Yomawari: Night Alone

I still get chills thinking about my time with Yomawari: Night Alone. Whether it's a particularly scary moment that pops into my head or one of the many weird visuals that I just can't get out of my mind, this is a game that's going to stick with me for a while. I just wish there was more of it for me to remember.

Billed as a horror game, Yomawari: Night Alone ultimately feels like it falls more on the side of tragedy. Sure, it has its jump scares which can get the blood racing, but the town and its supernatural inhabitants just feel a little too charming to be considered a real threat. The story, with its sad undertones, will definitely tug at the heart strings the more that it unfolds - far more frequently than it'll scare you, especially once you become accustomed to the ghost's surprise visits. Yomawari is satisfying in its own weird way, but those looking for a good scare may be disappointed that any potential threat is short-lived.

I don't think I'll ever forget the bone-chilling reaction I had in the opening moments of Yomawari: Night Alone. It was the perfect way to grab someone's attention and immerse them into the tone of the game.

Yomawari: Night Alone is a game that will be remembered more for its tone and story than gameplay, but that’s enough to recommend it.

Yomawari: Night Alone is a story about childhood loss, mortality and facing your fears. It’s certainly not the most technically or mechanically amazing game and a lack of familiarity with the Japanese concept regarding gods can dilute its story. What it does well, however, is leverage Japanese folklore while tapping into those fears and insecurities we’ve all felt as children in order to transcend the game's own limitations. Charming and survival-horror may seem like an impossible mix but that’s exactly what Yomawari: Night Alone manages to do.

Until we do get that next genre-defining horror gem, Yomawari is a nice distraction that will hopefully be worked on to bring us something even more sinister and satisfying in the future.

Yomawari: Night Alone is a cute, but bone-chilling game that will make players want to never walk their dogs at night, and if they do, have cell phones with flashlights on at all times.

A charming & scary 2D adventure full of Japanese elements & a great aesthetic work on it's back. One of the best survival horror for PS Vita.

Yomawari: Night Alone is a great game that will keep you on the edge or your seat. Its hard and stressful at times, but it was great to experience. If you like games like the original Corpse Party, then I’m positive Yomawari will be to your taste!

Yomawari: Night Alone is an excellent survival horror title that will keep players on their toes for the duration of its four hours long campaign. Nippon Ichi Software‘s latest title goes back to the horror genre’s roots, letting go of modern traditions and bombastic set pieces, and focusing on a more personal story instead.