Verho - Curse of Faces Reviews
There are very few games on the market that I would grant the title "King's Field-like". Verho - Curse of Faces stands as the best of them. This game could not nail the PS1 ASCII Entertainment vibes any harder if FromSoftware made it themselves. Newcomers will want to try the demo first, but King's Field fans should not hesitate to take the full plunge. You will not be disappointed.
Verho – Curse of Faces feels like I’ve stumbled upon a lost gem from the first PlayStation; it’s a dark adventure both tributary and impressive in its own right.
But it is very unapologetic in its dogmatic adherence to mid-90's first-person-rpg mechanics. Even with a fair amount of nostalgia for the style that Verho is aiming for, it can be hard not to feel like some light modernization would help smooth over the rough edges. But if you're willing to keep a notebook handy, are willing to grind through some occasionally awkward combat, and maybe draw your own map, Verho offers an experience that is otherwise largely lost to time.
Verho – Curse of Faces is a bold and intriguing game, a true time machine capable of transporting players back to the dark and ruthless atmosphere of the 32-bit era. Kasur Games didn’t just emulate the worlds and mechanics of King’s Field; it managed to imbue the title with its own strong identity thanks to the mask system, a fascinating lore, and level design that rewards pure and simple curiosity. The absence of hints and the oppressive world offer a breath of fresh air for those seeking an uncompromising old-school adventure. However, its ambitions inevitably clash with obvious technical shortcomings and a grueling endgame. It’s definitely not a game for everyone, but those patient enough to come to terms with its inherent rough edges will find a rough diamond—imperfect yet magnetically charming.
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Whether you grew up on the classic King’s Field games, no matter how many hours you put into soulslike games, and even if you find these formulas incredibly difficult and punishing – Verho – Curse of Faces is worth your time and attention. A dark adventure full of secrets, well designed levels, with immaculate retro vibes and an interesting lore and campaign that doesn’t overstay its welcome and doesn’t overly punish newcomers either. It may be somewhat derivative when looking at the source material, and yet, I’ve found this a fascinating journey all in all that I would recommend to anyone looking for an RPG that’s very much unlike what modern gaming tends to be.
While there’s something to be said for adopting a minimalist look when designing a game to give it a certain feel, failing to back it up with well-honed mechanics and overall polish just make it appear to be sloppy