Among Ashes (2024)

Among Ashes is a game that wants to appear outdated, and that is simply the case, intentionally or unintentionally. Graphically everything looks very mediocre on the PC (in-game) and even outside your computer it is not something to write home about. The game is therefore difficult to follow at times and confusing and unclear. The same goes for the game mechanics and the gameplay. It is all just not quite there, while the concept is very cool. The close-combat melee attacks feel very stiff and the use of inventory and moving in the environments also feels very mediocre. In addition, you are often busy in the same environments, which makes everything very linear. Among Ashes is not a bad game and in terms of concept quite well put together, but unfortunately it does not live up to it in the end.

Among Ashes is a subversive horror game, capitalizing on the classic fear of being alone at your computer with your back to the door. While some elements fall short, horror fans should definitely give this indie title a try.

8/10: Radiant - Jess Recommends

Among Ashes succeeds as a refreshing take on the horror genre, delivering a unique mix of psychological tension and nostalgic homage that’s a lot of fun to experience. Its crafty ‘game within a game’ structure is effectively implemented to make for some genuinely clever puzzling and storytelling, whilst the throwbacks to the 2000s (and especially MSN Messenger) kept a smile on my face when playing. And sure, it does have some small setbacks with the clumsy combat, but it still manages to offer a satisfying horror experience that’s unique, enjoyable, and – most importantly – genuinely scary.

Despite the minor bugs that I experienced, there wasn’t a single moment where I wasn’t having fun with this game. It was a spooky breath of fresh air that twisted horror into something that I haven’t seen in other games. The infection of the real world added another layer of tension which made everything feel that much more intense. How far can an infection spread between video games? I’m very excited to see what comes next from Rat Cliff Games! I can’t wait to play whatever mind-bending horror they release in the future. I knew within the first hour of playing Among Ashes that the only award that it deserved was the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.