Yomawari: Lost in the Dark Reviews
Even with the story not living up to previous entries, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark does a good job continuing the unique horror series.
A third chapter that does not differ too much from the previous ones but is expanded in terms of map and plot.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Solid and definitely have an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
This third entry in the survival horror series developed by Nippon Ichi doesn't add so much to the original formula, but it feels more mature and brings more content to the "explore, hide and resolve" side.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark features the franchise’s trademark dichotomy that combines a disarmingly cute art style with disturbing suspense-horror sensibilities. Admittedly, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive and drawn out as you find yourself constantly running away from things instead of truly confronting your fears. The story, however, is a high point that manages to keep you on your toes while also touching your heart at the same time. Give it a look if you like the Yomawari series or a survival game that’s different from the norm.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark's core gameplay loop is one that's not exactly brimming with mechanical complexity. But thanks to the impeccable atmosphere, extensive enemy variety, and memorable moments, the game doesn't really need it.
Yomawari: Lost In the Dark uses every resource it has to create an unsettling and involving horror puzzle experience. It provides plenty of scares and a surprisingly effective story that should be enough to compel players forward even after the game starts to lose its impact.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is perfect for amateur-level horror players wanting to dip their feet into a game scarier than what they're used to. The dim lighting, disfigured monsters, stealth mechanics, and creepy atmosphere-all wrapped up in a beautiful (but really terrifying) 2D world-will be all the training you need to take on even scarier games. And if horror doesn't phase you, then the well-crafted and deeply folkloric setting will reel you in. Be warned though, the final act is both monotonous and disappointing.
To break a curse placed upon her, a young girl must venture into the haunted streets of her town at night to search for her lost memories while evading the twisted spirits that lurk in the darkness.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It effectively retains what makes the series so enjoyable - including a terrific atmosphere, terrifying opponents, challenging gameplay, and twisted puzzles - while also being dramatically harder than the first two entries.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is more of the same. The custom avatar was an almost meaningless addition and it plays itself extremely safe. Fortunately, those who are looking to play an atmospheric and moody horror game will find that this latest entry is just as scary as the rest. There are some choice jump moments and the ambiance keeps players in a constant state of dread and unease.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a new game in the franchise five years after its last, delivering familiar gameplay and setting for fans of the series, but losing the opportunity to reinvent itself and target a wider public.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
That being said, Yomawari: Lost In The Dark is such a fascinating, beautiful little horror game. With some smart mechanics, spot-on perfect pacing and atmosphere, and an intense, melancholy narrative this horror experience achieves something rare for video game horror: spooky good times that will make you think and even feel.
If you’re looking for a horror game to play, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a solid example of atmospheric storytelling and tackling daunting subjects without hammering the point home too much. It plays great on the Switch and benefits from the console’s portability. Playing with headphones in and in a dark room really adds to the tension. You can also grab it on Steam and PlayStation consoles.
With its unique gameplay and superb audio, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark offers a solid albeit repetitious fear-fest that fits in 2 dimensions.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a third installment totally continuous with respect to its two previous installments. This can be a handicap given the few novelties that we are going to find in its proposal and gameplay, but on the other hand it guarantees the most notable of the other two games, the tension and terror achieved with situations that will leave us very bad, not counting the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability that we will have at all times. Any fan of survival horror and horror games should play this remarkable trilogy.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ultimately, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark shows very little progression from the previous two entries, which is a shame, since the series has tons of potential. While this plot has something of a more meaningful framework and boasts an unexpectedly impressive final chapter, this game continues to be bogged down with the same glacial gameplay and woolly storytelling as Night Alone and Midnight Shadows. Lost in the Dark will be greatly enjoyed by existing fans of the series, as it follows the established formula closely, but those wishing for more than the same pretty hand-drawn graphics and well-rounded sound design will be left disappointed, as there’s been little evolution between entries one, two and three.
I hadn't really expected a profound or exciting story, but rather thought that the superficial creep should be in the foreground. Here, too, I was very wrong. "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark" once again showed me how exciting it is to break through your own patterns and try something new. And it proved to me how wrong first impressions, assumptions and game theories can sometimes be. I really enjoyed discovering the story behind "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", although I personally could have done without one or the other jumpscare.
Review in German | Read full review
Like comedy, horror is subjective. Some people prefer the thrills that come with a jump scare, whereas others prefer a slower and more psychological horror. In that sense, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark can satisfy both camps. The majority of it is atmospheric, building up dread as you explore eerie locales. Then, right when the tension starts to reach a fever pitch, it throws you into fast-paced action sequences during which a second of hesitation can cost you your life.
Overall, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a great title. While I haven’t played the previous two titles, I certainly want to now. Setting a great creepy atmosphere with the soundtrack and visuals, as well as a large number of collectibles to implore you to explore and put yourself in danger makes for a good time had all around. If you’re looking for something a little spooky yet cute, this might be the title for you.