CONSCRIPT Reviews
Conscript nails the classic survival horror tropes across its engaging gameplay, whilst its atmospheric storytelling ensures it’s one of the more unique releases of the genre. It definitely caught me off-guard on plenty of occasions with the horrors of war, and whilst it’s not necessarily a scary game in the conventional sense, it offers a cold and eerie outlook into the brutality of the First World War. It does have some imperfections and it can be pretty tough, but those who love old-school survival horror certainly won’t want to miss out on Conscript’s distinct yet undoubtedly dark foray into the genre.
Conscript may not deliver the usual horror many expect in a survival horror but what it does tell is a tense WWI narrative with its own brand of survival and combat that is a bit rough in places.
A grim reminder of the senselessness of war and the best old-school survival horror game in ages.
Conscript is brutal and unnerving, with the reality of war ever present, and it's take on the survival horror genre feels new yet familiar.
Conscript's grimy, disturbing setting and gruelling combat are effective and poignant, and a sturdy and well-crafted survival horror skeleton keeps things compelling.
Despite wearing many of its influences on its sleeve, CONSCRIPT never ends up feeling derivative, instead it carves out its own identity through a raw, layed portrayal of trench warfare. There are some slight rough edges, to be expected in-part due to the game largely being a sole venture, but nevertheless CONSCRIPT hits where it matters and succeeds in creating an affecting depiction of its source material.
A survival horror inspired by the classics of the genre, Resident Evil above all, but with a rather original setting. The sources of inspiration can be felt from the very beginning, which will make long-time fans happy, but the strong setting and some little gameplay variations manage to give Conscript its own dimension.
Review in Italian | Read full review
To its credit, Conscript maintains a high level of intensity regardless and doesn’t cheapen the experience by adding unnecessary supernatural elements or moments of levity. Similar to its survival horror brethren, it features multiple endings, and while some are more impactful than others, all boast the same dedication to authenticity and the anti-war themes that put it in the same conversation as other Australian anti-war classics like Peter Weir’s Gallipoli.
A mixed bag, then, but certainly not unenjoyable.
Conscript is a horrifying account of the cost of Verdun, and all of its battles and its loss, framed entirely as a classical survival horror game, for all of the good and bad that implies. It's a punishing, dire take on the war and a unique approach to a genre that I'd mistaken for being creatively wrung dry.
Conscript is unlikely to deliver genuine scares, but this old school, atmospheric survival horror romp is still easy to recommend to fans of the genre.
Conscript is a terrific survival horror that sticks to the genre while tries to do something new: the brutal setting of the First World War and the absence of classic monsters. The result is one of the best indie horrors of the last decade.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The developer understands what makes an enjoyable survival horror game and he made one that is very respectful of The Great War, while also showing just how terrifying the experience could be. It feels very authentic and the deftly executed story and atmosphere kept me drawn in every moment.
Conscript takes its evident passion for survival horror and infuses it with purpose and grit through a harrowing depiction of war. More than just homage, Conscript comfortably sits alongside the best, and more unique, of the genre.
CONSCRIPT is incredibly atmospheric, with great ideas and loving homages to the survival game genre. While the tension wasn’t quite there for me, I’m sure others will find it in this otherwise incredible game.
At a time when big IPs with millions upon millions of dollars in backing fail to deliver, Conscript is an inspired yet fresh take on the classic Survival Horror formula. Its old-school sensibilities might turn off some players, but Jordan Mochi's grounded take on WW1 is slated to become a favorite for fans of the genre. Conscript is ugly...and all the better for it.
Conscript is a good survival horror game but not the fantastic one it should have been destined to be. Its fierce and very apparent survival horror devotion is incredibly admirable, shining best when depicting war in quite simply the best way I've seen it in games to date. The sound design, art style and general mood make the vibes palpable like you're there on the ground in the thick of it. This loyalty to the genre is also a double-edged sword though, not quite having enough quality-of-life additions and progression slowing to a halt when you're hunting through a labyrinth for that one key to unlock that one door. For better or worse, Conscript is a homage to classic Resident Evil, through and through. Isn't that enough?