Martha is Dead Reviews
Martha Is Dead launched on 24th February 2022 under the publicity of certain scenes being censored from the PlayStation version of the game. We already knew that this title would address potentially upsetting topics such as psychological trauma and scenes of self-harm and mutilation, now the door had been opened for speculation about whether there would be some particularly gruesome content in store for players. In this Rapid Review, I share my thoughts on the uncensored PC version of the game.
Martha is Dead isn't a bad game, it may not even be an average game, but it's another example of wasted potential.
Review in Polish | Read full review
A very well crafted piece of cinematic video game. Its extreme depictions of physical and psychological violence aren't for the faint of heart.
There is a lot to enjoy and like about Martha is Dead. From the way LKA skilfully draws inspiration from horror classics like Fatal Frame and Silent Hill, through to how the studio delivers an exceptional thriller narrative; it makes the game a drama unlike any other. The title hooks on the pretence of being a horror, then pulls one in on the idea that it has a sea of lore and story. It is truly wonderful in this regard. While there are one or two things it can do better, its spot-on narrative delivery, and wonderful twists and turns as the end draws near; are memorable, to say the least. Mixing these story beats with an uneasiness hardly ever felt in video games, makes the game both unique and a must-play title, and raises the bar for all thrillers to come.
Martha is Dead is probably the most disturbing game I have ever played. What I have witnessed is unheard of. This game deserves massive praise for bringing awareness to mental illness and trauma and the effects they can inflict on a human mind. The story contained enough horror, shock, and twists to leave me with much to think about and create theories.
With a great setting and an interesting story, in addition to some neat mechanics, Martha is Dead is a great suspense adventure whose final stretch leaves a somewhat bitter taste.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Martha is Dead confirms that the creators from the LKA studio are very talented. Stay away if you're easily disgusted, though.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Despite the technical issues and gameplay annoyances, I adore Martha is Dead which is a testament to its soul.
Martha is Dead presents itself with an interesting story with suspense and one hefty dose of psychological horror, that it gets lost in the overall narrative and lacks better and polished mechanics.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Deeply atmospheric and absolutely scary title
Review in Greek | Read full review
Martha is Dead is not going to be for everyone and if the disclaimers attached to the game leave you uncertain, we’d advise exercising caution before diving in. For the most part, there’s a really powerful, engaging story at play here, with subjects handled mostly sensitively, and quality direction that’ll inspire the industry for years to come.
Martha is Dead swings about as hard as one can in its depictions of violence in order to communicate the viciousness with which war is infiltrating the lives and psyche of Giulia and her family, but it walks an increasingly fraught and unjustified line as more and more pain is inflicted on the narrative’s key players
Overall, while I felt Martha is Dead was a decent experience, I don’t think it’s for everyone. There are a lot of disturbing themes and images in this one that would certainly turn off some players. While the team did a great job crafting this world and the sound design is top notch, some of the gameplay elements need a bit more polish. That being said, this is still a unique experience that fans of these types of games would likely really enjoy.
Martha Is Dead will no doubt move forward with a cloud of controversy looking overhead. Whilst the graphic depictions of violence felt earned and fitting to me, they will feel gratuitous and unnecessary to others. Where it may lack engaging or innovative gameplay that sometimes bordered on frustrating, it excels in the core element of any media format – storytelling meaning that the investigation into Martha’s death is, overall, is well worth your investment. Think of it as an interactive film and you’ll have a hell of a time, in more ways than one.
As long as you can withstand its often extremely disturbing content, Martha is Dead is a absorbing and atmospheric adventure with a brilliantly realised setting and a beautifully haunting soundtrack. We can’t stress enough that it won’t suit all tastes, however.
Martha Is Dead had an opportunity to explore mental health, loss, and abuse in an engrossing and meaningful way. However, it disappointingly falls flat. A myriad of bugs and annoying gameplay elements completely and utterly ruin this potentially great experience.
There's a much better game here if it focused on the photography mechanics, trauma exploration and ghost stories. Instead, it’s a game bogged down in many different directions. I don't think this game, much like developer LKA's last game, Town of Light, handles mental health in the best way, but there's a somewhat interesting story here. It's just so boring to get through.
Martha Is Dead is a great walking simulator with a surprising story and an elaborate technical section. It doesn't stand out for its puzzles, but it succeeds thanks to its small details. This, together with its duration, makes this title a more than remarkable game to have a good afternoon.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Martha Is Dead is a title that fans of horror and the slow exploration (and creeping dread) that usually accompanies it – will appreciate. The theme of the game is challenging, but it’s also treated with respect and care, despite some early scenes suggesting otherwise. The core mystery is intriguing enough, and an impactful finale closes this 5-6 hours journey on a memorable note. A few technical hiccups hold it back, but if Italian developer LKA can iron out some of the shortcomings, Martha Is Dead is assuredly a game that will take you on a journey that won’t leave your thoughts any time soon.
Martha Is Dead is an excellent psychological-horror game with its unique take on the horror and mystery genre. The game offers stunning visuals, great sound design, and a tense atmosphere paired with layered storytelling. Although there are a few bugs and a few tedious gameplay segments, it still holds a great experience for horror fans.