{{Short description|2023 video game}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox video game | title = World of Horror | image = WorldOfHorror.jpg | developer = Paweł Koźmiński | publisher = {{Video game release|class=nowrap|WW|Ysbryd Games|JP|Playism}} | composer = {{ubl|Sebastian Zybowski|Joseph Bailey}} | engine = GameMaker Studio 2 | platforms = {{ubl|macOS|Windows|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 4|PlayStation 5}} | released = {{ubl|'''macOS, Windows'''|19 October 2023|'''Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5'''|26 October 2023}} | genre = Role-playing, horror | modes = Single-player }}
'''''World of Horror'''''{{efn|Also known by its Japanese title {{Nihongo|'''''Kyōfu no Sekai'''''|恐怖の世界||lead=yes}}}} is a 2023 role-playing video game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. It takes place in the year "198X" in the fictional town of Shiokawa, Japan. The player explores various locations and fights otherworldly creatures in order to halt a looming apocalypse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wachter |first=Sam |date=18 February 2023 |title=World of Horror Review |url=https://rpgamer.com/review/world-of-horror-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803195544/https://rpgamer.com/review/world-of-horror-review/ |archive-date=3 August 2024 |access-date= |website=RPGamer}}</ref><ref name="Dozsa">{{Cite web |last=Dozsa |first=Preston |date=27 February 2019 |title=[Interview] How 'World of Horror' Captures Junji Ito's Brand of Cosmic Horror in Video Game Form |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3548570/world-horror-captures-junji-itos-brand-cosmic-horror-video-game-form/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906004339/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3548570/world-horror-captures-junji-itos-brand-cosmic-horror-video-game-form/ |archive-date=6 September 2022 |access-date= |website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref>
Initially conceived as a card board game, Koźmiński later reimagined the project as a video game, inspired by the works of H. P. Lovecraft and Junji Ito, among others. The game's art design has a 1-bit pixel art, created by Koźmiński in Microsoft Paint. Cassandra Khaw provided additional writing, while Sebastian Zybowski and Joseph Bailey composed the soundtrack. Koźmiński released several ''World of Horror'' demos on itch.io before launching the game in early access in February 2020. After several delays, the full game was released on 19 October 2023 for macOS and Windows. Versions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 were released on 26 October. It received generally favorable reviews, with praise for its narrative and visuals, though some criticism was directed at its gameplay, particularly the combat.
== Gameplay == thumb|left|Screenshot of enemy encounter
''World of Horror'' is a roguelite role-playing game, built around individual self-contained playthroughs consisting of five different "mysteries" that must be solved, each corresponding to one of five keys that are used at the end of the playthrough to enter a locked lighthouse, in order to defeat one of several possible Old Gods that is threatening the town. The player must do this before the game's "DOOM" meter reaches 100%, which marks the point at which the entity is summoned. DOOM increases each time the player takes an action, and can increase further as a result of certain events. Each of the various Old Gods apply various unique effects or limitations on gameplay.<ref name="Brunskill">{{Cite web |last=Brunskill |first=Kerry |date=24 October 2023 |title=World of Horror review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802040752/https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-review/ |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date= |website=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref name="Bell">{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Alice |date=18 October 2023 |title=World Of Horror review: a weird and wonderful horror adventure in time for Halloween |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/world-of-horror-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803143925/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/world-of-horror-review |archive-date=3 August 2024 |access-date=27 February 2024 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref>
