Detention

 PlayStation 4
Detention Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

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  • Summary: Detention is an unique atmospheric horror game heavily influenced by Taiwanese/East Asian culture, religious elements, and mythology. Venture into a school beset by hostile supernatural events to uncover stories behind the haunted place.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 9, 2017
    100
    The best way to experience the game is to play it yourself in one three hour sitting, without distractions or prior information. It gives the same experience as a really good movie, one which you really become attached to the characters and are invested in their personalities for the entire time. There are some scary moments to keep things interesting, but I would recommend this one for those who want a more psychological, emotional game which challenges the way they see the world. Red Lantern have proved themselves to be masters of both narrative and game design, and nothing would make me happier than for the whole world to come and appreciate the unique Taiwanese flavour that Detention brings to the indie game scene.
  2. 3DJuegos
    Mar 6, 2018
    85
    A psychological horror game with a great atmosphere, an impressive story and clever puzzle. Is a great adventure that especially enjoy it if you love Asian terror.
  3. 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.
  4. TheSixthAxis
    Oct 26, 2017
    80
    After spending many hours in the explosive world of Destiny 2, Detention’s simple but horrific tale has reminded me just how affecting video games can be. A game based on the oppressive regime of 1960’s Taiwain may not be for everyone, but if you fancy a break from head shots and kill streaks then this debut title from Red Candle games comes highly recommended.
  5. 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.
  6. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Oct 27, 2017
    80
    Detention has something to say. It has something to say about the sweeping themes of militant government regimes. It has something to say about each one of our personal hells and the journey towards even the smallest bit of redemption. It has something to say but it never shouts. It slides its message in silently like a blade into your gut. Even with some of the miscues in storytelling, Detention never lets up on making sure that players feel uneasy and uncomfortable, pressing you until that final twist of the knife. It’s not a difficult game. It’s not a long game. But it’s a game that will stick with you well after the credits have rolled.
  7. 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.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  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 neverAn 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.… Expand
  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    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

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