1916 – Der Unbekannte Krieg Review

You hold a mysterious note in your hand that simply reads “Finde die leiten” (“find the ladder”). You creep around the deep, muddy trenches with the faint sounds of death and gunfire around you. The light rain is constantly pattering against your skull. Your movement is rocky, unstable. Fatigue besets you and the chemicals in the air only choke your lungs. You look up into the light…salvation is just out of reach. A passage leads to the right. Looking down the long, tight trench you see a figure slumped against the squelchy walls that imprison you. Trembling, you worm your way through the slippery passage. The body becomes clearer as your focus draws towards it and your nostrils pick up the scent of rot and decay. The soldier lies only a few steps away, are they dead? Taking an extra step to test the ground you hear a growing buzz – adrenaline kicks in. Your foot lands nearer to the haunting figure. You can definitely hear something, a faint patter and a growing squeal. Danger encapsulates you. The body is still. Your eyes are drawn to the end of the trench. The sound is loud now. It’s coming! You grit your teeth. Frozen to the spot. Your mind races. The sound is deafening. Shit! Fuck!

“What the fuck was that?!”

A figure that can only resemble death hurtled down the adjacent corridor. Was it real? With no other direction to go, it seems that you are going to have to brave the thought of finding out.

The Unknown War

Right. Well. That may have been a bit overdone but it corresponds to my exact experience as I played what was only the first two minutes of 1916 – Der Unbekannte Krieg. I did not know anything about the game at all before I started playing and this is how it is best played. The less you know, the more surprising and intense the experience will be for you. Considering this, I am going to spoil the game as little as possible in this review. The better idea for the unsuspecting reader would be to go and play it right now, seriously!

As far as delivering an experience goes, 1916 is outstanding and will remain as one that will stay with me. The game immediately draws comparisons to Amnesia: The Dark Descent due to the horror it is able to induce into its players. To get the full experience of 1916 requires a playthrough in the dark with headphones on, the game design does the rest. As far as atmosphere goes, the game gets it right. I am in love with the visual design especially. Admittedly the graphics let the game down in places, but the ‘authentic’ black and white, grainy style really adds to the grim setting of the game. The first person perspective and lack of HUD only enhances this further and allows the player to get really immersed into the environment.

Sound design is one of the most important factors if a game is trying to induce fear into its players. Save for a couple of over familiar sound effects, the game really excels in this department also. Much like Amnesia: The Dark Descent the game fluctuates the player through two states of play. Basically, as you wander through the maze-like, claustrophobic trenches you will be able to hear your heartbeat amidst the patter of the rain. The calmer moments build tension as you enter each new area and slowly figure out how to find an exit from this hellhole. There are some very odd things to encounter on your travels and those really immersed in the game will certainly see more as their mind plays tricks on them. Then just like a flick of a switch, the game swings desperation your way as you sprint from the danger waiting for you around any given corner. Any attempt to keep track of where you are going and where you have been is suddenly lost, along with your composure. Your only aim is to survive the immediate threat.

Shock Horror

Most impressive is the game’s ‘feel’. It is not perfect, but the game’s focus on putting you into the body of this vulnerable soldier is admirable. The way the character moves as he walks and sprints is especially adept at adding to the game’s character, the player’s immersion and the sense of panic if the moment requires it. Instead of having an inventory the player has to look down to his belt to see what items they have stocked in there – a flare or two, and if lucky, a couple of bullets. These subtle touches make the game feel more like reality and they become the game’s most outstanding features. Many people have complained about not being able to work out what to do – with some even requesting a tutorial. Any extra help of this sort given to the player would only take away from the game’s impact. Part of the experience is working things out by yourself, and the fact that the game chucks you right into the fire is no mistake. This way the player is attacked at their most vulnerable; when they are still working out the controls and what to do. The developers do not want you to feel comfortable at any time and so this often-cited ‘fault’ of the game is actually brilliant design.

Never have I been so connected with the reality of the game world. I say this because there was a moment in which my character was shoved in the back, knocking him against the trench wall. At this moment, I also jumped out of my skin but somehow also felt the shove in the back to the point where I nearly gave myself mild whiplash. This sounds greatly exaggerated but I assure you, it happened. The developers add further authenticity through the various notes scattered around written in German – as a bonus they contribute to the sense of isolation and confusion for english speaking players as well. The impression that is left on the player from the overall package is one of hostility and tension.

If You Dare

I really cannot say anymore about the game that will not spoil it so it is best you go and play it. It will not last very long but the nature of the gameplay suits a shorter length. The ending also has an impact of its own that is worth fighting through the terror and confusion for. Some players may consider the game cheap and cheesy for a reason that makes itself obvious very quickly. Beyond that one thing though is a very memorable experience that has the potential to really terrify you. Put it this way, you will have a genuine reaction as if you were actually in that trench when you encounter the haunt of your prison. Concentrating on making the playable character feel real pays off in this gaming experience, and the unique style and approach is something any avid horror game fanatic will appreciate.

To play the game for free in your browser, go to kongregate.com

But I recommend downloading the game (it’s still free) at 1916.dadiugames.dk but DO NOT look on the left hand page if you want to be surprised when playing the game.

Review summary Pros:

Immersive, surprising and intense – a showcase of brilliant game design

Cons:

Some sound effects are cheap, some minor graphical issues

Rating: 82%