Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Apr 22, 2017
    90
    Detention is an astonishingly well-put together game that understands how brooding horror is more effective than mere jump-scares.
  2. Mar 13, 2017
    90
    Detention is a marvel of sight, sound, gameplay and storytelling; a highly atmospheric horror adventure that manages to accomplish more in its short playtime than some games twice its length.
  3. Feb 22, 2017
    90
    This game is a true little gem from Taiwan. Its unobtrusive horror atmosphere and unique storytelling will make you remember this game forever.
  4. Jan 25, 2017
    90
    Detention isn't for everyone. It's not an easy snack to gobble up. It will haunt you for some time and creep into your dreams. I recommend the game for those who enjoy deep and troubled stories and want to experience them in some other manner than just keep walking and pressing X when prompted. I can't stress enough how mature the story and its dramaturgy is, considering these guys have never done any published games or storytelling before. Detention meets all the unwritten laws of Asian tragedies and I could easily picture it as a movie by the likes of Ang Lee, the world renowned Taiwanese director. That's the highest compliment I can imagine giving to this game.
  5. Jan 22, 2017
    90
    Detention is more Silent Hill than the many Silent Hill clones on the market.
  6. Feb 24, 2017
    89
    Quotation forthcoming.
  7. Dec 14, 2017
    88
    This Taiwanese indie title is so much more than just another horror game. It takes on ambitious themes in a rich point and click adventure.The creepy artwork and soundtrack will feel divine and beautiful once you reach the end of the game.
  8. Feb 23, 2017
    86
    Detention is a great horror game, with a mature story and some interesting gameplay mechanics. It's a shame the experience loses some of its impact during the final part, but it is indeed a game we recommend to those looking for a survival horror.
  9. Feb 15, 2017
    85
    A psychological horror game with a great atmosphere, an impressive story and clever puzzle. Is a great adventure that especially enjoy it if you love oriental terror.
  10. Jan 17, 2017
    85
    Detention preserves the historical memory of Taiwan, showing the bloody roots of a country oppressed by the martial law for over 38 years. It is a unique and precious survival horror that knows how to tell an important, crucial and painful story that belongs to us all.
  11. Detention 返校 is a gorgeous representation of human nature. It has both horrors of mankind and the paranormal worlds. It grasps you by your ultimate weakness, your mind, and lets you escape this nightmare through the controlled character, Fang.
  12. Apr 13, 2017
    80
    A game unlike any horror film you've seen before.
  13. CD-Action
    Mar 6, 2017
    80
    I’m almost completely immune to horror games – they just don’t scare me. From time to time an exception from this rule happens and Detention is one of those exceptions. First half of the game expertly blends heavy, unsettling atmosphere with occasional jump scares and it’s a shame that the second half can’t keep up. If you enjoy being scared and don’t mind an excessively convoluted story with a moderately satisfying ending, give Detention a try. [03/2017, p.53]
  14. Jan 30, 2017
    80
    Despite a disappointing final act, this chilling horror story set in 1960s Taiwan burrows its way into your skull and, brilliantly, makes you anticipate the worst around every corner.
  15. Jan 24, 2017
    80
    An intelligent, thought-provoking, and extremely creepy adventure, that proves that survival horror can be more than just shooting zombies.
  16. 80
    Red Candle Games delivers horror as poignant as it is piercing, showcasing for the international game community the horrors of authoritarian communism. Although Detention has several points which can be improved, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; players will walk away – or run, screaming – with a fresh, thoughtful gaming experience.
  17. Feb 24, 2017
    75
    Detention is an especially engaging and well-made thriller, one that builds the sense of isolation and fear through its sombre design and oppressive themes it explores rather than relying on cheap scares.
  18. Feb 17, 2017
    68
    Detention has something important to say, but using a game as a medium seems inappropriate in this instance. While the subject matter is definitely worth discussing and I'd personally love to see more of this in games moving forward, the way in which it's been executed here left me groaning by the end of the three hours. Predictable in terms of story and unimaginative in terms of game design, Detention doesn't work as a game.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Despite a heavy dollop of Silent Hill, it’s a horror game unlike anything else I’ve played thanks to the smart use it makes of its historical setting. If you’re interested in thoughtful, fearsome games, don’t let this one slip by.
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 113
  2. Negative: 9 out of 113
  1. Dec 4, 2018
    10
    Certainly one of the best horror games ever. It's about the deepest guilt, sorrow, despair and helplessness. It's a very mature game. PuzzlesCertainly one of the best horror games ever. It's about the deepest guilt, sorrow, despair and helplessness. It's a very mature game. Puzzles are not very hard but very meaningful, gameplay is simple but artistically impressive. It's a must-buy if you love the horror genre. Full Review »
  2. Mar 26, 2018
    10
    Hey! Thinking about playing this game? Read on. I doubted whether this game would be engaging. Taiwanese history? Zzzzz... Yet I was wrong.Hey! Thinking about playing this game? Read on. I doubted whether this game would be engaging. Taiwanese history? Zzzzz... Yet I was wrong. Yes, this game is not for everyone. Don't play this game if you are a "hardcore gamer" who only likes hard games. Don't play if you want to shoot things. Do play it if you want something truly new and you appreciate a well-told story. You won't be disappointed. Full Review »
  3. Jan 28, 2017
    10
    I love the unique story and setting in 70's Taiwan. It is not commonly used theme in games and I love to see something unique and refreshing.I love the unique story and setting in 70's Taiwan. It is not commonly used theme in games and I love to see something unique and refreshing. The game might be a tad bit short but I love it overall. Full Review »