playing it. It’s a survival horror with guns, with rogue-like mechanic, with the zest of Metroidvania for good measure. Whether or not Fear the Timeloop the actual game will pull through till the end, I cannot tell based only on the Prologue. But it gives me hopes to see horror as a genre isn’t deadlocked into what are popularized now.