The game features turn-based combat where the player queues up actions and attacks to be used against hostile creatures,<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMullen |first=Paige |date=2020-05-03 |title=World of Horror: Beginner's Guide to Combat and Enemy Stats |url=https://screenrant.com/world-of-horror-beginners-guide-combat-enemy-stats/ |access-date=2020-12-09 |website=Screen Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129222427/https://screenrant.com/world-of-horror-beginners-guide-combat-enemy-stats/ |url-status=live}}</ref> many of which are based on creatures from Japanese horror manga or urban legends, such as Kuchisake-onna.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaver |first=Morgan |date=2020-02-21 |title=World of Horror {{!}} A Junji Ito Fan's Nightmarish Paradise |url=https://indieobscura.com/article/2505/world-of-horror-a-junji-ito-fans-nightmarish-paradise |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421005331/https://indieobscura.com/article/2505/world-of-horror-a-junji-ito-fans-nightmarish-paradise |archive-date=2020-04-21 |access-date=2020-12-09 |website=IndieObscura |language=en}}</ref> The game also incorporates adventure game and roguelike elements through its exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Norman|first=Thomas|date=5 November 2020|title=WORLD OF HORROR: An Investigative Interactive RPG, Grimoire of Horror|url=https://www.grimoireofhorror.com/the-yurei/world-of-horror/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Grimoire of Horror|language=en-US|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228222640/https://www.grimoireofhorror.com/the-yurei/world-of-horror/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Watts |first=Rachel |date=2020-02-21 |title=World of Horror is a gruesome adventure game inspired by the work of Junji Ito |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-is-a-gruesome-adventure-game-inspired-by-the-work-of-junji-ito/ |magazine=PC Gamer |language=en-US |access-date=2020-12-09 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227090914/https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-is-a-gruesome-adventure-game-inspired-by-the-work-of-junji-ito/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Development and release == ''World of Horror'' is the debut project of Polish developer Paweł Koźmiński, also known as Panstasz.<ref name="Crecente">{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=9 April 2019 |title='World of Horror' Is a Frightening 1-Bit Masterpiece |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/features/world-of-horror-is-a-frightening-1-bit-masterpiece-1203180784/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529030256/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/features/world-of-horror-is-a-frightening-1-bit-masterpiece-1203180784/ |archive-date=29 May 2022 |access-date= |website=Variety}}</ref> Initially conceived as a card board game,<ref name="McCarthy">{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=14 September 2018 |title=The Backbone of the 1-Bit World of Horror is a Card Game |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/junji-ito-macintosh-1-bit-world-of-horror-indie-preview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729225733/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/junji-ito-macintosh-1-bit-world-of-horror-indie-preview |archive-date=29 July 2022 |access-date= |website=USgamer}}</ref> it draws inspiration from the works of H. P. Lovecraft and Junji Ito, 1970s and 1980s Japanese horror,<ref name="Dozsa" /> direct-to-video films, as well as ''The Thing'' (1982) and ''The Fly'' (1986).<ref name="Crecente" /> Finding the card board game format too time-consuming, Koźmiński later reimagined the project as a video game,<ref name="McCarthy" /> developing it during his spare time while working as a dentist.<ref name="Conditt">{{Cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=20 September 2019 |title=A dentist made a game in MS Paint and it's terrifying |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-20-world-of-horror-junji-ito-hp-lovecraft-hypercard-game.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522051154/https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-20-world-of-horror-junji-ito-hp-lovecraft-hypercard-game.html |archive-date=22 May 2024 |access-date= |website=Engadget}}</ref> A publishing deal with Ysbryd Games eventually allowed him to pursue ''World of Horror'' full-time.<ref name="Crecente" />
Cassandra Khaw, known for her work on ''Sunless Skies'' (2019) and ''Wasteland 3'' (2020), provided additional writing.<ref name="Robertson">{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=19 February 2020 |title=World of Horror is a creepy, retro, and completely hypnotic horror game |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/19/21120144/world-of-horror-steam-panstasz-lovecraft-early-access-launch-preview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228040158/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/19/21120144/world-of-horror-steam-panstasz-lovecraft-early-access-launch-preview |archive-date=28 February 2024 |access-date= |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="Prescott">{{Cite web |last=Prescott |first=Shaun |date=17 January 2020 |title=World of Horror, a creepy 1-bit style horror RPG, will release next month |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-a-creepy-1-bit-style-horror-rpg-will-release-next-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304221636/https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-horror-a-creepy-1-bit-style-horror-rpg-will-release-next-month |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date= |website=PC Gamer}}</ref> The Old Gods, who serve as antagonists in ''World of Horror'', were partly inspired by the deities in Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos.<ref name="Dozsa" /> For the art design, Koźmiński created thousands of images using Microsoft Paint. He found the limitations of the editor "actually really inspiring and somehow relaxing", noting that it "really force[s] you to get creative with it, which is a huge thing". He opted for a 1-bit pixel art style to emulate Ito's manga<ref name="Conditt" /> and to evoke the aesthetic of early computer interfaces, such as those of the PC-8800, PC-9801, and Macintosh II.<ref name="Dozsa" /> The game was developed using the GameMaker Studio 2 engine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baravalle |first=Alessandro |date=19 February 2020 |title=World of Horror — prova |url=https://www.eurogamer.it/world-of-horror-prova-anteprima |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108211802/https://www.eurogamer.it/world-of-horror-prova-anteprima |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=Eurogamer |language=Italian}}</ref>
Between 2016 and 2019, Koźmiński released several ''World of Horror'' demos on itch.io.<ref name="McCarthy" /><ref name="Robertson" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |date=7 June 2019 |title=Panstasz's Junji Ito-Inspired RPG 'World of Horror' Demo Now Available! |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3566004/panstaszs-junji-ito-inspired-rpg-world-horror-demo-now-available/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125182858/https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3566004/panstaszs-junji-ito-inspired-rpg-world-horror-demo-now-available/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date= |website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref> He announced the game in July 2018 with a teaser trailer on YouTube<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ae1lAanhUg |title=WORLD OF HORROR announcement trailer |date=31 July 2018 |access-date=}}</ref><ref name="Romano">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=1 August 2018 |title="Cosmic horror retro RPG" WORLD OF HORROR announced for PS4, Switch, and PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2018/08/cosmic-horror-retro-rpg-world-of-horror-announced-for-ps4-switch-and-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923074240/https://www.gematsu.com/2018/08/cosmic-horror-retro-rpg-world-of-horror-announced-for-ps4-switch-and-pc |archive-date=23 September 2023 |access-date= |website=Gematsu}}</ref> and showcased the project at various events, including PAX.<ref name="Crecente" /><ref name="McCarthy" /> It was launched in early access in February 2020,<ref name="Prescott" /> followed by numerous updates based on player feedback to expand both story and gameplay elements.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=【特集】“まだ話すには早い”新情報もチラリ…1bitなビジュアルが超絶痺れるコズミックホラーRPG『恐怖の世界』開発者に直撃インタビュー！ |url=https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2023/10/22/135242.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027003629/https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2023/10/22/135242.html |archive-date=27 October 2023 |access-date= |website=GameSpark |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |date=30 October 2020 |title=Video GamesLatest 'World of Horror' Update Brings New Content, Multiple Endings |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3639579/latest-world-horror-update-brings-new-content-multiple-endings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831103921/https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3639579/latest-world-horror-update-brings-new-content-multiple-endings/ |archive-date=31 August 2021 |access-date= |website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Allen |first=Eric |date=2 December 2021 |title=World of Horror gets a big update with new mysteries, characters, events, and more |url=https://www.destructoid.com/world-of-horror-update-ceaseless-curse-indie-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126210602/https://www.destructoid.com/world-of-horror-update-ceaseless-curse-indie-news/ |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date= |website=Destructoid}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Josh |date=31 October 2022 |title=World of Horror Blood Moon Update Adds New Mystery |url=https://www.siliconera.com/world-of-horror-blood-moon-update-adds-new-mystery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221190622/https://www.siliconera.com/world-of-horror-blood-moon-update-adds-new-mystery/ |archive-date=21 February 2024 |access-date= |website=Siliconera}}</ref>}} The full game was released on 19 October 2023 for macOS and Windows,<ref name="Bell" /> after several delays—initially from its original 2019 release date to late 2020,<ref name="Romano" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=16 January 2020 |title=World of Horror brings creeping terror to PC this February |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/115848/world-of-horror-brings-creeping-terror-to-pc-this-february |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923145129/https://www.shacknews.com/article/115848/world-of-horror-brings-creeping-terror-to-pc-this-february |archive-date=23 September 2021 |access-date= |website=Shacknews}}</ref> then to summer 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doke |first=Shunal |date=3 January 2023 |title=World of Horror Exits Early Access in Summer 2023 Alongside PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch Release |url=https://gamingbolt.com/world-of-horror-exits-early-access-in-summer-2023-alongside-ps4-ps5-and-nintendo-switch-release |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208035751/https://gamingbolt.com/world-of-horror-exits-early-access-in-summer-2023-alongside-ps4-ps5-and-nintendo-switch-release |archive-date=8 February 2023 |access-date= |website=GamingBolt}}</ref> and finally to its October date. The soundtrack, composed by Sebastian Zybowski and Joseph Bailey, was released on 24 October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuryokova |first=Akulina |date=10 December 2021 |title=World of Horror: MS Paint + One Dev |url=https://indiegamefans.com/world-of-horror-made-in-ms-paint-by-one-guy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616213807/https://indiegamefans.com/world-of-horror-made-in-ms-paint-by-one-guy/ |archive-date=16 June 2024 |access-date= |website=Indie Game Fans}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2023 |title=Enjoy Eerie Music with the Official Soundtrack for WORLD OF HORROR |url=https://rpggamers.com/news/enjoy-eerie-music-with-the-official-soundtrack-for-world-of-horror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108214347/https://rpggamers.com/news/enjoy-eerie-music-with-the-official-soundtrack-for-world-of-horror |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=RPG Gamers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=WORLD OF HORROR Soundtrack + New Merch, Available Now! |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/913740/view/3752120310354628586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108214735/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/913740/view/3752120310354628586 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=Steam}}</ref> Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions followed on 26 October,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Ravi |date=23 October 2023 |title=World of Horror is Available Now on PC, Console Versions Delayed to October 26th |url=https://gamingbolt.com/world-of-horror-is-available-now-on-pc-console-versions-delayed-to-october-26th |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108215302/https://gamingbolt.com/world-of-horror-is-available-now-on-pc-console-versions-delayed-to-october-26th |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=GamingBolt}}</ref> with the physical Switch edition including an instruction manual and the Old Gods art card set.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2023 |title=World of Horror Switch physical release revealed |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/world-of-horror-switch-physical-release-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712203252/https://nintendoeverything.com/world-of-horror-switch-physical-release-revealed/ |archive-date=12 July 2023 |access-date= |website=Nintendo Everything}}</ref> Fangamer also launched a line of ''World of Horror'' merchandise, featuring items such as clothing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World of Horror |url=https://www.fangamer.com/collections/world-of-horror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006041039/https://www.fangamer.com/collections/world-of-horror |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |access-date= |website=Fangamer}}</ref>
== Reception == === Critical response === {{Video game reviews | MC = {{abbr|NS|Nintendo Switch}}: 81/100<ref name="Metacritic-NS">{{Cite web |title=World of Horror (Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241108222234/https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=Metacritic}}</ref><br />{{abbr|PS4|PlayStation 4}}: 76/100<ref name="Metacritic-PS4">{{Cite web |title=World of Horror (PlayStation 4 Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241108222249/https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=Metacritic}}</ref><br />{{abbr|Win|Windows}}: 77/100<ref name="Metacritic-PC">{{Cite web |title=World of Horror (PC Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240129222907/https://www.metacritic.com/game/world-of-horror/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date= |website=Metacritic}}</ref> | OC = 79% recommend<ref name="OpenCritic">{{Cite web |title=World of Horror Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/10848/world-of-horror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002020618/https://opencritic.com/game/10848/world-of-horror |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date= |website=OpenCritic}}</ref> | Destruct = 8/10<ref name="Handley">{{Cite web |last=Handley |first=Zoey |date=18 October 