Conscript

Wrestling with Conscript’s controls is, without a doubt, its main source of dread and horror, which is likely not what it was going for in the first place. When its combat mechanics don’t get in the way, the sound design helps instill a sense of unease, but fear is thoroughly absent beyond a few choice first encounters.

CONSCRIPT is a fantastic classic survival horror game with a great atmosphere, thought-provoking gameplay loop, and a wonderful Steam Deck experience.

Conscript takes its evident passion for survival horror and infuses it with purpose and grit through a harrowing depiction of war. More than just homage, Conscript comfortably sits alongside the best, and more unique, of the genre.

Conscript may not deliver the usual horror many expect in a survival horror but what it does tell is a tense WWI narrative with its own brand of survival and combat that is a bit rough in places.

Despite wearing many of its influences on its sleeve, CONSCRIPT never ends up feeling derivative, instead it carves out its own identity through a raw, layed portrayal of trench warfare. There are some slight rough edges, to be expected in-part due to the game largely being a sole venture, but nevertheless CONSCRIPT hits where it matters and succeeds in creating an affecting depiction of its sourc...

Conscript is unlikely to deliver genuine scares, but this old school, atmospheric survival horror romp is still easy to recommend to fans of the genre.

Conscript may not be a true survival horror, but it taps into that legacy and roots it in fertile soil.

Conscript is a horrifying account of the cost of Verdun, and all of its battles and its loss, framed entirely as a classical survival horror game, for all of the good and bad that implies. It’s a punishing, dire take on the war and a unique approach to a genre that I’d mistaken for being creatively wrung dry.

Depictions of war in video games have always deserved more than the Call of Duty-style glamorising approach of making it look badass while asking you to bear no mind to the torture scene you instigated. We’ve come close in other titles: the Valiant Heart games show some of the emotion and tragedy that come with it. Spec Ops: The Line is a beloved and wonderful rug pull of its violence. However, no...

Inspired by horror classics, Conscript is a war game like no other. While it's very atmospheric and has some good ideas, it soon becomes a tedious experience due to the amount of travelling back and forth required. Some mechanics aren't all that fun, either.

Remarkably dull and unremarkably poignant, CONSCRIPT’s gameplay isn’t fun, its horror isn’t scary or impactful, and its story isn’t worth repeating.

Conscript's grimy, disturbing setting and gruelling combat are effective and poignant, and a sturdy and well-crafted survival horror skeleton keeps things compelling.