Martha is Dead Reviews

Martha is Dead is ranked in the 37th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
4 / 10.0
Feb 25, 2022

While I enjoyed a fraction of my time exploring Martha is Dead's gorgeous Tuscan farmlands, the thing I'm most thankful for is how mercifully short the game is. The closing credits shocked me back into coherence like a bolt out of the blue to cap off what is-and I'm being generous-an interestingly imperfect experience.

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Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead is truly horrific, perhaps in the fact, it is juxtaposed with being so beautiful. This game will make you feel many things and it does it extremely well. Days after finishing the game I continue to think about it. Several of the mini-games are frustrating and could use some tweaking, some worked. Overall, Martha is Dead is totally worth it for gamers looking for a deep, dark, and psychological thriller to explore.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead is a game that takes a lot of risks. The story told as well as the plot surrounding Martha's death is extremely well written. I was eager to know the end of the story. The realism as well as the many objectives to be carried out will push you to search every corner in search of clues. It should be noted that the game is extremely graphic and the violence is shown without filter (in the uncensored version) in addition to forcing you to participate. The violent scenes serve to show us the state of mind of our character. The game is very disturbing as well as uncomfortable, but its what makes it stand out.

Review in French | Read full review

Essential
Feb 24, 2022

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.

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Recommended
Feb 24, 2022

Despite the technical issues and gameplay annoyances, I adore Martha is Dead which is a testament to its soul.

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Expansive
Brad Baker
Liked-a-lot
Feb 24, 2022

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.

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Feb 24, 2022

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.

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VGC
Top Critic
Feb 24, 2022

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.

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7.7 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

‎Martha is Dead is a halfway game. A title that you can enjoy if you are a lover of the genre, but that you play it knowing that something is missing, knowing that it could have been something more. If you are looking to be afraid you may find more tension than something scary.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10
Feb 24, 2022

Intriguing and often disturbing, Martha is Dead makes for a worthwhile narrative experience, barring some issues.

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7.8 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

It is a cruel game, narratively imperfect, and at the same time quite courageous, as well as not very lenient towards the (very difficult and very delicate) matter it deals with.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Feb 24, 2022

This is a hard moment to experience and there are many more throughout Martha is Dead, but none of these are implemented for shock value. All of these moments are carefully thought-out and relevant to the story and exploration of Giulia's mental deterioration. Ultimately, Martha is Dead is a game with simple mechanics that tells a difficult but important story that's well worth experiencing. That said, those interested in playing this game should consider doing so on Xbox or PC if possible, as these platforms are offering the game in the way it's intended to be experienced.

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7.5 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead may sometimes become very eccentric, but the game's mood and mystery will greatly appeal to you from the beginning.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead perfectly captures the concept of living away from the nightmares of war. Tragically interrupted, the family peace abounds in gruesome stagings, the pursuit of truth while living under the cloak of identity lies. Made and reliably designed, intimate world encourages you to get to know the family past. Everything is tied up in the framework of the modern horror genre. At the present time, you will not find anything better, but the developer surprises us very positively. You will not be frightened, but you will be absorbed in the fog.

Review in Polish | Read full review

7.8 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

While a terrible murder is what sets the events of Martha is Dead in motion, the real focus of the game is Giulia's psyche and how it was affected by past and present thraumas. LKA's new adventure might not be suited for everyone due to the brutality of certain scenes, but it is certainly courageous and competent.

Review in Italian | Read full review

82 / 100
Feb 24, 2022

Martha Is Dead offers a narrative that’s provocative, intense, dark, and emotional. And yes, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s plenty gory. Given that it takes place during WWII the story doesn’t seem out of place either. It pulls you in right away, keeps its intensity and pace, and holds your attention until the very end. The sound and graphical design really fit with the overall vibe and atmosphere of the game. Sure, it’s not perfect, but most of the issues aren’t game breaking. Martha Is Dead is riveting and if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers you won’t want to miss it.

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4 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

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.

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70 / 100
Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead was a tough title to review. The game does a lot of things really well and feels extremely authentic, and it also makes good use of the next-gen hardware to conjure up beautiful visuals on the screen. But at the same time, there are plenty of bugs that pull you out of the immersion and make you realize, once again, that you are playing a game.

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7 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2022

Martha is Dead has an interesting idea, but not enough to be considered a great game in spite of its flaws. If you're a fan of thrillers or the setting of Martha is Dead appeals to you, it is worth a check. It's not a life-changing horror game, but it's immersive enough to keep you hooked for a while.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

80 / 100
Feb 24, 2022

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