2023 |title=Review: World of Horror |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-world-of-horror/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803141828/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-world-of-horror/ |archive-date=3 August 2024 |access-date= |website=Destructoid}}</ref> | Edge = 7/10<ref name="Edge">{{Cite magazine |date=December 2023 |title=World of Horror |magazine=Edge |issue=391 |page=120}}</ref> | EuroG = 3/5<ref name="Wales">{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=21 December 2023 |title=World of Horror review — atmospheric retro dread as fleeting as a nightmare |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/world-of-horror-review-atmospheric-retro-dread-as-fleeting-as-a-nightmare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521231459/https://www.eurogamer.net/world-of-horror-review-atmospheric-retro-dread-as-fleeting-as-a-nightmare |archive-date=21 May 2024 |access-date= |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> | Fam = 29/40<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=November 1, 2023|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/11/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1822|title=''Famitsu'' Review Scores: Issue 1822|website=Gematsu|access-date=May 23, 2025}}</ref> | Gamezebo = 80/100<ref name="Roberts">{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Sho |date=13 December 2023 |title=World of Horror Review — How Horrific Is It? |url=https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/world-of-horror-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407022829/https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/world-of-horror-review/ |archive-date=7 April 2024 |access-date= |website=Gamezebo}}</ref> | NLife = 8/10<ref name="Vogel">{{Cite web |last=Vogel |first=Mitch |date=5 November 2023 |title=World of Horror Review (Switch eShop) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/world-of-horror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813120414/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/world-of-horror |archive-date=13 August 2024 |access-date= |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> | PCGUS = 85/100<ref name="Brunskill" /> | Play = 7/10<ref name="Taylor-Kent">{{Cite magazine |last=Taylor-Kent |first=Oscar |date=January 2024 |title=World of Horror: Fear the old gods |magazine=Play |issue=35 |page=75}}</ref> | RPG = 4/5<ref name="Wachter">{{Cite web |last=Wachter |first=Sam |date=18 October 2023 |title=World of Horror Review |url=https://rpgamer.com/review/world-of-horror-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803195544/https://rpgamer.com/review/world-of-horror-review/ |archive-date=3 August 2024 |access-date= |website=RPGamer}}</ref> | TR = 4/5<ref name="Chatziioannou">{{Cite web |last=Chatziioannou |first=Alexander |date=18 October 2023 |title=World of Horror review — portents of apocalypse |url=https://www.techradar.com/gaming/world-of-horror-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802033535/https://www.techradar.com/gaming/world-of-horror-review |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date= |website=TechRadar}}</ref> | TA = 4/5<ref name="Musgrave">{{Cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=13 November 2023 |title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'FX Unit Yuki' & 'World of Horror', Plus New Releases and Sales |url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/11/14/world-of-horror-switch-review-nintendo-indie-world-showcase-november-2023-game-announcements-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908230844/https://toucharcade.com/2023/11/14/world-of-horror-switch-review-nintendo-indie-world-showcase-november-2023-game-announcements-list/ |archive-date=8 September 2024 |access-date= |website=TouchArcade}}</ref> }}
''World of Horror'' received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic.<ref name="Metacritic-NS" /><ref name="Metacritic-PS4" /><ref name="Metacritic-PC" /> OpenCritic determined that 79% of critics recommended the game.<ref name="OpenCritic" /> In Japan, four critics from ''Famitsu'' gave the game a total score of 29 out of 40.<ref name="famitsu" /> It was praised for its narrative<ref name="Vogel" /><ref name="Chatziioannou" /><ref name="Bardhan">{{Cite web |last=Bardhan |first=Ashley |date=26 October 2023 |title=You've Never Played Anything Like This Junji Ito-Inspired Horror Game |url=https://kotaku.com/world-of-horror-game-release-steam-review-junji-ito-1850959984 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719160843/https://kotaku.com/world-of-horror-game-release-steam-review-junji-ito-1850959984 |archive-date=19 July 2024 |access-date= |website=Kotaku}}</ref> and visuals,<ref name="Edge" /><ref name="Wales" /><ref name="Taylor-Kent" /> with some criticisms directed at its gameplay, particularly the combat.<ref name="Bell" /><ref name="Roberts" /><ref name="Macdonald">{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Cheyenne |date=30 October 2023 |title=World of Horror is a skin-crawling dread machine that does its inspirations proud |url=https://www.engadget.com/world-of-horror-is-a-skin-crawling-dread-machine-that-does-its-inspirations-proud-183000816.