Detention

 Switch
Detention Image
Metascore
79

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

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

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  • Summary: Detention is a unique atmospheric horror game heavily influenced by Taiwanese/East Asian culture, religious elements and mythology. Based on the 1960s Taiwan under martial law, in this 2D atmospheric horror side-scroller, the player control characters who venture into the school beset byDetention is a unique atmospheric horror game heavily influenced by Taiwanese/East Asian culture, religious elements and mythology. Based on the 1960s Taiwan under martial law, in this 2D atmospheric horror side-scroller, the player control characters who venture into the school beset by hostile supernatural events to uncover stories behind the haunted place. Incorporated the game provided players with unique graphics and gaming experience. [Nintendo]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 12, 2018
    90
    ​Detention is more than a simple horror, it carries a message that is a warning and a testament we should not underestimate. This is why we can easily overlook its flaws as a videogame, because is much more than that.
  2. Universo Nintendo
    Mar 14, 2018
    90
    Detention goes beyond what you would normally expect from a horror game: it’s deep, smart and creative. Sometimes atmospheric and dense, other times emotional and delicate; Detention is an unexpected ride that will provide players a broad variety of emotions as well. The way characters and historic events are handled is just the icing on the cake.
  3. Switch Player
    Mar 14, 2018
    90
    Detention is a perfect example of how the video games medium can be utilised to tell unfamiliar, but important, stories in a novel and impactful way. That by no means takes away from its credibility as a horror game and instead strengthens it.
  4. Nintenderos
    Mar 10, 2018
    80
    The master work by Red Candles Games manages to create a gloomy, baroque and dark atmosphere and of a first-class Survival Horror game, demonstrated through a great artistic composition, sound, topic and gameplay. However, they could have squeezed out a bit more plot. The idea is very good, but it have been executed better.
  5. Destructoid
    Mar 13, 2018
    75
    It's held back by some dated design philosophies and a short playtime, but Detention still packs one hell of a punch.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    Mar 9, 2018
    75
    Detention is a complicated package. Everything outside of its gameplay is top-notch. Its story, visuals, and sound flawlessly accomplishes what (I think) the game is trying to convey. At the same time, these things are experienced through slow, somewhat dull adventure gameplay.
  7. Gameblog.fr
    Mar 10, 2018
    70
    Detention intelligently mixes traditional point and click mechanics with the anxious ambiance of the survival horror genre. Taïwan-based Red Candle Studios delivers a clever lightning on a very dark period of its country's history, which gives the game quite a bit of originality.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. RomanSkyZ
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    Beautiful, unique and exciting masterpiece. Creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. A mustbuy indie
  2. Jay_wa
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    Great game with alot of thought put into the small things. Based around a true story of a high school in Keelung Taiwan when a principal wasGreat game with alot of thought put into the small things. Based around a true story of a high school in Keelung Taiwan when a principal was executed for printing an illegal newspaper while hundreds imprisoned. The game runs a slightly different story of a book club but still has a number of Taiwan cultural aspects and captures the mental stress that the Taiwanese were feeling during a dark period of history… Expand
  4. doodlerman
    May 21, 2020
    9
    I would've liked it to have been longer because I was enjoying it so much. It's a hauntingly beautiful game that I recommend to everyone,I would've liked it to have been longer because I was enjoying it so much. It's a hauntingly beautiful game that I recommend to everyone, especially if you're a fan of the classic psychological horror games of yore - like Silent Hill, especially. The latter portion is a kind of 'walking-simulator-y,' but by that point, the narrative has earned it. And boy does it have an excellent story - and the atmosphere is top-notch.… Expand
  5. b00lpr0p
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    A game with a real good story and smooth gameplay. If you like horror games, you should try it.
  6. Reed618
    Mar 30, 2019
    8
    I enjoyed detention quite a bit. It's reminiscent of older horror titles like Silent Hill in its use of symbolism and puzzles. It's a bitI enjoyed detention quite a bit. It's reminiscent of older horror titles like Silent Hill in its use of symbolism and puzzles. It's a bit short, taking around three hours to beat but the story made it a worthwhile purchase.
    It's not a masterpiece and not overly terrifying either but it is great at building tension and keeping you engaged. Definitely worth a purchase if you're a horror fan and you see it on sale.    … Expand
  7. AhmadAlsumain
    Mar 19, 2018
    8
    Gameplay-wise, there is really nothing new here. Just another horror game with a generic gameplay. There are two or three scary moments that IGameplay-wise, there is really nothing new here. Just another horror game with a generic gameplay. There are two or three scary moments that I can remember while playing the game. Puzzles are easy and straightforward; collect items, put pieces together...etc! It kind of reminded me of classic RE puzzles. Even though the gameplay does not stand out, I did enjoy the game greatly. Why? Because of the story. I enjoyed reading through the notes that are scattered across the game. I love the poetic narrative of this game, too. And of course, the overall message within the story.

    Should you buy this game? Depends on what kind of a player you are. If you are dying for another horror game that is inspired by SH series, then this is for you. Otherwise, I suggest you try before buying.

    Be warned, though! The game is really short. I did get over it in under 5 hours *According to my Switch log*. It was worth my time and money.    … Expand
  8. Precure77
    Sep 11, 2019
    8
    Absolutely great game but it's short length is a bummer . It's a scary game with deep themes to tell

See all 8 User Reviews

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