Introduction
“Lethal Company” is a 1st-person survival horror game developed and published by a single person: Zeekerss. Still in early-access, the $10 game has blown-up with the help of Youtuber’s showcasing the fun mechanics of the game, in addition to the consistent development and love shown to it by the developer. Recently, this growing popularity was further assisted by the game’s collaboration with Fortnite, allowing the purchase of a Lethal Company skin within its shop. Since the game still is in “early-access”, this review might be a bit premature, but considering how much enjoyment (and screams) we’ve already gotten from playing, we decided to go ahead with this post.
Horror Elements
Uncertainty is among the top elements of horror used within the game via the use of procedurally generated maps. This feature significantly amplifies the fear and unpredictability of the gameplay experience and ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, keeping players on edge as they navigate through ever-changing environments filled with new threats and surprises. The randomization of map layouts means that players cannot rely on memorization or previous strategies, heightening the sense of vulnerability and tension. Each session presents fresh challenges and opportunities, requiring players to adapt quickly and think on their feet. The unpredictable nature of the maps, combined with the game’s eerie atmosphere and relentless enemies, creates a dynamic horror experience that is both terrifying and exhilarating. By incorporating procedurally generated maps, Lethal Company delivers a uniquely suspenseful adventure that keeps players constantly engaged and on the lookout for the next lurking danger.
Since the game is co-op, I originally assumed there would be a lack of genuine fear while playing- I mean, I would be playing alongside 3 other people, so there wouldn’t be much room for jump-scares or tension build up, right? I was terribly wrong. The co-op horror experience is uniquely enhanced by a use of isolation mechanics and strategy, creating an atmosphere of shared yet personal dread. Depending on the player’s strategy, the game forcefully separates players at critical moments, forcing them to confront terrifying situations alone while maintaining communication with their team. This design choice heightens the fear and tension, as players must navigate dark, eerie environments without the immediate support of their companions. The isolation not only amplifies individual vulnerability but also fosters a deeper sense of camaraderie when the team is reunited. The game’s sound design plays a pivotal role, with distant screams and unsettling noises adding to the feeling of being alone and hunted. By combining cooperative gameplay with moments of solitary terror, Lethal Company delivers a gripping and immersive horror experience that keeps players on edge and tests their ability to work together under pressure.
One standout feature of the game, at least in my humble opinion, are the unique monsters/entities that populate its world. Most monsters (especially zombies) are overdone in a lot of video games, so it’s refreshing to see some new ones. Lethal Company introduces a diverse array of creatures, each with distinctive designs, behaviors, and attack patterns that keep players constantly on edge. Though these monsters are not visually striking, they do what they are intended to do: scare ya. My only complaint is the lack of backstory; if Lethal Company was also imbued with rich lore, it would, beyond a doubt, enhance the game’s dark and immersive atmosphere.
Regardless, each encounter with these creatures is a fresh and harrowing experience, requiring players to adapt their strategies and remain vigilant. The developers’ creativity shines through in the monsters’ varied appearances and the eerie, unsettling sounds they make, adding layers of dread and tension. These unique adversaries are integral to the game’s identity, providing memorable challenges that elevate the gameplay. The originality invested in these monsters make Lethal Company a must-play for fans of the horror genre, offering a truly distinctive and chilling experience that sets it apart from other games.
Yet another point that’s worth mentioning is the creator’s decision to feature a weak protagonist. This, in itself, significantly enhances the overall sense of fear and vulnerability, making the game a truly terrifying experience. The game deliberately avoids giving players the comfort of a powerful hero. Instead, the protagonist is fragile and limited in abilities, which heightens the stakes and amplifies the tension in every encounter. This design choice forces players to rely on stealth, cunning, and resourcefulness to survive, rather than brute strength or combat skills. The constant awareness of the protagonist’s fragility transforms even mundane tasks into nerve-wracking challenges, as danger lurks around every corner. The sense of dread is further intensified by the protagonist’s realistic reactions to fear and danger, creating a deeply immersive experience. By making the player feel genuinely vulnerable, Lethal Company achieves a level of horror that is both psychological and visceral, ensuring that every moment is filled with suspense and terror.
Game Elements
Subtle use of audio plays a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread and tension. The game masterfully employs understated sound design to keep players on edge, with every creak, whisper, and distant footstep enhancing the sense of unease. The ambient sounds are meticulously crafted to immerse players in the game’s eerie environments, where silence can be as terrifying as any jump scare. This nuanced approach to audio, where even the slightest noise can signal impending danger, forces players to remain hyper-aware of their surroundings. The light-hearted soundtrack when first landing on the moon clashes perfectly with the drastic minimalistic sound upon entering the facility, working together to build a chilling, immersive experience that heightens the psychological horror. By leveraging subtle audio cues, Lethal Company creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the game is turned off, proving that sometimes, it’s what you don’t hear that’s the most frightening.
In Lethal Company, the minimal and stylized graphics prove that horror doesn’t rely on hyper-realism to be terrifying. The game uses a distinctive visual style that strips away unnecessary details, focusing instead on creating an atmosphere thick with tension and fear. The stark, minimalist environments are cleverly designed to leave much to the imagination, allowing players’ minds to fill in the gaps with their own worst nightmares. This artistic choice enhances the sense of unease, as the simplistic visuals juxtapose with the complex, eerie soundscapes and unsettling ambient noises. Shadows, lighting, and color contrast are expertly used to evoke dread, with every corner and shadowy figure feeling like a potential threat. The minimalist approach also makes every visual cue and movement significant, ensuring that even the slightest anomaly can send chills down the spine.
Unfortunately, I do have a few complaints to throw out here as well; my number one complaint, as I mentioned earlier, is the lack of backstory/end game. The potential for a truly engaging experience is undermined by a noticeable lack of character and plot development. Lethal Company sets up an intriguing premise and a visually compelling world, but fails to delve deeply into its characters or storyline. The protagonists remain one-dimensional, with minimal backstory or growth throughout the game, making it difficult for players to form a strong emotional connection. While Lethal Company excels in other areas, such as gameplay mechanics and visual design, its weak character and plot development prevent it from being a truly memorable and impactful game.
While the initial experience is captivating, the game’s limited replayability becomes apparent after a few playthroughs. The lack of varied content and new objectives makes subsequent playthroughs feel repetitive, as players encounter the same scenarios and outcomes. Additionally, the game’s linear progression and absence of significant branching paths or alternate endings reduce the incentive for exploration and experimentation. Despite its strengths in storytelling and atmosphere, Lethal Company would benefit from additional content updates or expansions to enhance its longevity. For those seeking a relatively short (not necessarily one-time) immersive experience, the game delivers admirably, but it falls short for players looking for a title they can return to time and time again.
Conclusion
Lethal Company exemplifies the creativity and innovation that indie games bring to the gaming industry. Overall, this game delivers a unique and compelling experience that stands out from mainstream titles. Its minimalist yet impactful graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and rich atmosphere combine to create an immersive journey that captivates from start to finish. While there may be areas for improvement, such as expanding content for greater replayability, including a leveling system, or enhancing character depth, Lethal Company excels in providing a fresh and engaging adventure. Horror game enthusiasts willing to take a look into some Indie titles, will find much to appreciate in this thoughtfully crafted little horror gem, making it a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s collection.
Final Scare Me Please Score: We’ll do anything for the Company, out of 100
Lethal Company: Welcome to the Company
Have you been hired by the company yet? Are you a good employee? Is it tough for you to hit quota? Which monster is the scariest for you? Do you have a moon joke? Drop a comment below to let us know!
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