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104223110/https://www.engadget.com/world-of-horror-is-a-skin-crawling-dread-machine-that-does-its-inspirations-proud-183000816.html |archive-date=4 November 2023 |access-date= |website=Engadget}}</ref> Kerry Brunskill of ''PC Gamer'' deemed ''World of Horror'' a "superb horror adventure" and one of 2023's best horror games, commending its creativity.<ref name="Brunskill" /> Alice Bell of ''Rock Paper Shotgun'' (''RPS'') called it a "remarkable horror game",<ref name="Bell" /> while Shaun Musgrave of ''TouchArcade'' considered it a horror masterpiece and a must-play for genre fans.<ref name="Chatziioannou" /> Mitch Vogel of ''Nintendo Life'' described the game as "one of the most unique roguelites" for Switch,<ref name="Vogel" /> while ''TechRadar''{{'}}s Alexander Chatziioannou praised it as "constantly surprising, genuinely unsettling, and truly unlike anything you've played".<ref name="Chatziioannou" /> Zoey Handley of ''Destructoid'' acknowledged the game's strong Junji Ito influences but felt that it still maintained a distinct creative vision and "seems to hit all its goals".<ref name="Handley" /> Matt Wales of ''Eurogamer'' found the game captivating and atmospheric, despite "fleet, flimsy, and forgettable" moments.<ref name="Wales" /> ''Kotaku''{{'}}s Ashley Bardhan praised the game as "well-oiled" and commended its avoidance of horror clichés.<ref name="Bardhan" /> While several reviewers applauded ''World of Horror''{{'}}s blend of narrative and gameplay elements,<ref name="Vogel" /><ref name="Chatziioannou" /><ref name="Musgrave" /> Bardhan found the game "too stuffed", feeling overwhelmed by its abundance of content.<ref name="Bardhan" />
Sho Roberts of ''Gamezebo'' described the game's narrative as "incredibly immersive",<ref name="Roberts" /> a sentiment echoed by ''TechRadar''{{'}}s Chatziioannou, who felt that it "brilliantly channels the confusion and uncertainty of a hapless teenager faced with unfathomable entities of limitless power".<ref name="Chatziioannou" /> Brunskill of ''PC Gamer'' praised the narrative for evoking "an unsettling feeling of being lost or hunted" and highlighted the fragmented storytelling as one of the game's strengths.<ref name="Brunskill" /> Wales of ''Eurogamer'' called the "deliciously varied" mysteries as the game's "bloody, mangled heart", though he noted that they "lose their lustre" during playthroughs. While Wales criticized the narrative choices as "perfunctory",<ref name="Wales" /> ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s Vogel found them "impactful".<ref name="Vogel" />
Vogel of ''Nintendo Life'' lauded the role-playing elements and overall gameplay design.<ref name="Vogel" /> Wales of ''Eurogamer'' praised the modding support and the "pleasingly flexible" combat, though he noted that the enemies were "dim as a bucket", as their predictable behavior led to repetitive tactics.<ref name="Wales" /> ''Engadget''{{'}}s Cheyenne Macdonald found the combat "engaging enough", though occasionally "a bit frustrating".<ref name="Macdonald" /> Bell of ''RPS'' and Oscar Taylor-Kent of ''Play'' criticized the combat, with Bell describing it as repetitive and Taylor-Kent deeming it "maybe [''World of Horror'']'s biggest flaw".<ref name="Bell" /><ref name="Taylor-Kent" /> ''Gamezebo''{{'}}s Roberts appreciated the custom story feature but was frustrated by a save bug that reset the progress a few times.<ref name="Roberts" />
Chatziioannou of ''TechRadar'' praised the game's investigation mechanic as its "most ingenious" feature, highlighting its integration with other gameplay elements. However, he found the alternate endings underwhelming and described the differences between playable characters as "mostly trivial".<ref name="Chatziioannou" /> Brunskill of ''PC Gamer'' lauded the replay system as a "practical, patience-saving alternative to the usual roguelike setup". She also described ''World of Horror'' as "enjoyably unpredictable", adding that, despite its short playthroughs, it is "a very easy game to play all night long".<ref name="Brunskill" /> ''Edge'' likened the game's replayability to revisiting a favorite horror novel or film but noted that the "fear factor dissipates over successive runs". The publication also criticized the roguelike elements as a "slightly awkward fit".<ref name="Edge" /> Both ''TouchArcade''{{'}}s Musgrave and ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s Vogel expressed disappointment over the lack of touchscreen support on Switch and Steam Deck.<ref name="Vogel" /><ref name="Musgrave" />
