The Tartarus Key

The Tartarus Key combines thoughtful puzzles, engaging writing, and a compelling setting and melds them together inside a PS1 package. It may not create a great deal of horror, but the writing and suspense keep you moving forward.

The Tartarus Key is the rare game that’s able to faithfully recreate an older, chunky 3D aesthetic while still establishing a unique voice of its own. Its brainteasers won’t pose much of a challenge to seasoned puzzlers and its endings are rather abrupt, but the intriguing mystery, variety of puzzle types, and brisk pace work together—much like the characters trapped in the mansion themselves—to ensure a ride worth taking.

Nothing is what it seems. That reflection in the mirror isn’t mine. The halls I trepidatiously navigate seem never-ending. Just what on Earth is going on with the constant rumbling of the house I’ve found myself in? In the newly released indie horror game The Tartarus Key, I’m forever uncertain of myself and on edge. That self-pause is where the game is at its strongest, causing thrilling curiosity that drives you throughout the game.

The Tartarus Key is an enjoyable horror puzzle game that perfectly emulates a low-poly 90s look. Story is forgettable, and some puzzles can be obtuse.

A brain teaser that borrows the aesthetics of PS1 horror, The Tartarus Key's repetition sadly dulls the impact of its spooks.