Injection π23 'Ars Regia' | PS4 Review

Piggybacking off of Abramelin Games' previous two entries in the Injection π23 series, 'Ars Regia' continues at chapter 9 with the trippy psycho-supernatural survival horror antics bringing the players up to date with the protagonist's ongoing predicament. In the previous installment we found a man in a hoodie chasing his dog out into the street only to be wisped away into what can best be described as a darkened dream state filled with malformed horrors. Horrors that inhabit a vacant city with streets and derelict buildings. Including apartment doors mysteriously marked with the number 23 as if to give the protagonist a clue in this foreboding trip down a nightmarish rabbit hole. Something which continues onward in a similar fashion ...

Much like the genre that inspires this survival horror title you'll find that in order to progress through the provided narrative journey key items must be located, horrors avoided, and puzzles solved. Utilizing a decked out and detailed inventory system, access to a map, and an inspector's worthy compendium of files, audio cassette recordings, and interesting extras the protagonist will not only have to survive the ordeal, but sleuth his way through as well. Talking to key characters, and opening up points of interest guarded by creatures with a keen sense for approach. The only reprieve being stamina, the ability to run away, the ability to set traps, and consumables for restorative measures. That and the trusty weapon plus flashlight combo which is a staple feature for such an adventure.

Starting off 'Injection π23' does what it does best by giving ample warning for what's ahead should the player dare to venture forward. It speaks of bloody, and grisly violence. Of a flashy experience not fit for the photosensitive. Oddly, it also tells the player that some of what is to transpire is based on real world events. Something games like this tend not to include in their plot. Beyond the warnings lie a visual assault on the senses not unlike a bad acid trip. Complete with binaural beats & sounds blasting through the controller completing the sensory overload. 

As with the previous first installment, and the extra chapters DLC you'll find an old school setup that is modernized via options to forgo dated tank controls. It is a chapter by chapter experience dropping you off neck deep into the storyline at chapter IX, "The Threshold of Owls". Like before you come into focus standing in the back alley of a city with no citizens. A dark apocalyptic locale trashed, and dilapidated. Your only choice is to investigate your surroundings, and move forward into the fray. It is this first step that leads you to an initial tutorial prompt explaining away the game's core mechanics. This includes enemy approach sensitivity, a mention of your health meter, the sound indicator, and your stamina gauge. Each tied into a circular UI indicator that's easy to figure out. That, and pop-up indicators that are a reaction of stumbling upon something you should be running away from. 

What you need to know is that at first dealing with enemy creatures is actually avoiding them as best as you can. At least until you can find a weapon, and the creature's weakness. Coming in close contact with the creatures will add an accessible file about them to your inventory menu with details on such things as weaknesses. 

Utilizing the stealth mechanics you'll soon realize that the sound emblem within the circular color coded stamina and health meter outlines turning red indicates that you are being too loud, and are more likely to be noticed. Upon nearing a creature you'll also see an eye indicator pop-up onscreen with a red meter that fills up as the creature becomes more aware of your presence, and tails you in hot pursuit. Aside from the stealth notifications you will also be managing health and stamina via consumables. Things that can be accessed via a quick access menu once its set to your inventory. You'll also be collecting parts for traps. The traps can be used to stall the creatures that you encounter. Something that's useful as key items are often times guarded by these beastly beings. 

Lastly, item finding and clue finding is the key to gaining access to previously inaccessible places. Mostly through puzzle solving or item interactions. Using the map in tandem with the clues you'll be able to better find out where it is you need to be going. The map itself features user friendly marking options that will show you areas of interest including precious save points. Ultimately each chapter is beholden to an area of the map, and the further you progress the further the map opens up.

Alongside the basic tutorials the game slowly details other options such as inventory access, and item examination via photo mode to help you better navigate the environments. While the game does have a map marked with key points of interests, save points, and locked areas there is no handholding. Thus you will have to reference the map frequently, and investigate all key points thoroughly for the items, and NPCs needed to forward the plot. Between the exploration, and key item hunting you'll have to avoid creature confrontations. Coming in contact with them will deplete health, and once all health is depleted it's "GAME OVER". Thankfully there are save points though, and these will offer a good place to pick up later on should you need a break. 

When you initially start you will be prompted to select from four different difficulty settings. Each of which offers the gamer a different experience. Easy being the newbies introduction to the genre, and Normal being for the experienced who are willing to play the puzzle side of things even if that means resorting to writing clues down with a pen and paper. Leaving the last two difficulty settings for the veterans, and those who are glutton for punishment. Do know that even on easy this game is still quite difficult.

Beyond the basics, and genre staples 'Injection π23' does something most modern games don't even do these days, and that is adding in controller functions that are interactive with onscreen gameplay. From the audio coming through the controller's speakers to color coded lights giving you hints towards objectives, and interactive features it helps to better immerse the gamer in the experience. Furthermore the developer drops the hint that this is a game best experience with the lights off, and the headphones on. 

I can tell you now that this is a truly scary, and unnerving game with the lights on. The creature pursuit element alone adds heightened tension. Their grotesque forms will strike fear into the most diehard horror fans. Accents to imagery like the inclusion of visual filters, and special effects give this game series an eerie appearance that actually 1ups Silent Hill, and yes that is a personal opinion. I do believe this game increases the fear factor through audio, and visual presentation. On modern consoles it looks really good as well, and Hella nightmarish. The style the developer was going for truly compliments the horror aspect.

The Verdict ...

This latest entry in the 'Injection π23' series is a polished, and updated experience that doesn't deviate too far from the beaten path. It offers, once gain, an unnerving look into a nightmarish world of unique pedigree. Though there are obvious inspirations at play it sets itself apart as a proper contender to the genre it is a part of. Having reviewed the first entry I can say that they have updated, and upgraded the game enough to warrant praise. It's a decent descent into madness. A fever pitched acid trip down the developer's version of Alice's rabbit hole. Where it takes you though depends entirely on how much horror you can stand. If you do like horror, and can stomach the intensity of it I'd suggest you picking up the entire series including this entry as it is a continuation. The original game goes for under twenty dollars whereas the follow-up DLC is five dollars. This entry following closer to the original entry's pricing.