STASIS: BONE TOTEM

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 44
  3. Negative: 5 out of 44

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  1. lonewolf3264
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    Seriously, more people need to buy this game and enjoy it, please support this developer. The game is amazing and I enjoyed every minute. Great horror elements and a strong storyline. It's also a great point and click game that can stand up there with the best. Visually appealing and the audio is outstanding. The only minor complaint I have is sometimes it seems to be a bit vague as toSeriously, more people need to buy this game and enjoy it, please support this developer. The game is amazing and I enjoyed every minute. Great horror elements and a strong storyline. It's also a great point and click game that can stand up there with the best. Visually appealing and the audio is outstanding. The only minor complaint I have is sometimes it seems to be a bit vague as to what you should do next. That said It's a testament to how good the game is that this minor gripe won't put you off playing it. Indie game of the year in my opinion.… Expand
  2. DreadStorm
    Jun 19, 2023
    10
    "STASIS" series is the BEST OF THE BEST horror adventures! Done in good faith. Great atmosphere and story.
  3. mikes1711
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    Fans of Fallout 1 and 2 will feel at home. Great atmosphere, storytelling, character development and advance system through puzzles which are not illogical or infuriatingly difficult. The fact that Mark Morgan composed the music is such a bonus.
  4. Kunray
    Jun 5, 2023
    10
    Thank you for giving me this experience.
    I'd recommend playing this game for lovers of story dominating games.
    10/10 good
  5. pamejedo
    Jun 13, 2023
    10
    Just finished playing Bone Totem, and WOW!

    Extremely impressive, especially for an indie game. I thought they did not make games like this anymore. Nowadays almost every new survival horror AAA title has this 'junk food' vibe about it - cliché, vapid, forgettable, tons of unnecessary copy-pasted enemy mobs. This game is definitely different. To start off, various underwater    Just finished playing Bone Totem, and WOW!

    Extremely impressive, especially for an indie game. I thought they did not make games like this anymore. Nowadays almost every new survival horror AAA title has this 'junk food' vibe about it - cliché, vapid, forgettable, tons of unnecessary copy-pasted enemy mobs. This game is definitely different.

    To start off, various underwater environments are a work of art, unique, detailed, and believable. The somewhat simplistic isometric style just adds to it, making the game feel a little bit retro. The lighting and water effects really translated the atmosphere of the game: dark, gritty, unfriendly depths of the ocean, hiding ancient secrets. It was enhanced by superb sound design as well.

    The setup itself is pretty unusual, as the story takes place deep underwater, which really emphasizes the 'survival' element. Everything in the surroundings is a threat to the main characters, and sometimes they just barely manage to escape death, in order to go even deeper and uncover the true purpose of their visit to the facility. The game does a great job of keeping it mysterious for quite a while, and there is always something happening story-wise, so you never feel bored. There are a few nice plot twists as well. The story is rich and is building itself up in the form of numerous PDA's scattered around the locations containing journal entries of various characters inhabiting Cayne Universe.

    The puzzles are interesting and not too obvious, complex enough to make you think, but not to the point of being annoying. Each one of the main characters has a distinct personality and feels like a real person (yes, even the robot bear Moses). You will have to constantly switch between all three in order to progress, as they all possess different skills that you will need. Don't worry though, there will be no unnecessary backtracking to retrieve the items from each other, as this is solved through their shared inventory.

    I would describe this game as a hydropunk Event Horizon, with a sprinkle of Sanitarium, in all the best ways possible.

    If you care about deep storytelling, sci-fi world-building and relatable characters, instead of braindead monster shooting, you will not be disappointed.

    I cannot wait what THE BROTHERHOOD comes up with next.    … Expand
  6. Mason_pllom
    Jun 20, 2023
    10
    Salvaging duo Charlie and Mac scour the ocean for a living. They hit the motherload and come across DEEPSEA 15, a seemingly abandoned Cayne Corporation rig in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It only gets worse from there, as they and their Super-Toy Moses uncover a threat far beyond their wildest dreams.

    I loved this game. It was probably the best experience Ive ever had playing the    Salvaging duo Charlie and Mac scour the ocean for a living. They hit the motherload and come across DEEPSEA 15, a seemingly abandoned Cayne Corporation rig in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It only gets worse from there, as they and their Super-Toy Moses uncover a threat far beyond their wildest dreams.

    I loved this game. It was probably the best experience Ive ever had playing the P&C format.

    The game's visuals are a standout feature, presenting a meticulously crafted environment that oozes with macabre aesthetics. From the decrepit corridors of a derelict underwater bases to the gruesome sights of a forgotten research facility, each scene is filled with intricate details that enhance the feeling of foreboding isolation.

