Conscript Review – A Haunting Survival Horror Experience in the Trenches of WWI

Introduction to Conscript

I very much enjoy it when a game catches me off guard. In recent years, indie developers have blown me away with their creative approaches to storytelling and gameplay systems. Conscript from developer Jordan Mochi and Catchweight Studio is a very unassuming experience, complete with key art that I feel doesn’t represent the game’s theme at all. Set during World War I, Conscript brings the survival horror experience to a more realistic stage, highlighting a somber plot paired with the systems that have players managing resources, solving puzzles, and navigating a true nightmarish time in history.

A Gritty Narrative in the Trenches

Conscript is set in 1916. Players assume the role of a French soldier in search of his brother during the Battle of Verdun. The narrative is delivered in short scenes that act as intermissions between chapters. It’s here that players uncover more information about this mysterious main protagonist, and themes get progressively darker as the story unfolds. The game captures the gritty, oppressive atmosphere of WWI trenches, blending it seamlessly with classic survival horror mechanics reminiscent of titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Challenging Survival Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics are a true homage to the survival horror genre. Players must navigate through maze-like trenches and overrun forts, all while managing a limited inventory and scarce resources. Ammo is hard to come by, and every bullet counts, which adds a layer of strategy to every encounter. The combat is tense and deliberate, often requiring quick thinking and careful planning. The presence of enemy soldiers instead of typical horror game monsters brings a unique form of dread, but they can be rather dumb during certain encounters. The intelligence of the AI enemies is left up to debate, but I cheesed my way past plenty of encounters as I avoided spending resources fighting them.

The game’s setting, narrative, and atmosphere create an immersive and emotional experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

Conscript also features environmental puzzles that require players to pay close attention to their surroundings. These puzzles are well-integrated into the game’s setting, making use of period-appropriate items and mechanisms. The level design promotes exploration and rewards players who take the time to thoroughly search every nook and cranny. Even returning to areas after a period of time offers new rewards. The game’s sound design further enhances the immersive experience, with haunting ambient noises and the distant echoes of battle contributing to the overall sense of unease.

Immersive Visuals and Audio

Visually, Conscript utilizes a pixel art style that, while simplistic, effectively conveys the horror and desolation of the WWI setting. The game’s art direction shines in its detailed environments and character animations, capturing the bleakness of war-torn landscapes, and the top-down perspective adds to the feeling of vulnerability, as players can only see a limited portion of their surroundings at any given time, heightening the tension as they navigate through the trenches.

The developers have masterfully recreated the horror of World War I, a conflict often overshadowed by the more frequently depicted World War II.

One of the most striking aspects of Conscript is its ability to evoke a sense of dread and hopelessness. The developers have masterfully recreated the horror of World War I, a conflict often overshadowed by the more frequently depicted World War II. The game does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of trench warfare. The sound of distant gunfire, the cries of wounded soldiers, and the constant threat of enemy attacks kept me alert for the entirety of the game.

The protagonist’s journey is one of desperation and determination. As a conscripted soldier, he is thrust into the horrors of war with little preparation or support. His quest to find his brother is fraught with danger and uncertainty. The narrative is delivered through well-written dialogue and cutscenes, which provide a deep and emotional connection to their struggles.

Resource Management and Combat

Resource management is a key component of Conscript’s gameplay. Players must carefully manage their inventory, balancing the need for weapons, ammunition, medical supplies, and other essential items. The scarcity of resources adds a layer of strategy to the game, forcing players to make difficult decisions about what to carry and what to leave behind.

Combat is designed to be challenging and realistic. The game’s controls are assumed to be deliberately clunky, reflecting the protagonist’s lack of experience and the chaotic nature of trench warfare. Players must carefully aim their shots and use cover to survive encounters with enemy soldiers. The inclusion of melee combat adds another layer of complexity as players can charge attacks or quickly strike an enemy or obstacle. However, these items can break, so just add this to another item you have to manage.

Further, Conscript features a variety of environmental puzzles that require players to think critically and use their surroundings to their advantage. These puzzles are cleverly designed and integrated into the setting, making them difficult to spot but still fun to solve. The puzzles range from simple tasks, such as finding keys and unlocking doors, to more complex challenges that require players to manipulate machinery and navigate hazardous environments.

Historical Accuracy and Replay Value

Conscript’s attention to detail is evident in its historical accuracy. The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the setting, weapons, and equipment are faithful to the period. This commitment to authenticity enhances the immersion and helps convey the horror of World War I. Conscript offers multiple difficulty settings to make things easier or more challenging, and there are also unlockables, such as new costumes and weapons, which provide incentives for players to replay.

The game captures the gritty, oppressive atmosphere of WWI trenches, blending it seamlessly with classic survival horror mechanics.

While Conscript excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. The game’s combat mechanics, while intentionally clunky, can sometimes feel frustrating and unresponsive. This can lead to moments of frustration, particularly during intense combat encounters. Additionally, the game’s pixel art style, while effective in conveying the atmosphere, makes things challenging to see sometimes. I found myself lost numerous times, having to access the map over and over to figure out how to progress.

Conclusion

Conscript is a powerful and haunting survival horror game that effectively combines historical authenticity with classic gameplay mechanics. The game’s setting, narrative, and atmosphere create an immersive and emotional experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Conscript is a shining example of what indie developers can achieve, and it is a title that should not be missed by fans of the genre. While I had a fun time playing, the historical nature of the experience has resonated with me the most, making this an easy recommendation.