World of Horror Reviews
The art is spot on in its reverence to the Junji Ito works that inspired it, and the soundtrack matches the game's 1-bit graphics with a collection of fantastic 8-bit style jams, all of which come together to create a visual experience you're not likely to get anywhere else. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well the game's interface can be navigated using a gamepad as opposed to a mouse, though if you still prefer using a mouse cursor that is also an option built in as well. I'm not sure I would overall recommend the Switch version over the PC version of the game, but if portability is a big factor for you (an aspect this game lends itself to very well), then the Switch is a perfectly acceptable platform for stopping an old god from engulfing this sleepy Japanese town in madness.
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.
Structural complexity and a magpie's eye for pilfering makes for a strange, fragmentary journey into nightmare.
World of Horror isn't a game for all horror lovers, because of its 80s conversational adventure style. But if you connect with its formula, with its roguelite touches, its turn-based combats and its visuals, then get ready to have a great time. Too bad it doesn't squeeze out all the options that Nintendo Switch offers.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
World of Horror successfully blends retro aesthetics, roguelike gameplay and Lovecraft's horror to create a game that is both nostalgic and uniquely modern. The game's commitment to its theme, combined with striking visuals and immersive sound, sets it apart in the indie horror genre.
Review in Polish | Read full review
World of Horror manages to replicate the same effect of Lovecraft's works, in its own way, even if doing so doesn't always bring the result we want. However, apart from its setting and artistic choice, the game, in relation to its plot and combat system, ends up giving the impression that it would be more impressive if it were more complex. This doesn't mean that I don't recommend the game, but it's important to remember that it's a relatively simple product, designed as a casual pastime rather than a more complex linear story with major investigations.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The horror universe created in World of Horror deserves to be checked, especially for its peculiar mechanics. The different stories, accompanied by a competent soundtrack and art direction, make the experience enjoyable and interesting. It's a shame, however, that the cases don't bring as many ramifications, which can make the game repetitive after a few hours of play.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
World of Horror, Paweł Koźmiński's title proves that you don't need Unreal Engine 5 and volumetric lights to torment the heart of a horror fan. A game that handles subtleties well and mixes them with a dash of Junji Ito-style gore, with simple but gripping stories, enhanced by the vulnerability of our characters and the consequences we will have to face after every decision.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
World of Horror is one of the most unique roguelites we've seen on the Switch eShop to date, its expert fusion of text-based adventure, survival horror, and roguelike mechanics makes for a difficult, harrowing, and spooky adventure that we'd recommend you give a shot. Not everyone will be charmed by its extremely retro aesthetics, but if you can get into the right mindset for giving this one a playthrough, you'll find there's a lot to love.
A horror role-playing game commendable for its inspirations and aesthetics, much less for everything else.
Review in Italian | Read full review
There’s no question that the vibe, nightmarish pixel art, and weird monstrosities are fun, but the interface and controls aren’t ideal
World of Horror is an easy recommendation if you’re looking for something new and very different than the normal run-and-gun or hide-and-seek horror game. Just be mindful of the fact that the visuals will vary in their delivery and may require you to put a little more thought into what is haunting you.
The visuals and roguelike elements of World of Horror combine to create a wholly unique experience for Switch users. The gameplay loop does become repetitive rather quickly, but the short gaming sessions and changing relationship between events make this a successful and scary diversion from the norm.
World of Horror is an incredible horror RPG that functions as a love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft worthy of their names.
World of Horror from developer panstasz is a wonderful 80s-inspired horror adventure game that brings a roguelite backbone, a turn-based component with a sprinkle of RPG, and plenty of horror that might make you wonder what the heck inspired the devs to create such unsettling tales. The only place the game falls short is in its overwhelming menu system, which is far simpler than it looks once you go through the tutorial.
World of Horror draws you in from the beginning with its creepy, grotesque vibes, 1-bit graphics, the Junji Ito-inspired art direction, the point-and-click gameplay, and story that pays homage to the horror genre.
As a calling card for Koźmiński, World of Horror is astonishing – a stunning achievement, an incredible piece of work. As a game? It’s not bad. World of Horror will impress you more than it scares you, but it really is very impressive, at least. For all its faults, fans of Junji Ito would be hard pressed to find a more loving homage.
Atmospheric, imaginative, and enjoyably unpredictable-this is one of the year's best horror games.