A full version program for iPhone, by KAIGAN GAMES OUe.
The SIMULACRA series continues its legacy of chilling mystery with SIMULACRA 3. This time, the small town of Stonecreek is gripped by a series of inexplicable disappearances, leaving only eerie symbols behind. True to form, players must piece together the truth using nothing more than a missing person's phone.
Gameplay that's eerily familiar
If you've experienced the first two SIMULACRA titles, you'll settle right into the familiar interface and gameplay style of SIMULACRA 3. It's more about investigation than traditional jump scares.
You'll sift through photos, social media posts, and cryptic messages to uncover any trace of the missing individual. There are even simulated video calls that further build a sense of disturbing realism.
One element that sets SIMULACRA 3 apart is the inclusion of a GPS-based map called Atlas. This adds a level of tangible location-based exploration not present in its predecessors. However, fans of more complex puzzle-solving like those found in titles like ‘Sara is Missing' or 'Replica' may yearn for a deeper challenge.
The chill in the air of SIMULACRA 3
SIMULACRA 3's atmosphere is its biggest strength. Despite a less overtly terrifying theme compared to previous entries, it maintains an unnerving sense of dread. Eerie imagery, unsettling texts, and a haunting soundscape keep the tension high.
This is the type of game that will linger in your thoughts long after you've closed the app.
The lingering effects of a missing phone
While SIMULACRA 3 offers a solid and atmospheric investigative experience, it does stumble in a few areas. The story, centered on local folklore and a shadowy threat, can at times feel a tad less compelling than the conspiracies and personal entanglements of past games. Additionally, some of the puzzles are frustratingly easy, leaving little satisfaction in their solution.
Should you investigate?
SIMULACRA 3 delivers a gripping mystery that fans of found-footage horror will appreciate. Its reliance on creating a disturbing atmosphere over traditional scares may not hit the mark for everyone.
Nevertheless, if the idea of piecing together a dark tale by digging through a stranger's phone sounds intriguing, then SIMULACRA 3 is certainly worth uncovering.
