End of Abyss Review: A Stylized Horror Game That Struggles With Scale
End of Abyss, a new survival-horror title from developer Section 9, has been released for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. The game utilizes a distinct top-down, dollhouse-style perspective and fixed camera angles to create an eerie atmosphere. While the game is noted for its aesthetic presentation, reports indicate it suffers from a confounding control scheme and significant issues with backtracking and map navigation, which may hinder the overall experience.
Key points
- End of Abyss is a survival-horror game available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
- The game features a unique top-down, dollhouse-like visual style with fixed camera angles.
- Gameplay mechanics are compared to PS1-era Resident Evil, with added elements from Dark Souls and Metroid.
- The game's control scheme has been criticized as confounding, particularly the reload function.
- Navigation is reported to be difficult due to a confusing map and excessive backtracking.
What Happened
Section 9 has released its latest survival-horror title, End of Abyss, published by Epic Games Publishing. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC platforms.
Reaction
The game has received attention for its visual style, which presents a facility as a model-village recreation. Critics have noted that while the aesthetic is striking, the game's attempt to blend survival-horror with complex, interconnected map design leads to pacing issues. The control scheme has been described as confounding, with specific criticism directed at the placement of the reload function on the right thumbstick.
Background
End of Abyss draws inspiration from the Scandi-chiaroscuro style seen in games like Limbo and Little Nightmares. Its gameplay loop relies on fixed camera angles and a top-down perspective, aiming to evoke the tension of early survival-horror classics.
What's Next
Players can currently access the game across major consoles and PC. The developer has not announced any upcoming patches to address the reported navigation or control concerns.
Why it matters
The release of End of Abyss highlights the ongoing interest in stylized, atmospheric horror games, while also illustrating the challenges developers face when balancing complex map design with traditional survival-horror mechanics.
What we know
- End of Abyss was released on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
- The game features survival-horror gameplay with a top-down perspective and fixed camera angles.
- The game was developed by Section 9 and published by Epic Games Publishing.
What remains unclear
- The game's control scheme is described as confounding, specifically regarding the reload function.
- The game suffers from excessive backtracking and map navigation issues.
