Shift 87, a first-person psychological horror game developed by Pixelsplit and published by Daedalic Entertainment, was released on July 23, 2024, for PC. The game places players in a disturbing industrial setting where they must identify and record anomalies.
Shift 87 promises an immersion in a dark and unsettling atmosphere, characteristic of the best psychological horror games. Developed by Pixelsplit and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the game aims to provide players with a claustrophobic and distressing experience as they search for mysterious anomalies in an abandoned industrial environment. However, despite its ambition, Shift 87 proves to be a disappointing experience, failing to maintain tension and deliver a truly engaging experience.
A Stifling Atmosphere, but Not Enough
The setting of Shift 87 is undeniably dark and claustrophobic. Narrow corridors, flickering lights, and unsettling noises create an oppressive atmosphere that initially manages to capture attention. However, the repetitiveness of the environments and the lack of elements that could surprise the player eventually make the experience monotonous. Despite the developers’ efforts to create an unsettling atmosphere, the game lacks that spark that could have turned Shift 87 into a true horror masterpiece.
Frustrating and Repetitive Gameplay
The gameplay of Shift 87 primarily revolves around exploration and searching for anomalies. The player is armed only with a flashlight and must carefully inspect every corner of the environment to identify points of interest. Unfortunately, this mechanic, while simple, quickly becomes frustrating due to several factors.
Firstly, the absence of a save system is a questionable design choice that penalizes exploration. Every mistake, every power outage that cuts the electricity, forces the player to start the entire level from the beginning. This mechanic, besides being punitive, undermines the sense of progression and discourages thorough exploration of the environments.
Secondly, the difficulty in finding the anomalies can be excessive. Some of them are hidden in areas so dark or in such tight corners that it’s nearly impossible to spot them without the help of a guide. This frustration is further amplified by the absence of any kind of clues or hints to assist the player in their search.
Finally, the repetitiveness of the actions and the lack of an engaging storyline contribute to making the gameplay experience monotonous. After exploring a few levels, it feels like you’ve already seen everything and are trapped in an endless loop.
The Absence of a Story
One of the major flaws of Shift 87 is the lack of a compelling narrative. The player is left wandering in an abandoned industrial environment without a clear reason. There’s no story to uncover, no mystery to unravel. This lack of a clear objective makes the gaming experience less engaging and devoid of a sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Shift 87 is a horror experiment that, unfortunately, fails to achieve its goals. The dark and claustrophobic atmosphere is the only element that partially saves an otherwise disappointing gaming experience. The absence of a save system, the difficulty in finding anomalies, and the lack of a compelling storyline make Shift 87 a frustrating and repetitive title.
Ultimately, Shift 87 is a missed opportunity. An interesting concept, a promising setting, but poor execution that fails to harness the full potential of the horror genre.
Shift 87
PRO
- Unsettling Atmosphere: The dark and claustrophobic setting creates an atmosphere that keeps players glued to the screen and on the edge of their seats.
- Search and Discovery: The task of searching for and documenting anomalies provides a sense of progression and satisfaction.
- Immersive Sound Design: The sound effects and soundtrack help create an engaging audiovisual experience.
CON
- Lack of a Plot: The absence of a well-defined story makes the gaming experience less engaging and devoid of a sense of purpose.
- No Save System: The lack of a save system can be frustrating, especially when making mistakes or getting stuck.
- Difficulty Finding Anomalies: Some anomalies are hidden in such dark spots that searching for them becomes exhausting and unrewarding.
5/10
