The Shattering

 PC
  • Publisher: Deck 13
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2020
The Shattering Image
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Shattering is a first-person, story-driven, psychological thriller. Its defining features are the dynamic environments, beautiful aesthetic and intriguing story. The gameplay is meant to submerge you in the mind of John, as you take each step forward into the twisted mystery of what happened.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Adventure Gamers
    May 13, 2022
    80
    The lack of puzzles and other challenges lets the gaming experience fall short, but the beautiful graphics, gripping story and wonderful music still make The Shattering a worthwhile experience, even if it’s an emotionally difficult one.
  2. TheSixthAxis
    Apr 20, 2020
    80
    While The Shattering doesn’t have the scale or range of some genre entries, it's a fantastic example of a focused game that takes a vital and challenging issue and delivers a truly immersive experience. I’d really recommend adding it to the list of great gaming takes on mental health. I, for one, found the too-bright representation of mental illness hugely effective and couldn’t drag myself away from the keyboard until John’s story was told. I would repeat the health warning that the treatment of suicide is potentially triggering but, as long as that isn’t a potential risk for you, then The Shattering is a real indie gem.
  3. God is a Geek
    Apr 20, 2020
    80
    The Shattering is a tough story to follow and has some uncomfortable moments, but it’s an impressive spectacle at times and has a few tricks up its sleeve.
  4. Jeuxvideo.com
    Apr 25, 2020
    70
    Walking Simulator sprinkled with psychological elements, The Shattering does not revolutionize the established formula of style, but shows however that it has sufficiently digested its influences, What Remains of Edith Finch and Layers of Fear in mind, to offer a real identity by deploying treasures of good ideas when it comes to pouring into interactive narration.
  5. Screen Rant
    May 5, 2020
    70
    The Shattering offers a beautifully surreal and tactful journey into mental illness. “Emotional rollercoaster” sums it up perfectly; it’s a constant series of heart-racing peaks and melancholy valleys. Imaginative and affecting, take the time to sit down with John and get to the root of his plight.
  6. SpazioGames
    Apr 20, 2020
    69
    The Shattering tells a common story of a man with an unhappy past, but fails to properly explore the delicate psychological themes related to John.
  7. Gamer Escape
    Jun 10, 2020
    40
    It’s clear they tried. I love the art direction, they tried to pull off something more original towards the end, and the little optional things you can interact with are fun and whimsical. I’d love to see where they go in the future, but I cannot deny that this is a fairly flawed title.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. SuperkenGaming
    Apr 22, 2020
    6
    The Shattering
    Super Depressing
    The Shattering starts with a warning that this game contains sensitive topics related to mental and    The Shattering
    Super Depressing
    The Shattering starts with a warning that this game contains sensitive topics related to mental and emotional wellness that some players may find distressing, and I was definitely one of those players…
    The Shattering is a 3 and a half hour long first person psychological thriller where you play as john… and the game takes place in his mind.. You cant remember who you are or why there’s a pocket watch dangling in front of your face, so you explore the depths of your mind and memories, both real and fake to discover just exactly what’s going on... to uncover the truth about john… and wow is this not a feel good game.. there are moments but overall this game is super depressing…
    you go through feelings of abandonment, of mental abuse… and just when you think things are looking up, here comes the drop… gameplay wise.. The shattering suffers…
    This game is very much a chore to get through and experience which is a shame... its one of those 3rd person walking simulator games where youre just searching your current room for things to interact with until things happen.. rarely do you have a feeling of what you’re actually looking for.. which I never find fun.. it gives it an adventure game feeling of why am I combining this toaster to this shoe, but in walking simulator form.. im not combining things.. but I also don’t know what im supposed to be looking for and why it would be in the place im supposed to be looking… aside from a few rare moments in the game..
    And this is the shatterings biggest problem.. its just not fun to play, which is a shame because again the game does try and do a bunch of cool things, such as an interactive story writing scene, and some beautiful or creepy moments that ad intrigue, especially after the constant black and white rooms that all feel and look the same.. all with the same interact with stuff til you cant anymore feel..
    in the moments where the shattering is more What Remains of Edith Fitch it shines, but much like the story itself.. It quickly drags you back down from your high…
    All in all the shattering is hard to recommend and it’s hard to recommend you stay away at the same time...
    I don’t necessarily regret playing through the shattering, but I also don’t like how I felt in the end, and the gameplay rarely does anything to make up for it…
    I give The Shattering
    a 6/10    … Expand

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