10 Dead Doves

This is such a strange game. It starts off as almost a buddy comedy horror, and whilst it’s seldom explicitly scary in the traditional sense, there’s a sense of consistent creeping fear that comes with being left alone in the forest at night. This is less Final Destination, and more The Shining. You’ll be on edge, and left with some genuinely thought provoking questions when the game ends. This title really surprised me, and for the better.

Overall, 10 Dead Doves is a wonderful and weird experience, that constantly keeps you on your toes. You never really know what to expect, whether it is a vivid dream sequence or a Saw-like test that’s timed. As someone who struggles to play horror games, 10 Dead Doves does a perfect job pacing the horror with perfectly timed comedic relief, lulling you into a sense of safety only to surprise you again. The gameplay isn’t overly complex, which works well as it allows the story to shine. The voice acting is commendable and fits the overall tone of an early 2000s horror movie, combined with an original score making 10 Dead Doves a fully-packaged game made with passion. I award 10 Dead Doves the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.