Andrew Agress
Game industry critic and reviewer
Writing For
The OuterHaven Latest Reviews
Atomfall is a small town mystery, monster battle, folk horror, science fiction quadruple feature. A high degree of freedom lets you choose what kind of adventure you want to have. This hands off approach has some small downsides. But it also leads to an incredibly inventive survival game that offers players boundless possibilities.
Mouthwashing offers a top-tier sci-fi horror story with themes and symbols that will likely stay with you long after your journey aboard the Tulpar. The gameplay is passive and repetitive, but those craving well-written characters and story content should appreciate their time in the captain’s chair.
With satisfying and story-related puzzle and genuine chills, Fear the Spotlight delivers a top-notch, bite-sized, lo-fi horror experience. Contrary to its title, it steps into the spotlight as the best indie horror game of the year.
Crow Country “caws” back to old-school horror games from the PS1-era, preserving what made them suspenseful and engaging while adding some updates. Not all of these work, but enough do, making a trip to Crow Country worth taking for fans of retro survival horror games.
Gorgeous visuals and an ethereal soundtrack invite players into the world of Neva. Yet these welcoming aesthetics are just the floral display surrounding a game with fast-paced combat, inventive platforming, and a touching story of the bond between warrior and wolf.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth greatly expands upon the world of Remake, both literally and figuratively. The map proves massive, but its various activities make it a joy to explore. It adapts the most exciting section of the original game, leaning into the adventurous and ridiculous elements. Though it can’t always maintain that momentum, it’s remarkable how much variety, exploration, and wonder this game provides. Rebirth arrives as one of the best games of the past decade.
Drawing from horror authors and their creations, World of Horror builds its own web of eldritch beings and cosmic occurrences. The roguelike nature of mysteries in the game ensures that no two runs remain the same. Though certain mechanics rise above others, World of Horror keeps things fresh with creepy visuals, multiple plot resolutions, and degrees of customization, even as its coastal town falls into decay.
Slay the Princess is a must-play for fans of branching narratives. Choices have consequences, and how much horror you encounter falls to you. Along the way, enjoy the macabre visuals and audio. While the game can’t put a bow on every decision, replaying for extra routes proves a royal pleasure. Turn down the lights, cozy up with a nice cup of tea (may I suggest blood orange?), and decide whether or not to commit regicide.
Layers of Fear serves as a kind of director’s cut for the horror series. With lavish visuals, new content, and a new framing device, it proves the definite way to experience the series. Those who’ve already played the games won’t find much they haven’t seen before, but The Final Note chapter adds a fun, spooky new layer.
Meet Your Maker antes up the adventure of pulling off a heist and the artistry of building an impenetrable base. Some players may get put off by the paltry upgrades, but those who crave other kinds of variety will marvel at the many heists to pull off and bases to design right at their fingertips.