    The audio design further intensifies the chilling atmosphere, with eerie ambient sounds, subtle whispers, and unsettling music cues. Every creak and distant echo serve to immerse players deeper into the game's sinister world, making every step a nerve-wracking experience.

    Bone Totem's storyline is a compelling blend of science fiction and horror, unfolding through intricate puzzles and dark revelations. As players navigate the twisted narrative, they will uncover the secrets of the abandoned facility and face unimaginable horrors that challenge both their wits and their courage.

    The gameplay mechanics in Bone Totem are intuitive and well-executed, allowing players to explore the environment, interact with objects, and solve clever puzzles. The puzzles themselves strike a balance between challenging and rewarding, ensuring a satisfying sense of accomplishment when overcoming each obstacle.

    Overall, Bone Totem is a must-play for fans of dark and atmospheric video games.    … Expand
  7. tony_tree
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    It's a creative, captivating, and stunningly rendered piece of terror. It offers a satisfying new chapter in the history of the Cayne Corporation while providing a creative and unexpected manner to continue on from its predecessors.
  8. MTAF_JAMES2
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    In the captivating horror/sci-fi game Stasis Bone Totem, developed by South African brothers Chris and Nic of The Brotherhood, I spent around 17 hours immersed in its intriguing storyline. Surprisingly, the character Moses, voiced by Danny Doyle, became the most endearing among the trio. The soundtrack by Mark Morgan added to the game's haunting atmosphere. Overall, Stasis Bone TotemIn the captivating horror/sci-fi game Stasis Bone Totem, developed by South African brothers Chris and Nic of The Brotherhood, I spent around 17 hours immersed in its intriguing storyline. Surprisingly, the character Moses, voiced by Danny Doyle, became the most endearing among the trio. The soundtrack by Mark Morgan added to the game's haunting atmosphere. Overall, Stasis Bone Totem proved to be a gripping experience with an unexpected emotional depth.… Expand
  9. newyorkMint
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The puzzles are challenging but logical, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved. Taking pictures and noting numerical sequences and codes can help with future puzzles. Paying attention to details is important, as solutions can be found in earlier areas. Players who struggle with extensive exposition and historical information might find the game difficult. The game features scattered PDAs with character reflections, and casual conversations can be skipped if desired. Enjoyed it so much. I don’t want to wait for the next one!… Expand
  10. cero911
    Jul 10, 2023
    10
    I hesitate to label this game as purely a horror experience. It does not invoke the same kind of nightmarish imagery that one might encounter when watching a movie like Hereditary. Undoubtedly, it contains elements of gore and violence, as well as an engaging Lovecraftian plot waiting to be unraveled. Nevertheless, it is the dynamic interplay among the main characters, their conflicts,I hesitate to label this game as purely a horror experience. It does not invoke the same kind of nightmarish imagery that one might encounter when watching a movie like Hereditary. Undoubtedly, it contains elements of gore and violence, as well as an engaging Lovecraftian plot waiting to be unraveled. Nevertheless, it is the dynamic interplay among the main characters, their conflicts, mutual support, and personal growth that truly set this game apart. This is precisely why I hold adventure games in such high regard.… Expand
  11. harrybloom
    Jul 9, 2023
    10
    Stasis BT is a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming. It not only pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in a video game but also invites players to reflect on our relationship with the world. The innovative adaptation of Stasis into an underwater setting adds a layer of depth that enhances the already impressive original. It's a testament to the developers' creativityStasis BT is a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming. It not only pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in a video game but also invites players to reflect on our relationship with the world. The innovative adaptation of Stasis into an underwater setting adds a layer of depth that enhances the already impressive original. It's a testament to the developers' creativity and their commitment to delivering an extraordinary experience.… Expand
  12. annie_ling
    Jul 20, 2023
    10
    A delightful blend of different Sci-Fi tropes. The world of Stasis reminds me heavily of different games and movies from the science fiction genre, including “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, “Even Horizon”, Bone Totem is the love child of “Dead Space” and “System Shock 2”. However though the game uses recognizable themes it also builds it world compellingly. It might reminds me of differentA delightful blend of different Sci-Fi tropes. The world of Stasis reminds me heavily of different games and movies from the science fiction genre, including “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, “Even Horizon”, Bone Totem is the love child of “Dead Space” and “System Shock 2”. However though the game uses recognizable themes it also builds it world compellingly. It might reminds me of different things, but the world is unique and carries its own atmosphere well. The underwater flavor adds to the new game. Loved it and I am a grump old gamer.… Expand
  13. tomcruiselover
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    I couldn't help but explore the mysterious world of ".Bone Totem" because I'm a huge lover of atmospheric, gloomy indie games. This game, created by a small company (who made the OG stasis) with a love of storytelling, promised a singular experience combining fantastical graphics, engrossing audio, and an engaging plot. I can tell with confidence that the game fulfills its promise andI couldn't help but explore the mysterious world of ".Bone Totem" because I'm a huge lover of atmospheric, gloomy indie games. This game, created by a small company (who made the OG stasis) with a love of storytelling, promised a singular experience combining fantastical graphics, engrossing audio, and an engaging plot. I can tell with confidence that the game fulfills its promise and takes gamers on a terrifying and fascinating journey after spending several hours with it.

