A Deep Dive into Death and Despair
Some may still slate it, but there’s no doubt that playing games provides the opportunity for you to learn new things about the world.
For example, after playing Train Sim World extensively, I felt I could drive an electric train from Exeter to Plymouth. I also think I now understand the whole farming system, from farm to fork, and how much it costs, all thanks to the delights of Farming Simulator.
Today, while playing The 9th Charnel, I found myself wondering: what on earth is a Charnel? Well, it turns out it is a building near a church or graveyard used for storing disinterred human bones that might have been unearthed during new burials. It also carries the meaning of simply ‘death’ or ‘despair’ – something which fits perfectly in this new survival horror, The 9th Charnel.
Michael’s Descent into the Dark
Developed by a solo creator, the game begins in the memory of a man holding a newborn child. It then cuts to three people in a car travelling down a lonely road. You play as one of them, Michael, a genetic scientist from The Epsilon Research Institute. The group is hoping to conduct research at a local wildlife sanctuary, but a terrible crash puts a sudden stop to their plans. A surviving Michael finds himself alone, save for a strange man reassuring him. As Michael searches for his colleagues, he discovers a disturbing site full of evil rituals and cults.
What this psychological horror does well is build atmosphere and keep the tension high. Every time you walk around a corner, the suspense escalates, and the stakes always feel significant. The story is confusing at first, but in a good way; the narrative drip-fed throughout the playthrough. Memories and characters start to make sense as the plot is slowly revealed.
The gameplay places you in a first-person perspective, and in the beginning, The 9th Charnel is a pure survival horror experience. You journey through linear, narrow corridors – both exterior and interior – trying to locate your colleagues. To start with, there are simple puzzles to solve, such as finding a wheel to open a gate or locating three fuses to unlock an electronic door.
Stealth and Vulnerability
In the early stages, you don’t have any weapons or means to attack enemies. Yet from the outset, a huge, horrific figure bursts out of a doorway, and you have to react fast. Due to your lack of weapons, your only course of action is to run and hide. There are hiding spots, such as under beds or inside lockers, allowing you to watch the enemy lurking outside.
It is worth noting that the enemy AI can be a bit random and frustrating at times, which can be annoying. However, the stealth sections generally work well, forcing you to explore every corner with trepidation and anxious movement.
Survival Combat vs. Scarce Resources
You do eventually acquire some guns in the form of a pistol and a shotgun. However, the enemies remain very tough, and stealth is often the better option as ammo is scarce. I think the vulnerability you feel despite having weapons is great, as it leans more towards survival horror than an FPS, which is the right direction for a game like this.
There are a series of puzzles ranging from the easy ones mentioned earlier to more brain-teasing challenges where you have to explore every avenue. You must look at everything in the environment for clues and read everything, including the writing on the walls, to help you solve them. I loved this element of the game; what made it harder, and therefore trickier, was trying to explore while being stalked.
Visually, the environments and interiors are excellent – exceptionally impressive considering this was made by one person. The setting feels dense and claustrophobic, which is perfect for a survival horror experience. I do think, however, that the cutscenes, and specifically the character designs, aren’t as polished and look a bit strange at times.
Audio-wise, The 9th Charnel is excellent; effects like weather noise, rustling, and creaks make every forward movement a worry. The score is also effective, with some nice music throughout, aided by some solid voice acting.
Heart-Racing Horror with a Brain-Teasing Twist
The 9th Charnel is an interesting game. The survival horror elements, including the tension and stealth, are solid. Your heart will be racing throughout, and the lack of combat effectiveness adds to the fear. However, the enemy AI can feel a bit off and annoying at times. Thankfully, the puzzles are good and offer decent variation so should you be on the hunt for a new horror story that involves hiding under beds, then The 9th Charnel might just be for you.
Important Links
Enter The Valley Of Fear As The 9th Charnel Launches On Xbox, PS5, And PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/enter-the-valley-of-fear-as-the-9th-charnel-launches-on-xbox-ps5-and-pc/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/the-9th-charnel/9P0CFZV27RGP/0010
