Yomawari: Lost in the Dark | PS4

NISA's "Yomawari" series is their most deeply disturbing, but morally aligned creation to date. It combines tragedies centered around suicide, depression, bullying, and other mentally taxing things in a modern Japanese setting with a chibi anime art style. Something that transitions through said tragedies into a nightmarish 'Alice in Wonderland' style experience which takes in account local folklore. It is horror survival at it's core with telling twists for audiences willing to brave it's story. 

As Yuzu, in "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", you find yourself being brutally bullied by classmates from the start. Being told to go to Hell, and to die. Written abuse that is furthered by unrelenting physical attacks, and hurled insults. Something that appears to be so routine for the young female protagonist to the point she seemingly takes the hint, and jumps off the top of the school building to end her sorrow. While this intro detail is pointed towards that definitive direction the truth of the situation is made unclear as Yuzu awakes in a darkened, and heavily haunted version of her world. Eventually taking the advice of a mysterious girl who leads her out of the snow covered wilderness, and guides her to breaking the supposed curse cast on her in her own darkened hometown. A brief acquaintance which soon leaves Yuzu alone to tread on foot the spirit filled district with flashlight in hand in search of a series of locations with memories tied to them. Something that Yuzu is told will break her curse before the 6am deadline, so that she can be reunited with the mystery guide.

Like it's predecessor this latest entry in the Yomawari series keeps intact certain series mechanics. This includes the pebbles for distraction as well as the flashlight for seeing your surroundings, finding hidden objects, and revealing spirits that lie in wait. Additionally stealth movement returns through tiptoeing as well as stamina restricted running. New to the mix is the ability to cover your eyes while moving slowly. This aids in helping Yuzu not meet her bloody demise via more aggressive Yokai or spirits. Also returning is the Jizo save/teleport statues that cost a coin, and a prayer to save progress with. Coins are a limited commodity, but once you save at a shrine you can teleport to any other shrines you've saved at to help in navigating the maze-like layout of the local district you are in. 

When it comes to objectives there is a "Things I Found" list which features items you pick up that have their own part in Yuzu's backstory. Little trinkets, and bobbles from her past that are scattered all across the map, and at varying locations. There's also key items known as mementos that you'll stumble upon which will trigger flashbacks or "Memories", and it's through these memorable events that Yuzu will eventually be able to break her curse. Finding out where you need to go, and where things are is made possible through a star and exclamation mark speech bubble mechanic that highlights nearby interactive objects and items. Including signs, and map posts that will help you to better navigate through the claustrophobic streets, and alleyways.

While there is an objectively driven "To Do List" with the next key objective in mind the game does allow for some free exploration. To an extent. You will find, as Yuzu does, that certain paths are blocked by certain types of spirits, and that fatal mists are there to deter you, if briefly so. Alongside those spirits, and phenomenon that redirect are spirits that lead you to locations very much like Alice's White Rabbit. These can be mournful spirits, spirits of past acquaintances, and even animals like your pet cat Mugi or even stray dogs. When you see any of these it's usually a good idea to follow. At least until a threat is presented. Also worth noting is the occasional jump scare that will often times occur when you least expect it. Be it spirits committing suicide or children from missing posters there's plenty that will startle you if you're not paying attention. This is why NISA gives the player a stern warning before the game even starts.

For those of you looking for extras this Yomawari adventure does include an item compendium to complete, and to do list to check off, and trophies to unlock. You'll also find a cool little character customization menu at the beginning where you can change Yuzu's name, hairstyle, bangs, bag, and accessories. A feature that is also made available in her bedroom closet back at home. 

A Warning ...

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark, is not a game for the faint of heart. Nor is it a game for people who are in midst in a deep battle with depression or suicidal thoughts. This game contains hard hitting subject matter in that regard, and with the atmospheric and haunting soundtrack the feels are amplified tenfold. And again this is something NISA warns the player about when they start up the game. They warn people suffering from mental or physical issues to not play it. This is not something to be taken lightly, and I'm not being overly dramatic in relaying this warning. Play only if you can stomach this sort of heart wrenching and jump scare filled tale.

The Verdict ...

This latest entry in the Yomawari series is narratively different, and slightly mechanically so. The story being told is different, but just as impactful as the first game. It touches base on the sensitive subjects of bullying, abuse, and suicide. Something it handles maturely, but without playing things down so much. Though as kid friendly as the game might appear to be you might want to have your kids sit this one out. At least the littlest ones. It's not a kids game despite it's cute appearance. It is a very serious, and somber game with a lot of jump scares, traumatic events, and a very haunting soundtrack. That being said I think NISA did the series proud, and once again brought to the table a morally driven discussion in the guise of a game. As they so often do. It's what I love about that studio, and what excites me every time I get to review one of their more profound games. If you fancy a proper Halloween worthy survival horror adventure don't miss out on this one! Physical or digital!