INFERNIUM Reviews
Infernium is a beautiful, strange first-person adventure that draws its inspiration from an eclectic range of sources. It's frequently frustrating and maddeningly vague, but those with the determination to crack its secrets will be richly rewarded.
NFERNIUM isn't like any other game we've played before, and it's incredible. Dishonored meets Pac-Man and Dark Souls in a metroidvania way that, with breath-taking aesthetics and a deep level design, takes us to an indescribable travel to the underworld.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Infernium attempts to pay homage to older games, and mostly leaves the player alone to discover the world on their own. Problem is, many of the connections between levels only make sense to the developer, and while the game's scares may cause a good jump or two, they are easy to see coming after the first few times. Permadeath is a mechanic few games use these days, but when dying in a game is this agonizing involving multiple loading screens, the player may almost welcome obtaining a game over since it's the last time they'll see that purgatory.
If trudging around a nice-looking hell is what you're after then there may be a little merit in investing in Infernium, but for anyone after a decent gaming experience – be it horror, puzzle, or walking simulator – then this just doesn't cut it.
Infernium is a vague, inconsistent jumble of a game, and that bleeds into its horror all too often. A shame really because what Infernium tries to do with its setting and storytelling is refreshing. This may be a trip to Hell, but it needn't play like it.
Infernium is a survival horror game with a creeping, insidious kind of logic. It gives you very little to go on and punishes nearly every wrong turn you take. If you're a fan of old school survival horror you might get into this one, but most other players will probably just get frustrated with the repetition and trial and error.
As a puzzle-dark soul Infernium is difficult to master and often frustrating, but convinces with its clever level design.
Review in German | Read full review
Infernium is certainly something else. It's not quite the Souls-like, Survival Horror Pac-man game the developer thinks it is, and it's certainly not something that's all that well put together. If you like running away from the same 2 enemy models with slightly different colors, don't mind the absolute lack of story beyond bad fan-fiction on random walls, and like dying to enemies around the corner, you'll love Infernium. Otherwise, it's best to stay away.
One of the most notable developer notes found within the loading screen is that Infernium started out as a salsa dance simulator. Given the title's choppy gameplay and a major lack of direction, the game should have stayed as originally intended. In order to sum up Infernium in the best way possible, I quote the most memorable developer note, "If you play this game with the developer at your side and you ask him something about the game, he would tell you, 'I don't know, I've never played this game before.'" While the game has tons of personality with an interesting concept, a fun challenge in some areas, and even a New Game+ feature that adds new surprises, it's ultimately a Frankenstein's monster of other games cut together. If leaving players lost and confused in Hell is Infernium's goal, then it has succeeded.
In spite of its flaws, Infernium is a creative vision of the afterlife. There is an audience for this game somewhere; I'm just not part of it.
PSN Game Price: $24.99
As for its graphics, the game is certainly gorgeous with a lot of attention to detail that makes locations shine. Looking at the sand and the ocean, feeling the calm around you, to then be transported to a very different, rocky and dangerous location will keep you marveling at all the hard work that went into bringing this game to life. So if you're looking for a non-linear, differently structured game, be sure to check out Infernium on PlayStation 4, a game where danger lurks around every corner!
Overall, this game left me in shambles as I would feel a sense of extreme dread as I made progress throughout each world as I never fully knew what reaction any of my decisions could cause. However, it gave me a sense of relief and wonder when I would solve the puzzle given to me and continue forward to see what challenges awaited me next.
Overall the game is pretty fun and definitely a choice for the hardcore gamer out there that likes solving puzzles and enjoys a challenge that matches that of some of the hardest games out there. You’ll definitely find yourself in a challenging environment unlike any other and you’ll have to stay one step ahead of your current movement to know exactly what to do next in order to evade the enemy and have time to perform an action. I wouldn’t suggest this game for the casual player though as you will likely get frustrated and never attempt to finish the game again. For the price however you may be tempted to give it a shot no matter what.
Infernium is a game that’s all about memorisation and trial and error, which might very well be more towards your taste than mine. I felt like sometimes I would just have to die in order to progress as I made a slight error, but I grew tired of the mundane way the game forced me to respawn and get all the way back to that point again.
While Infernium presents itself very well, has a certain unique sense of ambiance, and can certainly be conquered given careful observation, its trial-and-error nature and pacing will likely lead to polar opposite reactions in people. For people who enjoy the puzzle adventure aspect, exploring the spaces and working out an optimal path to success while staying a few steps ahead of doom it may scratch an itch. Unfortunately I would imagine for just about anyone else it will likely be an exercise in frustration and burn through the patience of people hoping for more immediate gratification. Just be sure to go into the experience with the proper expectations and you’ll improve your chances of enjoying it.