The Push and Pull of Retro Design
There is always a push and pull when it comes to retro gaming. A lot of people admire the old-school feel when it is integrated into modern titles, and in recent times we’ve seen some survival horror games bringing back many of the limited save options, inventory management systems, and fixed-camera angles used back in the day.
Many platformers have increased their difficulty levels to 1980s standards too, and a lot of people simply can’t get enough of it.
I, however, am not so sure. I lived through those games of old, so I don’t necessarily want the stress of playing brutally hard games all over again. Caput Mortum is a game that deliberately uses old-style controls – reminiscent of games like King’s Field – to focus the player’s experience. Does it work?
The Control Conundrum
At the beginning of the game, you are given a vital choice regarding the controls. The developers, Wildarts Games, are clearly hoping that you choose the old-school option; making the most of tank controls. You also have a floating hand that you need to control directionally with the thumbstick. It is a very hard system to get used to if you have only ever played with modern control schemes.
Luckily, there is an option to select a more modern layout, but you still have to deal with the manual hand movement. The controls are deliberately designed to make the player feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, which makes every decision more important than ever.
Investigation and Lovecraftian Lore
The story is set in 16th-century France. You play as a one-armed adventurer investigating an evil plague that has been haunting a local village. Having located the source of this evil in a tower on a hillside, you venture inside and down into its depths. As you delve deeper, there are rooms to explore and dungeons to conquer.
The narrative is revealed in segments through lore and stories you pick up along the way. There is a strong Lovecraftian feel to the experience, but I am not going to say any more to avoid spoiling it. I really liked the setup; you are dropped straight into this world on a hilltop with a tower, and that is all the information you need. It is an interesting world to explore, and the distinct lack of hand-holding is genuinely refreshing.
The gameplay takes place in the first person and is an unusual experience to get used to, depending heavily on your chosen control setup. To open a door, for example, you need to manually control the floating hand, move it towards the object, and then interact with it. It takes a while to adjust to this perspective, making you realise just how much we take the simplicity of pressing a single button to perform an action for granted in modern gaming.
Puzzles and Progression
There is a lot of puzzle-solving to be had here in Caput Mortum, ranging from simply finding objects and placing them in the correct spots, to using specific items to obtain what you need.
The puzzles become more complicated and intriguing as the game proceeds. The first couple of environments are great for getting a feel for how the logic works and how to properly use your hand. Initially, there aren’t any monsters to deal with, but that peace doesn’t last for long.
The Frustrations of Combat
Combat is rare, but when it does occur, it can be quite tricky, again due to the controls. Once more though, I believe this is entirely deliberate. You can find and pick up a range of weapons, but when you do engage in a fight, it needs to be a careful affair of avoiding enemy swings and attacks while sneaking your own blows in. The enemies are tough and hit hard, so you must always be on your guard.
The game boasts a beautiful design; it feels like an old-school dungeon crawler but looks like a modern reimagining of that aesthetic. The locations, monsters, and architecture are impressive, making it a genuinely great place to explore. The soundscape is top-notch as well, instilling an ominous sense of dread through a score and sound effects that leave you constantly wondering what might be lurking around the next corner.
A Brief but Atmospheric Horror
Ultimately, Caput Mortum is a relatively short horror FPS experience, clocking in at just under three hours. That isn’t a bad thing, however, because by the end, I felt the length was just about right. It is a cleverly designed game in terms of its puzzles, exploration, and story. The visuals and sound are very good, contributing to a brilliant overall atmosphere. I remain unconvinced by the control schemes though, both the modern and retro options, which did take away some of my personal enjoyment.
However, I have no doubt that others will absolutely relish the unique challenge that Caput Mortum provides.
Important Links
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/caput-mortum/9P9GMXH91M8M/0010
