The Devil Is In The Details (PS5) | REVIEW | A Devilishly Frightful Anomaly Hunt Horror Game . . .

The Devil is in the Details was developed and published by HideWorks. At its core, the game plunges you into a nightmarish setup where you're ensnared in a demonic gameshow hosted in the depths of hell. You play as an ordinary person thrust into this ordeal, guided by a enigmatic figure known as the Arbiter, who narrates your progress through a series of cursed mansions. The narrative is light, focusing more on survival than deep lore, revolving mostly around identifying subtle changes in your surroundings to perform cleansing rituals, all while evading the devil's tricks and minions in a bid to escape eternal torment.

In terms of content, the game offers four distinct campaigns, each set in a sprawling, haunted mansion with unique environmental themes and challenges. Key features include a clever randomization system for pranks and anomalies, ensuring no two playthroughs feel identical, as well as side activities like hunting for collectible mini-figures of the Arbiter or deciphering hidden riddles scattered in notes for bonus secrets. There's also a thoughtful customization option that lets you toggle off elements like enemies, jump scares, or time pressure, making it accessible in a "cozy" mode for less intense sessions.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay revolves around a first-person perspective that blends puzzle-solving with survival horror. The core mechanic is a phased approach. You start in an observation mode to memorize the layout and details of rooms, then switch to a ritual phase where you must pinpoint what's changed. It can be anything from shifted objects to new demonic presences. Mechanics emphasize quick thinking under duress, with tools like limited potions to extend your timer (which doubles as your health) or items to temporarily stun pursuing ghosts and monsters. You'll also need to disarm traps, flip switches in precise sequences, and plan efficient paths through the mansion to avoid deadly encounters, adding layers of strategy to the memory test.

The main objectives involve successfully spotting all anomalies in each phase to advance through the mansion's levels, cleansing cursed items by placing talismans, and surviving the escalating threats. Side goals, like collecting all 30 mini-Arbiters or unlocking a hidden quest through riddles, provide extra replay value. The ultimate end goal is to conquer the four campaigns, outsmarting the devil's escalating gameshow trials to presumably break free from hell's grasp, though failure means restarting from checkpoints with potential progress loss.

The Presentation ...

On the presentation front, the graphic design leans into a dark, atmospheric style with detailed, shadowy interiors that evoke a sense of dread in the decaying mansions. Think flickering lights, grotesque decorations, and subtle visual distortions that heighten the unease. Voice overs are present primarily through the Arbiter's commentary, delivered in a sinister, echoing tone that guides and taunts you effectively without overdoing it. The soundtrack complements this with ambient, haunting audio cues like distant whispers, creaking floors, and sudden bursts of tension-building music that amplify the horror without relying on bombastic scores.

The Verdict ...

Overall, The Devil is in the Details stands out for its innovative fusion of spot-the-difference puzzles with genuine survival elements, offering solid content depth through randomization and extras that encourage multiple runs. Its scariness shines in the randomized jump scares, relentless pursuits, and time-induced panic, making it a solid fright for those susceptible to atmospheric horror. I'd recommend it primarily to puzzle enthusiasts who crave a horror twist or indie horror fans looking for something fresh and customizable. It's ideal for short, intense sessions.