Ad Infinitum

External Download

Bone-chilling psychological horror game

External Download

Bone-chilling psychological horror game

Vote: (8 votes)

Program license: Paid

Version: 2017

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(8 votes)

Paid

Version

2017

Works under:

Pros

Deeply engaging story interweaving family drama and war
Unique blend of home exploration and trench warfare settings
Strategic gameplay with focus on evasion and puzzle-solving
Stunning graphics and immersive soundscape
Thought-provoking depiction of psychological trauma

Cons

Occurrences of technical bugs that can impede gameplay
Lack of traditional combat may not appeal to all players
Intense themes might be overwhelming for some audiences

Ad Infinitum is a gripping survival horror game that delves into the psychological and emotional disturbances caused by the atrocities of World War I. Developed by Hekate and published by Nacon, this title invites players to take on the role of Paul von Schmitt, a German soldier confronting not only the external horrors of war but also the internal battle with his scarred psyche.

A Tale of War and Family

At the heart of Ad Infinitum lies a deeply personal conflict within the von Schmitt family, unraveling through a series of harrowing events. The narrative is segmented into four chapters, each beginning within the confines of the family's home. Here, players must gather crucial information from documents and solve intricate puzzles which reveal the impact of war on various family members and their entangled relationships.

Haunting Dual Environments

Ad Infinitum's story alternates between two stark settings: the war-torn battlefield and the von Schmitt family estate. The transition from the domestic sphere into No Man's Land adds a unique dimension to the survival horror genre. The atmosphere shifts dramatically as players are thrust into the barren lands between opposing trenches, replete with the psychological representation of the protagonist's inner demons.

Stealth and Strategy Over Combat

In this nightmarish realm, Paul, equipped with a pickaxe and a rifle, faces disturbing creatures birthed from the traumatized recesses of his mind. While armed, the gameplay does not revolve around direct combat; instead it focuses on completing specific objectives that serve to advance the player through these treacherous areas. The game employs a strategic approach to horror, where evasion and intellect are key to surviving the relentless terrors of war.

Technical Execution and Atmosphere

Ad Infinitum is a game that shines in its presentation. Fine-tuned graphics and an immersive soundscape create a viscerally chilling gaming experience, thrusting players into the core of a meticulously modeled World War I environment. The level of detail provides a haunting backdrop to the game's intense storyline, although it's not without its flaws.

Throughout the game, players may encounter a few technical bugs, such as environment elements causing the character to get stuck or delayed triggers for in-game prompts. Despite these hiccups, these issues don't detract significantly from the game's overall impact.

A Journey Through Trauma

The narrative of Ad Infinitum is not one for the faint of heart. Its exploration of subjects such as violence, gore, and PTSD is relentless, portraying the devastating psychological effects of conflict with unflinching honesty. It's a game that tells a story of loss, trauma, and grief, tearing at the heartstrings of players and evoking a strong emotional response.

In short, Ad Infinitum provides an experience that defies the label of 'typical' within the survival horror landscape. Combining an intriguing dual-setting with a compelling, narrative-driven approach, the game stands out in its treatment of sensitive subject matter. While minor technical issues may appear, the rich storyline and atmospheric depth make it an exploration into horror well worth undertaking.

Pros