Detention

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 6 out of 35

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  1. egoBorder
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    An amazing experience. Comparable to Silent Hill 2 in tone and quality, if not in scope. A simple concept, executed with flair but never outstays its welcome.
  2. DrFriendless
    Jun 10, 2018
    8
    Wow, what an experience.

    "Detention" is a 2D walking game which initially appears to be a horror game. There are indeed some horror aspects, and some scary bits at the beginning. As the game progresses though, the blatant horror subsides and the more subtle horror of the story takes over. And although I thought there were some inadequacies in the gameplay, the story it told was    Wow, what an experience.

    "Detention" is a 2D walking game which initially appears to be a horror game. There are indeed some horror aspects, and some scary bits at the beginning. As the game progresses though, the blatant horror subsides and the more subtle horror of the story takes over. And although I thought there were some inadequacies in the gameplay, the story it told was wonderful.

    As to the gameplay, as with many games of this genre, you walk around, have limited ability to interact with the world, and don't have many options. Where that genre becomes weak though, is when there aren't many options and the player can't figure any of them out. So the player spends some amount of time achieving absolutely nothing. That might be atmospheric at first, but then it becomes boring. So great care must be taken in the design so that there is an appropriate level of game, but players don't drop off because they can't proceed.

    Unthinking boofheads who just like to kill things in games are not the target market for this game, and should avoid it. People who want infinite gameplay for few dollars should stay away. However people who would like to play through an absorbing story and have some appreciation for other cultures will like this very much, and should give it a try.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. DarkZero
    Sep 28, 2018
    70
    Grammar and graphical issues aside, Detention is still a game that is easily digestible, but will still leave a lingering aftertaste once its tragic tale reaches its course. The bar for storytelling in videogames continues to be set higher with every new title, be it Indie or Triple A, and the horror genre continues to innovate in new and exciting ways.
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  2. PlaySense
    Mar 23, 2018
    85
    The game offers a unique and interesting setting which as a whole offers a very satisfying experience. The story is a puzzle in its own right which elevates the game to a level it would not have attained otherwise. The game simply takes hold of you and doesn't let go. The puzzles are a bit on the easy side though and the length of the game leaves something to be desired as well. In the end, these points of concern don't really matter because you'll like this game regardless.
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  3. PlayStation Country
    Mar 13, 2018
    80
    Detention weaves a fantastic story and wraps it in intriguing aesthetics. The historical setting provide a unique and interesting backdrop and the mix of Asian influences bolster a compelling experience. Whilst there's very little dread, the narrative and the pace at which it's delivered give you plenty of reasons to stay absorbed. This is a well-crafted package that remains memorable, despite a short runtime.
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