    Itz a marvel visually and produce a spooky, otherworldly feeling. Play it. now.    … Expand
  14. affamily
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    Bone Totem truly shines as an unexpected treasure in the world of gaming. Its narrative revolves around the concept of divine powers and delves into the intriguing consequences when false idols deceitfully rise to godlike status. This creates a truly distinctive storyline, where the sense of suspense and the unearthly environment amplify the spiritual elements, prompting players to ponderBone Totem truly shines as an unexpected treasure in the world of gaming. Its narrative revolves around the concept of divine powers and delves into the intriguing consequences when false idols deceitfully rise to godlike status. This creates a truly distinctive storyline, where the sense of suspense and the unearthly environment amplify the spiritual elements, prompting players to ponder the role of religion in a world besieged by monstrous horrors. Yet, even if you're not inclined to deeply explore the intricate plot and its themes, the captivating characters will effortlessly draw you in throughout the captivating 18-hour gameplay, leaving you eagerly anticipating the resolution.

    My game of the year so far...    … Expand
  15. ieatzombies
    Aug 15, 2023
    10
    What more could you want for in an adventure game than AWESOME voice acting, fascinating characters, hauntingly horrific yet gorgeous settings, the ideal mood, well-designed puzzles, and a crazy story!?
  16. svks_man_1988
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    I am a big fan of adventure games and have been since I was a kiddo. This feels like adventure would have been if they continued to make them in the 2000's.

    The sounds, the music, and especially the voice acting for Mac and Charlie – they're all just so darn good. Moses, now there's a character who really impressed me. His mix of loyalty and that sort of wry self-preservation is quite    I am a big fan of adventure games and have been since I was a kiddo. This feels like adventure would have been if they continued to make them in the 2000's.

    The sounds, the music, and especially the voice acting for Mac and Charlie – they're all just so darn good. Moses, now there's a character who really impressed me. His mix of loyalty and that sort of wry self-preservation is quite something. And let's talk visuals – they're truly something to behold. The darkness and the awfulness, they're everywhere you look. There are these moments that are like beautiful nightmares, and the cutscenes? Oh, they're like something out of a fancy movie, so impressive.

    If a character bites the dust (don't worry, you get another shot), there's a burst of blood, like, all dramatic and fitting. To bring up the interface, you just click that bottom left button, and you can check out your PDA and stuff. When someone's talking, their face pops up on the top left. And hey, if you want to run, just give a double click.

    Now, let's chat about the story. It takes its sweet time sometimes, you know? It's all rich and fantastical, though. And it's long, like, I'm talking 15 to 20 hours kind of long – maybe even more. The way they show everything from that kind of top-ish down 2D isometric view? Well, it works wonders. Plus, not every scene fills the whole screen, which adds to that heavy, kinda tight feeling that's all around.

    Oh, and the influences, they're clear as day. Like, you can totally sense the vibes from stuff like Alien and Sanitarium. And there's this, like, visceral Cronenberg vibe going on too. With all the body parts, the creepy 'bugs,' and the loads of detail in those 'readings' (trust me, there's tons to read), it's like this delightfully gruesome adventure that's, you know, a bit on the gory side.    … Expand
  17. borat_it_nice
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    As a fan of horror games, I can say that Stasis was the only title in the last 5 years that made me really scared. The game held my attention from beginning to end, I couldn't wait to get home and play it. Fans of point and clicks and horror games will be in ecstasy with Stasis.
  18. ripenaartjie
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    TOP REASONS TO GET BONE TOTEM:

    * A delightful blend of different Sci-Fi tropes. The world of Bone Totem reminds me heavily of different games and movies from the science fiction genre, including “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, “Even Horizon”, “Dead Space” and “System Shock 2”. There is a derelict starship present, unseen monstrosities lurking in the darkness, a mad scientist responsible for    TOP REASONS TO GET BONE TOTEM:

    * A delightful blend of different Sci-Fi tropes. The world of Bone Totem reminds me heavily of different games and movies from the science fiction genre, including “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, “Even Horizon”, “Dead Space” and “System Shock 2”. There is a derelict starship present, unseen monstrosities lurking in the darkness, a mad scientist responsible for the crisis, and an everyman hero questioning his sanity. However though the game uses recognizable themes it also builds it world compellingly. Stasis might reminds me of different things, but the world is unique and carries its own atmosphere well. 


