Infliction: Extended Cut

It's not groundbreaking in the technical department or in its gameplay, but it's a well focused game that follows the basic rules of horror. As such, it delivers what it promises.

Infliction feels like a mash-up of elements from other, better-known games. However, a strong game loop and stellar sound design elevate Inflicted beyond being a tired retread. While the lighting is questionable at times, in general the visuals reveal an eye for detail. A fun photo mechanic also sets the game apart from its contemporaries. Infliction is well worth a look for horror fans, and those nostalgic for the early '90s.

Infliction is pretty creepy at times, though it tries a little too hard to be P.T. The game's overall lack of originality is its biggest flaw, immediately followed by the piss-poor graphics.

Infliction: Extended Cut is basically an upgraded version of Infliction that was released back in 2018. There are lots of new content in the new version such is new endings, new challenges and tweaked puzzles. The gameplay and engaging atmosphere are still as good and offer one of the most horrifying experiences ever.

Infliction: Extended Cut is a solid horror experience that succeeds in its strong atmospheric design. However, it is marred with some severe audio issues that deeply affected the experience, particularly in the final act.

The biggest flaw in Infliction: Extended Cut are its similarities to so many other games. Many of its mechanics and design decisions have already been seen, but players who love horror will be hooked by its creepy atmosphere and story.

What sort of horror game puts you to sleep? One that doesn’t try anything new. And that’s what Infliction is. I can’t stress enough that it isn’t the technical side of the game that I don’t like – I think a lot of what’s there is well done with the budget they had. The lighting is good, some of (not all) the voice acting is strong, and the sound design is solid. But it’s the lack of innovation in storytelling and mechanics that throw me off. It’s frustrating too because ideas like the Polaroid camera and Cooking With Masimo show me that this team is capable of coming up with some genuinely fun stuff. But until then, I guess we’ll just be afflicted by Infliction.

Infliction has some decent moments of storytelling, and the themes that it highlights are impactful. But my interest in those aspects dwindled every time I encountered a glitch or audio cutout. Infliction tends to fall apart shortly after it begins since it's impossible to look past this poor quality.

Caustic Reality is a one-man studio, and I applaud the creator for the game he made — I enjoyed Infliction and discovering Gary’s truth. It might not be a groundbreaking title in the horror genre and its antagonist might need a bit of rehab, but this psychological adventure is still one worth taking.