We Never Left (PC, itch.io) Review

Pick Up Development of a Mysterious Game

Within the horror genre, Conner Rush's We Never Left is a trailblazer, combining the nostalgia of a text-based adventure with tried and true first-person horror gameplay to create a uniquely eerie experience. It's set in 1983, and begins with a phone call that thrusts you into a chilling narrative - your reclusive game developer cousin has vanished, leaving behind a cryptic message: “FINISH THE GAME”.

This premise alone is compelling, but what really makes We Never Left stand out is its masterful blending of genres. It crafts an environment of escalating dread through seamlessly merging the interactive storytelling of a text-based adventure with an immersive and visceral first-person horror experience. You’re not just an observer of this story; you’re an active participant in a narrative that ends up feeling disturbingly close to reality.

The genius of We Never Left lies in its subtlety; it lays a foundation of unease that grows stronger with every clue you discover, every door you open, and every command you enter. From the moment you step through the front door of your cousin’s house, a sense of foreboding grips you, which is then slowly but steadily enhanced through environmental storytelling.

As you progress, the fine line between the virtual world and reality begins to blur, as actions within the game start to echo in your own surroundings. By the time you piece together the truth, it’s already too late; you’ve become ensnared in its narrative, making for a climax that is equal parts impactful and hauntingly inevitable.

We Never Left is without a doubt one of the most inventive horror experiences I’ve ever seen. It doesn't just scare you; it truly immerses you in a narrative that is both compelling and unnerving. For horror fans looking for something that genuinely stands apart, We Never Left is a must-play.

Learn more about We Never Left by visiting the official itch.io page. The game is also featured in Dread X Collection 5.

DEVELOPED BY:

FYRE Games

PUBLISHED BY:

FYRE Games, DreadXP

*This review was originally published in Issue #1 of Fearzine Magazine which was distributed in June 2024.

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