Yomawari: Night Alone Reviews
Yomawari: Night Alone is a unique example of Japanese horror on the Vita, but there are some lacking areas in its design. Even with that, I wholeheartedly recommend picking it up.
Simple as it might look, but Yomawari is a remarkably complex game that aims to be something far loftier than most attempts at interactive horror. Its intensity is in its subtleties, and the way it is constructed makes it a masterclass in the aesthetics and theming of one of the most important art traditions to have ever come from Japanese culture.
With Halloween being just a few days away from the official release date, NIS America could not have picked a better moment to release this horror title. Yomawari: Night Alone has nothing to do with Halloween itself, but as the days of October get shorter and the darkness sets in quicker, there’s a coolness in the air and a creepiness to the game that comes together perfectly to chill you to the bone.
Yomawari: Night Alone is an original horror tale that shuns 3D and hyper-realism to stake everything on the atmosphere and on the discrepancy between "cartoon" style and horrific themes.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Well, Yomawari: Night Alone is one of those spooky horror games that reminded me why I love J-horror so much, even when the genre’s given me so many disappointments over the years. It has its flaws, but is an absolute must-play game, especially if you own a Vita.
Yomawari: Night Alone is a throwback to good old survival horror genre, spicing it up with emotional themes and ingenious mechanics to make for a definitive must-play for fans awaiting a game that will be remembered. A must-play.
Despite having its roots firmly set in survival horror, Yomawari: Night Alone is really not all that scary. It’s creepy for sure, but in terms of pure jumps or shivers, these reactions were a no go.
I don't think I'll ever forget the bone-chilling reaction I had in the opening moments of Yomawari: Night Alone. It was the perfect way to grab someone's attention and immerse them into the tone of the game.
I still get chills thinking about my time with Yomawari: Night Alone. Whether it's a particularly scary moment that pops into my head or one of the many weird visuals that I just can't get out of my mind, this is a game that's going to stick with me for a while. I just wish there was more of it for me to remember.
At the end of the day, believe it not this game goes much further than looking for your dog and sister. Ultimately it’s a coming of age story about coming to terms with one’s actions and understanding life and death. Between that and the game’s atmosphere and aesthetics, the game doesn’t look like much, but it certainly brings a lot to the table. Outside of the whole “quicksaves are just checkpoints” bit, the game barely has any faults that could be recalled.
Yomawari: Night Alone on PlayStation Vita is a brilliantly refreshing return to the iconic Japanese horror game, and it's a real joy to see it get localised here in the UK. Horror aficionados need to pick this one up and when better than just in time for Halloween? Get some good headphones, a pitch black room, kick back, and let this special adventure take you on a journey, but don't forget to keep a torch nearby, just in case...
One of the scariest experiences I’ve ever had in gaming with its nerve-racking atmosphere and grotesque enemies.
The game is a mysterious one, and despite the cute graphics, it will surely make you jump here and there. The creatures in the game are weird and creepy while also being wonderful and unique. This is a highly addictive release, and its in-game sounds and music is first class- The game may not have combat, but it is definitely well worth your time and money.