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- Introversion
- Introversion
- Introversion
- Introversion
Scanner Sombre
Released On: Apr 26, 2017
67
6.8
All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
67
13% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
67% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
67
13% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
67% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Perhaps what’s most impressive to me is how effectively lean Scanner Sombre is. The entire game is only three hours. Mechanically speaking there isn’t much you do outside of using the scanner to solve puzzles, find your way, and outwit foes. However, the foreboding atmosphere and where its plot ultimately leads is satisfying enough that its gameplay and storytelling are compelling. Whether you’re coming across a new upgrade for your LIDAR or slowly mapping out a spooky tunnel and inching toward danger, Scanner Sombre is a consistently spooky and somber game that’s worthwhile for those who want to scratch that horror-adventure itch.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 29 User Ratings
6.8
45% Positive
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
41% Mixed
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
14% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 29 User Ratings
6.8
45% Positive
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
41% Mixed
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
14% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
This game playing on a regular computer is kinda average, but playing in VR is amazing. I usually have to stop and take a break when playing anything in VR for more than 30 minutes, but I went through start to finish and had a blast. I agree with the walking simulator aspect of it, and see why people might be turned off, but it is a fantastic experience playing it in VR.
Non-VR, 6.5/10
VR, 10/10, must play.
Agree, not really any replayability (new game+ gives you all the upgrades at the start, and all that changes is you can now see something at the beginning you couldn't before (I can't say because it would be a spoiler). But a great experience in VR.
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PC
While it does have some issues presenting the backstory itself; feeling a bit more like an experiment than a complete game, the moment-to-moment of exploration is unique and unforgettable. Hopefully this will soon get VR support considering it looks perfect for the platform.
Quotation forthcoming.
Scanner Sombre is a gimmick game, and I honestly say that without any ill intent. Its gimmick is beautiful and engaging and kind of amazing. To its credit, Scanner Sombre is seemingly aware of the limitations of this because it's brief enough to not wear out its welcome. However, the kaleidoscopic interior decorating is a means to an end, and that end just isn't as thrilling as what's in the mind's eye.
Sadly, Scanner Sombre never really attains the heights of Dear Esther and Gone Home, two games that Introversion site as inspirations. If you have an interest in that genre, it’s still very much worth exploring the cavernous depths of Scanner Sombre, but more than its fellows, this is a striking idea that searches for a game and a story to make the most of it.
Sorry, Introversion. But this is nothing more and rather less than a simple try to fill Dear Esther’s footsteps, while the art design as the only really interesting element is underutilized.
THE GOOD
Incredibly innovative and original concept. You can't see anything because it's pitch black, but you use a special scanner to gradually uncover the geometry of the caves you're exploring, dot by dot. Also, the upgrades make for a nice change of pace. For some reason I found using the scanner oddly satisfying to use and fun to play around with. I was pretty impressed that every dot you generate stays throughout the whole game, resulting in an impressive sight of millions of dots throughout the entire cave system and for some unique looking visuals as you "draw" each new area. This, combined with great sound design allows you to unleash your imagination. I also loved the music which was cleverly used in some awe-inspiring moments.
THE MEH
It doesn't do much with the intriguing and mysterious story it supposedly wants to tell. Only a few lines of text to convey the protagonist's thoughts and some "echos" from the cave's past events, but there didn't seem to be any driving plot. Also, I felt like there was some attempt at horror with some monster sounds that try to spook you halfway into the game, but it was a one time thing and it was never explained what it actually was, however I might have missed something.
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PC
Literally unplayable. I have nothing connected to my PC besides a mouse, keyboard, and a controller, and even if I unplug the controller I can't even select the menu options. Even if I'm fast enough to click "new game", all I see is green and the camera constantly spins upward. If I try to correct my view the game crashes. Garbage.
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PC
Summary Regaining consciousness you smell the damp. Opening your eyes you see the stone walls of the chamber flickering by the light of the fire; you stumble to your feet and kick a helmet clattering across the floor. Slowly the ache in your head begins to subside and you notice the beginnings of a passage. After a few steps the darkness consume...
Platforms:
- PC
Initial Release Date: Apr 26, 2017
Developer:
- Introversion
Publisher: Introversion
Genres:
