Visage | PS4 Review

SadSquare Studio's psychological horror, Visage, starts off with a bang. A literal bang. Through a first-person perspective we witness what appears to be a murder-suicide. Details on the situation are not immediately given, but it can be assumed that the gunman is the protagonist of this sordid affair. Upon putting the final bullet into his own head the protagonist's world fades to black. Abruptly transitioning into what can best be described as a hellish nightmare scenario. Trapped within his ever-morphing home he tries to make sense of the madness that now surrounds him. From ghastly specters to paranormal activity brought on by prolonged exposure to darkness the protagonist slowly comes to terms with the reasoning for his state of being. Popping pills, lighting lights, and finding keys to open up the house further for exploration as he tries to come to grips with his reality, or lack thereof. 

Like any first-person horror game of modern times you'll find plenty of inspired elements, and features brought forth from similar titles. Things like transitioning locations, ghosts, and paranormal activity come to light as you make your way throughout the game's house setting. As you find clues, and use key items to interact and unlock further exploration opportunities you'll be trying to keep your sanity in check. Triggering events upon inspecting things, and even doubling back through familiar territory for progression sake. It is like a mixture of Resident Evil, Konami's P.T. Demo, and the old clue oriented Slenderman games. The further you progress the more the story, and hidden plot opens up. Eventually returning you to the initial scene of the crime. Helping you to come to terms with the decisions you have made as the protagonist, and in a way make you atone for what you have done, or aimed to do.

The gameplay, itself, is slow paced and methodical. It is atmospheric in nature, and incorporates visuals that are seemingly realistic in design further heightening the illusion of realism and insanity, and in doing so increasing the intensity of the various hauntings that the protagonist happens upon. Through it's cryptic nature it keeps you, the player, guessing as to what actually transpired, and has you coming to terms with things alongside the character in real time. Through gradually intensifying moments of discovery you'll feel the dread, uncertainty, and delusional state of the person you take on the role of. Ultimately ending it all in a way that is as hard hitting as the opening scene.

There are a few mechanics within Visage that you'll be utilizing as you make your way through the house, and it's other locations. The most prominent mechanic being the sanity indicator that flashes when your character encounters troubling situations such as those that pertain to poltergeist-like moments, and encounters with the resident spirits. To calm the protagonist's nerves you'll need to either light up rooms via candles, lamps, switches or a lighter. Either that or take some pills which will reduce the sanity effect. While maintaining your sanity you'll also need to explore the various rooms some of which require hidden keys to unlock. Other times you'll be looking at clues such as child's drawings, or trails of metaphorical bread crumbs to know where you need to be in order to further the plot. The occasional television broadcast, and radio broadcast also comes into play. As with Konamii's P.T. demo you'll even be tasked with doubling down on redirecting your attention to certain areas such as those with flickering or colored lighting. The game does a good job of nudging you in the right direction, but will not outright tell you where it is that you need to go.

Visage is a visually realistic, and audibly haunting game that leans more on realistic sound effects above added music. The house looks like a real house, and the characters as real as they can be for a video game of this nature. It is the chilling atmosphere, and attention to detail though that really makes the experience as impactful as it is, and sells it's premise. From the scared breaths of the protagonist, to the creaks of footsteps, and demonic growls of ghouls and ghosts the world in which you find yourself comes to life, and frightfully so.

The Verdict ...

For a game that lasts around five hours in total Visage carries the story along at a commendable pace. From it's startling beginning to it's roller coaster ride of madness going forward the player will feel every pivotal moment as it is. You'll find that the ambient, and atmospheric soundtrack along with the haunting visuals create an experience that mirrors that of our own nightmares as well. The sleepless Hell we find ourselves in when our past comes back to haunt us. Being it blends the psychological with the paranormal it creates intrigue that warrants exploring. It brings the player into an uncomfortable realization in regards to insanity, and the struggles those with psychotic tendencies often times go through. That, and the haunting consequences of violent actions. Perhaps, somewhere along the line, invoking a sense of sympathy or forgiveness over total condemnation. That, and a pity for the victims of those who live with such a troubled loved one. Though the narrative is mostly environmentally driven in Visage the storytelling is still clear enough to carry the gamer through supposing they have the nerves to see it through to the end. It is that masterful storytelling that earns Visage a recommended rating from yours truly. While it does take noticeable inspiration it is a work of art all it's own. Something that all horror fans can enjoy.