Bardhan of ''Kotaku'' and Macdonald of ''Engadget'' lauded the game's visual design, highlighting its emulation of Ito's style.<ref name="Bardhan" /><ref name="Macdonald" /> Macdonald further noted that the game "truly excels [...] in its attention to horrifying detail".<ref name="Macdonald" /> Vogel of ''Nintendo Life'' described the visuals as a "fantastic companion" to the text, enhancing the game's bleak tone.<ref name="Vogel" /> ''Gamezebo''{{'}}s Roberts commended the "bold graphical choices", emphasizing that while ''World of Horror'' appear as "another pixel game", it is "much more than that".<ref name="Roberts" /> Chatziioannou of ''TechRadar'' found the presentation "striking" and "delightfully eerie", with emphasis on how it captured contemporary anxieties.<ref name="Chatziioannou" /> Roberts and ''Destructoid''{{'}}s Handley both praised the music,<ref name="Handley" /><ref name="Roberts" /> with Handley noting that it "does a lot to fit the mysteries" and calling it "well executed".<ref name="Handley" /> Conversely, ''Edge'' argued that the music was "too grating" at times.<ref name="Edge" />
=== Accolades === ''World of Horror'' was selected as the Best of Show at the Media Indie Exchange showcase during PAX West 2018.<ref name="McCarthy" /> At IndieCade 2023, it was nominated for both the Audio Design Spotlight Award and the Visual Design Spotlight Award, winning the latter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Festival 2023 Games |url=https://www.indiecade.com/festival-2023/games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927113530/https://www.indiecade.com/festival-2023/games/ |archive-date=27 September 2024 |access-date= |website=IndieCade}}</ref> ''World of Horror'' appeared on several Best Horror Games of 2023 lists, including those by ''Fangoria'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=George |date=21 December 2023 |title=Top 14 Must-Play Horror Video Games Of 2023 |url=https://www.fangoria.com/best-horror-video-games-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241108222950/https://www.fangoria.com/best-horror-video-games-2023/ |archive-date=8 November 2024 |access-date= |website=Fangoria}}</ref> ''IGN'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=12 December 2023 |title=The Best Horror Game of 2023 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-horror-games-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917093936/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-horror-games-2023 |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date= |website=IGN}}</ref> and ''Screen Rant''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Amato |first=Lee |date=13 December 2023 |title=10 Best Horror Games Of 2023 |url=https://screenrant.com/best-horror-games-2023-alan-wake-resident-evil/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215212853/https://screenrant.com/best-horror-games-2023-alan-wake-resident-evil/ |archive-date=15 December 2023 |access-date= |website=Screen Rant}}</ref> It was also named one of the Best Games, Best Turn-Based RPGs, and Best PC Games of 2023 by ''NPR'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perkins Mastromarino |first=James |date=4 December 2023 |title=The best games of 2023, picked by the NPR staff |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/18/1187554727/best-new-video-games-xbox-ps5-nintendo-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009161015/https://www.npr.org/2023/07/18/1187554727/best-new-video-games-xbox-ps5-nintendo-2023 |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date= |website=NPR}}</ref> ''TheGamer'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eakin |first=Jon |date=23 December 2023 |title=The 9 Best Turn Based RPGs Of 2023 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/best-turn-based-rpgs-of-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114162632/https://www.thegamer.com/best-turn-based-rpgs-of-2023/ |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date= |website=TheGamer}}</ref> and ''The Verge'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=27 December 2023 |title=10 great Windows PC games from 2023 |url=https://www.theverge.com/23979457/best-windows-pc-games-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506224852/https://www.theverge.com/23979457/best-windows-pc-games-2023 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date= |website=The Verge}}</ref> respectively.
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | IndieCade | rowspan="2" | 5 November 2023 | Audio Design Spotlight Award | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" {{centered|<ref name="McCarthy" /> |- | Visual Design Spotlight Award | {{won}} |}
== See also == * Ditherpunk
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|https://www.wohgame.com/}}
Category:2020s horror video games Category:2023 video games Category:Cthulhu Mythos video games Category:Early access video games Category:GameMaker games Category:Indie games Category:Japan in non-Japanese culture Category:MacOS games Category:Monochrome video games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:PlayStation 4 games Category:PlayStation 5 games Category:Retro-style video games Category:Role-playing video games Category:Single-player video games Category:Video games developed in Poland Category:Video games set in Japan Category:Video games set in the 1980s Category:Video games using procedural generation Category:Windows games Category:Ysbryd Games games