Insanity as an art - Signalis Review
In the endless sea of modern gaming, you sometimes find yourself looking for hidden gems that get usually ignored. This was my case when I was looking through the Xbox gamepass catalogue for some new games to try. There, I see Signalis, a survival-horror video game made by rose-engine and the journey unfolds....
I am generally not a fan of horror genre... or should I say the interpretation of "horror" in mainstream media but there are some things that stand out from the crowd, the Silent Hill series for one, has been my favorite for horror food. Signalis follows along a similar type of horror with its own little twist.... even more insanity...
The World
Signalis takes place in space age, on an unknown planetary system. There are Replikas, androids made with copied human brain imprints, made for military and labor workforce and human commanders called Gestalts who manage and give direction to Replikas.
The Plot
Main story follows you playing as a Replika unit, LSTR (Elster) set to find your beloved partner and Gestalt, Arianne after your ship, the Penrose-512 has crashed. In your way are nightmarish monstrosities and a path that leads to certain death. Uncover your true identity and fulfill your "promise".
The story is rather complicated to explain and uncertain at times but this is intended by the makers as a part of the game. It has references from various sources in media such as The Festival by H. P. Lovecraft, The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers and even from works such as Neon Genesis Evangelion!
Gameplay
The game is a top-down third-person shooter experience.
Survival horror games have a unique appeal with their gameplay and combat systems. Signalis does a great job at giving you power to deal with threats but also keeping control over this power, as you'll be starving for resources throughout your first run. Fight and flight, both are very important aspects of the game's design.
The game also features unique puzzles that require exploration and understanding of the level design but they can get slightly repetitive in nature if you're not into them.
Aesthetic, Score and Art style
Signalis features a very early 2000s game vibes with even a CRT filter for the feeling. The game utilizes pixel art beautifully with both low poly character models and high res art in some cutscenes. It works flawlessly with the game's design and rustic setting even in an advanced space colony.
The aesthetic are further enhanced by the masterpiece of a soundtrack the game has. The feelings of emptiness, chaos, melancholy and nostalgia all come oozing into your mind when you hear it for the first time, like a memory from a past life which matches with the game's themes perfectly. Link to the soundtrack on Spotify!
The Insanity
Even since I played the game, it has never been the same again. It immerses you into the world and feelings of the characters. The game heavily consists of themes surrounding memory and promise. "Remember our promise" gets ingrained in your soul. It leaves a mark on your mind never fading away and always comes back at the slightest of signs. Signalis has a balance of beauty and fear that you wish you could rediscover again and again.
Ending Thoughts
Signalis is hands down one of the best game I have ever played. rose-engine is a team of only two devs. TWO! This is absolutely madness that only two people managed to make such a masterpiece on their own (except the music). Even if you do not like horror or are afraid of horror games, you should still give Signalis a try because there is more to this game than what meets the eye.
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