Decarnation

Decarnation is an impressive journey through a difficult lens of strife and toxicity, and despite its more passive gameplay, is an easy recommendation for psychological horror fans. Its topics are handled well, and given enough room to breathe that there’s reverence paid to each, while not overwhelming the player.

The game’s ending is as strong as its beginning. Rightfully for so haunting a game, the conclusion leaves me pensive but better for the experience. I didn’t expect Decarnation to launch itself into my favorite games of the year and might easily have overlooked it. Don’t make that mistake.

Decarnation is one of those rare video games that’s more than the sum of its parts. The story it tells is both important and carefully plotted. Gloria is an exceptional character and the game offers full access to her inner life. The gameplay is varied enough to keep players interested, although not all the mechanics are good by themselves. All these elements come together to deliver a great tale of discovery, resilience, and survival. Play it in two or three sessions, absorb the unique atmosphere, and try to push through the more annoying gameplay sequences. Decarnation is a very good game with a great main character and a unique twist on familiar ideas.