Simulacra (stylized in all caps) is a 2017 detective-horror game developed and published by Malaysian video game developer Kaigan Games. It was released for the Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.[1] The game has received mixed reviews from critics, praising it for its scary premise and unique game concept, while denouncing it for its poor voice lines.[2]
| Simulacra | |
|---|---|
 Game logo | |
| Developer(s) | Kaigan Games |
| Publisher(s) | Kaigan Games[a][b] |
| Writer(s) | Shern Chong, Jeremy Ooi, David Teigen |
| Series | Simulacra |
| Engine | libGDX |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | Android, iOS, Windows October 26, 2017 macOS June 2, 2018 Switch, PS4, Xbox One December 3, 2019 |
| Genre(s) | Horror |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Plot edit
The player finds a lost mobile phone that belonged to a person named Anna. Attempting to access the phone through the lock screen causes the phone to suddenly crackle, with the distorted screen showing "Help me". The phone continues to do things on its own, leading to a certain video. It's showing a scared Anna begging whoever is watching not to come after her. In order to find out what happened to Anna, the goal for the player is to collect all the information possible and try to find the AI Simulacrum, the one behind Anna's disappearance.
Gameplay edit
As a spiritual successor to the game Sara is Missing, Simulacra revolves around exploring the missing person's phone.[3] There are various contacts that can be interacted with, such as her friends or boyfriend.[4] The players can also fix glitched messages and images or check the installed apps like Spark, Jabbr and Surfer.[5][6] However, during these said ventures, the player may experience some glitches and jumpscares on the phone and an individual called "Aulner" trying to message the player in odd capitalization, asking the player to find him and by doing so the player will supposedly find Anna.
The game has 4 endings unlocked by following a specific narrative branch.[7]
Reception edit
Simulacra received "mixed or average" reviews from critics for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions of the game, while the iOS version received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[8][9][10][11]
Sequels edit
Kaigan Games have also released several follow-up games: a spin-off Simulacra: Pipe Dreams on October 26, 2018,[12] and two sequels Simulacra 2 and Simulacra 3 on January 30, 2020, and October 25, 2022 respectively.[13][14][15][16]
Notes edit
- ^ Console versions published by Wales Interactive.
- ^ PC version published by Neon Doctrine and Kaigan Games.
References edit
- ^ "Found Phone Horror Game Simulacra 3 Launches on October 25 – TouchArcade". 2022-10-11. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "Simulacra Review – Gamecritics.com". gamecritics.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Riaz, Adnan (2017-11-12). "Review: Simulacra". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "Review: Simulacra - An Interesting Horror Title That Doesn't Quite Hit The Mark". Nintendo Life. 2019-12-07. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Tan, Freddy (2017-08-15). "Introducing SIMULACRA: full embodiment of Sara Is Missing". IGN Southeast Asia. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (2019-10-31). "Found Phone FMV Horror Game 'Simulacra' Heads to Consoles This December". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Tekaia, Pascal (2018-03-23). "Review for SIMULACRA". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "SIMULACRA for Xbox One". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "SIMULACRA for PlayStation 4". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "SIMULACRA for Switch". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "SIMULACRA for iOS". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ^ "SIMULACRA: Pipe Dreams on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ "SIMULACRA 3 on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
- ^ "Simulacra 2 Review: Influencers Get What's Coming To Them". TheGamer. 2020-02-05. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "Save 60% on SIMULACRA 2 on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "SIMULACRA 3". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-05-19.