The Inpatient is a horror game for PSVR in which you play as an amnesiac in a sanatorium.
SpecsUpdate
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Utilizes VR well to create a very scary experience
The Inpatient utilizes the fact that it's a VR game to it's advantage. In most horror games, you can simply cover your eyes and ears during moments of pure terror. However, this experience is delivered via VR which means you're locked into the action at all times and can't look away.
There are definitely jump scares, but a majority of the horror and dread is the environment itself. Creaks, growls, and moans wail through the sanitarium. Blood stains abound. Corpses litter the floor, unseen hands smash furniture, and skittering noises come from behind you. There's more than a few chills to be had when something scratches at the door next to you or you're walking down a very dimly lit hallway. When talking to other characters, it feels like you're standing right next to them and you can even interact using your own voice.
Pro Audio design is very immersive
The game utilizes 3D binaural audio to great effect and goes to great length to make the player feel like they are in the game world. Voices, growls, and screams sound like they are coming from behind you when they are, in fact, behind you. Sound effects appear on your left or right depending on where you're standing in relation to the noise. Cell doors creak and screams can be heard in the distance. Additionally, during the dialogue parts of the game, you can choose the dialogue options by using your voice to speak the lines which really helps to draw the player into the role.
Pro The Playstation Move controller acts as a flashlight in-game
If you're controlling the game with the Playstation Move controller, it acts as a flashlight which can be used to light up dark hallways and pan your light around rooms during exploration. It gives the sensation of holding a real flashlight in your hands as you search the many darkened areas within the game world.
Pro Branching story based on choices adds replayability
The Inpatient is a prequel to Until Dawn, and as such, it utilizes the same type of "Butterfly Effect" story system. While roaming the halls of the Blackwood Sanatorium, there are several major events in which the player must make a choice. Depending on which choice is made, the story will change and this results in certain characters living or dying.
This branching story adds a degree of replayability since the game features multiple endings and outcomes for most of the various characters. It must be played through several times to see everything it has to offer.
Cons
Con Very linear
While some optional side rooms exist, most of the game is a walk from point A to point B, and the game doesn't stray too far from this simple formula.
Con Seeing a different ending requires playing the entire game again
There is no saving system at branching story paths, so if you want to see a different ending you will have to play through the entire game again from start to finish.
Con Memory transistions are too bright
When a memory is discovered, the transition into the memory involves a very bright, flashing white light that may hurt the eyes of light sensitive players. It's something to be aware of if you suffer from epilepsy or a related condition.
Con Very short length
The game only takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to play through in it's entirety.