    * Successfully mixes point and click adventuring with horror elements. Not often does a game blend those two genres so well. In Stasis you have to manipulate objects and solve puzzles but at the same time there is a profound sense of danger present and the heroes can die horribly if the player is not careful. 


    * Puzzles are challenging but logical. Stasis strikes a good balance between being challenging and going off the rails in terms of abstract puzzles. The player will be expected to solve riddles quite often but they will always be firmly rooted in the plot. Moreover the game does a great job of giving subtle hints on how to proceed next without being too obvious..


    * Builds tension nicely by allowing the player to read personal logs. Much of the plot is discovered by going through PDA’s left behind.


    * High production value. Often the game feels like the player is watching a movie, and I do not mean this in a negative way it is just that the visual part of Stasis is so very well crafted it almost can be treated as a film. Every environment or object encountered in game has been modeled with great attention to detail, animations are smooth and the intro feels like you are watching “Alien” all over again.


    * Great voice acting and music. Even though the number of characters that actually can speak is fairly limited, the actors that do get to deliver their lines do so fantastically. Their performance really brings the world to life. Additionally Mark Morgan composing the soundtrack is a pro in itself, the music is great.    … Expand
  19. plove
    Jun 14, 2023
    9
    Bone Totem was such fun!

    The sound, the score and particularly the voice acting of Mac and Charlie are excellent. Moses impressed me with his mix of devotion and wry self-preservation. Visually it is sumptuous, and the awfulness of things is writ large. There are some wonderfully nightmarish sequences and cutscenes are cinematic and impressive. A character death (you just get to try    Bone Totem was such fun!

    The sound, the score and particularly the voice acting of Mac and Charlie are excellent.
    Moses impressed me with his mix of devotion and wry self-preservation.
    Visually it is sumptuous, and the awfulness of things is writ large.
    There are some wonderfully nightmarish sequences and cutscenes are
    cinematic and impressive. A character death (you just get to try again)
    is accompanied by a suitable burst of blood spatter. Click bottom left
    to pull up the interface, including the PDA. When a character is talking
    you get a headshot top left. Double click to run. The narrative meanders
    a bit at times but it’s a rich and fantastical affair. It is also long,
    15-20 hours seeming to be the norm, but can easily be longer. The top-ish
    down 2D isometric view works a treat, as does the fact that not every
    scene fills the screen, accentuating the crushing darkness and almost
    claustrophobic nature of things. The earlier inspirations of things like
    Alien and Sanitarium resonate again, and there is a visceral Cronenberg-feel
    about the whole thing. Between the body parts, the ‘bugs’ and the detail
    in the ‘readings’ (if you read it all there is a lot), it’s a grisly,
    sometimes gory bit of gleefully gruesome adventuring.

    Recommended!    … Expand
  20. randomlight
    Jul 15, 2023
    9
    You'll have a good sense of what to expect from Stasis: Bone Totem if you've played SOMA or any other "isolated at sea" horror game. If you have a small Lovecraft fandom, it might also be helpful. For those who like sci-fi horror and wish to either return to point-and-click games or play one for the first time, Stasis: Bone Totem is a terrific option.

    It is a Modern adventure game that    You'll have a good sense of what to expect from Stasis: Bone Totem if you've played SOMA or any other "isolated at sea" horror game. If you have a small Lovecraft fandom, it might also be helpful. For those who like sci-fi horror and wish to either return to point-and-click games or play one for the first time, Stasis: Bone Totem is a terrific option.

    It is a Modern adventure game that features compelling characters, gorgeous scenery, award-winning voice acting, clever puzzles, and an engrossing story. The game's primary motivators are the plot and characters, both of which are excellently realized and will entice you to play it again after each session.

    I think this is my fav of 2023 9/10 or 4 out o5 stars    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PC Game of 2023
53
#53 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Adventure Gamers
    Aug 18, 2023
    90
    STASIS: BONE TOTEM is a frightfully entertaining adventure with a story that carefully blends sacred elements with a dreadful atmosphere while drawing the player into challenges that are not overly difficult. If you are a horror fan or an open-minded gamer curious about the game’s unusual themes, this is an easy recommendation.
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  2. New Game Network
    Jul 24, 2023
    80
    With a great underwater setting and an interesting story featuring lots to uncover, Stasis: Bone Totem’s mix of horror and puzzles mean it is a veritable sunken treasure.
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  3. Ragequit.gr
    Jul 11, 2023
    84
    STASIS: BONE TOTEM delivers what it promises and will satisfy any horror fan who will consciously choose it for its story and atmosphere, knowing that it has some demands from him in terms of reading dedication.
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