Daymare: 1998 Reviews
The broad and generic story is the least offensive aspect of Daymare: 1998. The rotten gameplay and ugly presentation that support this roof of mediocrity won't shelter even the most desperate horror fan. There is nothing classic about the gameplay or story; it is every bit as derivative as most of the soulless schlock that modern studios excrete from their focus group testing. There is no attempt at having any guts at trying to make something that is a throw-back, and the best Daymare: 1998 can offer are a few Easter Eggs and obvious nods to the games that inspired it.
It almost feels wrong to be so harsh on Daymare, because a lot of the gameplay issues seem to be things that could be fixed if it had come from a larger studio with more time, money, or hands to put into the project. It does seem that the developers were very earnest and passionate about making their game and if it were more fun or interesting to play I could look past the poor writing, but unfortunately, there are just too many flaws for me to recommend it in good conscience.
As it is now, whilst it’s not unplayable, it’s not far off. It’s trying too hard with its story scenario hopping all over the shop, coupled with an inventory management system that just doesn’t work in this kind of game.
What started off as a fan remake of Resident Evil 2 has been transformed into a would-be homage that even in its better moments is a tedious and frustrating slog.
Daymare: 1998's commendable ambition is unfortunately not matched by its budget, creating a jumbled and frustrating trudge through survival horror's past.
It's not necessarily that the developers floundered the game. It can be seen that the developers are avid fans of not only this game genre. Wherever you look, you may notice many Easter Eggs on games or movies. In particular, the very story around Daymare 1998 is a testament to the creators' dedication to completing the ideal title for fans of survival horror games from the late 1990s. Not only for this reason, the game takes a recommendation for 4 points. But I'd rather not recommend the game at all, just because the developers throw false positive reviews on metacritic. They don't necessarily have to be ashamed of, so they don't have to dig around madly right away.
Review in Czech | Read full review
For all the pustulous boils and decrepit flesh, Invader Studios put out something I subconsciously feel they hoped honors a well-beloved series. Wishing can only get you so far though.
I largely did not enjoy this game, despite it appealing to many of my tastes. Having said that, the fact that Daymare: 1998 has made it to release is commendable.
I like what Invader Studios is trying to do here, but if the actual Resident Evil 2 remaster didn’t exist, this could’ve filled that gap more substantially. But Resident Evil 2 this is not, no matter how hard it tries. There’s a fundamental and unacceptable lack of polish here. Daymare: 1998 is mostly just unimaginative and unfun, and for a game that is primarily a shooter, it doesn’t even do that well enough. I’m trying to think of a place for Daymare: 1998, and while it certainly has one in survival-horror, it’s going to be mostly at the bottom.
Much like the zombies that threaten the world, Daymare 1998 is a sluggish and ugly take on the Resident Evil formula that's best avoided.
Daymare 1998 is true to it's name in all the worst ways. Uninspired, dreadful to play, and not the least bit scary.
Daymare has some good ideas, but it has too many flaws to do anything besides remind survival horror fans of better games.
By taking elements of iconic 90's horror staples, Invader Studios have resurrected a Frankensteined horror experience that is far less than it's borrowed parts. From the glacial pacing to the ponderous in-game action Daymare 1998 rather than invoking terror instead delivers tedium.
Daymare 1998 is meant to be a blast from the past but all it really does is destroy your old memories of those 90s horror games you played so long ago
If you’re looking for a survival horror zombie game to play after the Resident Evil 3 Remake, then perhaps Daymare 1998 on the console isn’t it. If you really want to try this game, I’d recommend going for PC instead. But right now, with its technical limitations, sluggish controls, bland and uninteresting story, generic characters, and questionable game mechanics I can’t quite recommend Daymare 1998 to anyone.
It is very clear what the game is trying to imitate and at the same time it is looking for ways to come up with an even more hardcore version of the classic recipe.
Review in Greek | Read full review
With all of its issues, it’s hard to recommended Daymare: 1998. Some, however, will be able to grit their teeth and enjoy it – it’s not all bad.
Daymare 1998 is a failed attempt to revive a classic survival horror title. An attempt that is nothing more than a weak copy of titles released 20 years ago. It lacks character and identity, and it can't be recommended even to the fans of the genre.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Daymare : 1998 is an ambitious game, but this hommage can hardly please fans of the genre. Yet, its mundane scenario and old-school gameplay stand alongside clever puzzles and some true survival horror sensations. At a reduced price, its weaknesses might wear off a bit.
Review in French | Read full review