Claire (2014)

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Game not completed due to bugs and glitches on harder difficulties. Originally posted back on Feb. 2018

"I had high hopes for this game but was left disappointed. I don't mind the map at all (which some people complain about) but I wish you could zoom in because sometimes it's too congested with smaller rooms being next to each other and the red block marks sometimes obscuring doors you haven't been through. I also wish you could look at the other area maps you've been to, so you can check where certain locked doors were or just to check if you missed any rooms. I also do not like how they do not explain how to switch from your lighter to your flashlight (which I had to figure out myself) or how you can die from panic in this game, something which was not properly explained as well. Also what is the point of hiding when it doesn't prevent Claire from being scared or getting hit by enemies? Unless I'm missing something, can someone explain the point of that feature in the game? Because I find enemies will hover near you, terrifying Claire and eventually killing her if you run out of health items. Or they will outright hit you and kill you in two/three hits. Also I started on Hard mode and the game instantly switched it to Nightmare mode which I can't seem to switch back which isn't HUGE deal but still annoying. The game also glitched on me where I was not able to leave the save room and after reloading it two more times I had to close the game and restart it again. It's really too bad because I was so excited to play it but all I got to say now is THANK GOD it was only $5."

NEW REVIEW: Just finished the game 06/11/19, so over a year later

So I went back and reinstalled this game. I wanted to give this game another chance. And boy, am I glad I did! Normal mode was not plagued with bugs and glitches so that was a HUGE improvement. ( NOTE: Seems the bugs and glitches happen on Hard and Nightmare mode, so regular difficulty is recommended. ) Map is still confusing but once you get the hang of it, it's not tooooo bad. The atmosphere was creepy and very Silent Hill-esque. The music went from eerie to sorrowful to uplifting. Puzzles were simple but still confusing enough where you had to use your brain and the plot kept you guessing at what was going on. A short game where you can finish it within 4-7 hours, depending on your play style. Definitely worth playing if you can get past the horrible map! I really enjoyed it this time round!