While the survival horror genre as it’s known today would technically begin with Frederik Reynal’s 1992 classicAlone in the Dark, it would be 1996’sResident Evilthat both named and popularized the genre. It should come as no surprise, then, that many survival horror fans look back on the fifth console generation (and specifically the Sony PlayStation) as the proverbial “golden era” of survival horror gaming. Indie developers have begun to tap into both the purity and nostalgia of PS1-era survival horror to great success, with games like 2022’sSignalisstanding out as a modern classic in its own right. Closely following inSignalis' footsteps, in both its atmospheric horror and PS1-style low-poly visuals, is the recently releasedConscript.
The work of solo developer Jordan Mochi,Conscripthas been on many horror fans' radars since 2022 thanks to an impressive Steam Next Fest Demo. After several years in development,Conscriptwould find a publisher in Team17 in 2023, and the title has now been released to considerable critical acclaim. Already sitting at a “Very Positive” 95% user rating on Steam,Conscriptis striking a chord withold-school survival horrorfans who appreciate its nods to the classics of the genre and its tasteful approach to psychological horror and existential dread that leans far more inSignalis' direction than that ofResident Evil.
Conscript’s WWI Setting is Tailor-Made for Meditative Horror Rather Than Jump Scares
WWI remains a pivotal moment in history for how it transformed the entire world’s approach to armed conflict and served as a tipping point for society to embrace the 20th century. The speed and scale at which Europe’s armies mobilized and engaged in conflict led to previously unheard-of levels of destruction and human casualties, making it a fascinating area of study for historians. It’s unsurprising, then, that the very real-world horrors of WWI have become the setting for a variety of games, fromtheBattlefieldseriesto the latest entry in theAmnesiafranchise.
Conscriptis the second survival horror in as many years to use World War I as the backdrop for its proceedings, following inAmnesia: The Bunker’s footsteps. But whereAmnesia: The Bunkersees players being stalkedby a relentless monster of human imagination,Conscript’s horror is much more cerebral. There are no monsters or misshapen accidents of biological engineering to contend with inConscript. Instead, the game’s horror comes from its oppressive atmosphere and reflective musings on the real human cost of war and the psychological effect it has on everyone involved, from grizzled soldiers to barely adult children fighting on their country’s behalf.
Signalis and Conscript Make Great Use of Low-Poly Visuals to Enhance Their Atmospheres
One of the benefits of games utilizingPS1-style low-poly visualsis that they’re now an artistic choice rather than a necessity brought on by technological limitations. Accordingly, game developers can still leverage hardware to pull off some incredible feats with both lighting and music to give these games a dense and immersive atmosphere despite their seemingly primitive visuals.Signalismight be the most obvious game to draw comparisons to when discussing how a title can use PS1-style visuals and set a captivating mood and menacing tone, butConscriptpulls off a similar feat with its grainy visuals and drab color palette.
And that’s without even mentioning other survival horror titles that have pulled from the PS1 greats likeResident EvilandSilent Hillfor inspiration.2024’sCrow Countryis another survival horror experience that pulls heavily from the classics of the fifth console generation. What sets games likeSignalisandConscriptapart from many of these other games, though, are both titles' use of minimalist storytelling and music in concert with their visuals to let the horror aspects of the title take hold and keep players firmly in their grasp until the credits roll.
Conscript
WHERE TO PLAY
CONSCRIPT is a top-down survival horror game inspired by classics of the genre - set in 1916 during the Great War. CONSCRIPT will blend all the punishing mechanics of older horror games into a cohesive, tense, and unique experience.In CONSCRIPT, you play as a French soldier searching for his missing-in-action brother during the Battle of Verdun. Will you be able to search twisted trenches, navigate overrun forts, and cross no-mans-land to find him, and ensure a home goes unbroken?Experience classic and methodical survival horror gameplay in a unique historical setting: the Battle of Verdun. Highly re-playable with various difficulty settings, multiple endings, unlockable costumes and bonus weapons.Fend off enemy soldiers and combatants with a variety of WW1 melee weapons and firearms. Survive in an intense, harrowing atmosphere boosted by a unique pixel art aesthetic and oppressive sound design.Navigate intricate level design that promotes item management and route planning, whilst solving complex environmental puzzles. Explore distinct WW1 themed areas that intertwine and overlap.
