Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is a first-person horror adventure developed and published by SOEDESCO. Released on March 28, 2025, the game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The title invites players to dive into the fractured mind of Eliza de Moor, a once-famous singer now trapped in a labyrinth of forgotten memories. With the help of an experimental drug, the player explores two nightmare realities to uncover the mysteries of Eliza’s past.
A Tension-Filled Atmosphere
The setting of Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is undoubtedly one of its strongest points. The dark and gloomy environments manage to create a constant sense of unease, while the eerie dolls that populate the game world add an extra layer of terror. The soundtrack effectively maintains the tension, with tracks that highlight the most suspenseful moments. However, some sound effects become repetitive—such as the incessant cawing of a crow in the early stages—which can slightly break the player’s immersion.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay combines elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The puzzles are generally well-designed and require attention to detail to solve, offering a satisfying challenge. Exploration is encouraged through the presence of resources and documents that deepen the narrative. However, the combat system has some issues: the default aim assist can feel more like a hindrance than a help, making encounters less fluid. Additionally, the lack of a melee weapon to fall back on when ammo runs low limits the player’s strategic options.
Narrative and Emotional Engagement
The story of Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror starts from intriguing premises, exploring themes such as amnesia and the protagonist’s inner struggle. However, the narrative suffers from a script and direction that fail to fully engage the player. The protagonist, Eliza, lacks voice acting in crucial scenes, and her absence in the cutscenes makes it difficult to form an emotional connection with her character. This emotional detachment is further emphasized by a storyline that, while full of potential, isn’t developed in a way that consistently holds the player’s attention.
Conclusion
Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror offers a horror experience with a well-crafted atmosphere and engaging puzzles. However, shortcomings in the combat system, storytelling, and certain technical aspects prevent the game from reaching its full potential. For fans of the genre, it might be worth exploring, but it’s best to approach it with moderate expectations.
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Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror
PRO
- Disturbing and well-crafted atmosphere
- Engaging and well-integrated puzzles
- Original and evocative visual style
CON
- Clunky and unpolished combat system
- No voice acting in key scenes
- At times cold and emotionally distant storytelling
6/10
