Labyrinthine is a cooperative horror game that is now finally coming to PlayStation 5, and until now we could play it on Steam where it has supported VR mode and was Steam's VR game of 2023. The game is ready to strike fear into the bones of players, and what makes it special is the focus on team play where it supports co-op up to 8 players.
The game offers two main modes. The first and basic is the story mode in which we go through 6 tense chapters that reveal the history of the labyrinth. During the gameplay, we come across notes, various messages and clues that help us understand what happened here and why the monsters are present. Each chapter brings new mechanics, puzzles and enemy types so the game never feels repetitive. When we discover most of the secrets through the story mode, which is
actually an introduction to the world of Labyrinthine and the foundation for everything that awaits us later, we can continue playing the game in Case Files mode where labyrinths are procedurally generated and no two levels are the same. They are arranged by difficulty, ranging from very easy to the most difficult and largest labyrinths, which are sometimes very difficult to complete independently.
Co-op is also the biggest advantage of this game because even though it can be played solo, the atmosphere and challenges are much better in a group, and cooperation between players is also key. We exchange information and paths through larger labyrinths, solve puzzles and look out for each other, and it is precisely this approach that creates a sense of community, but also panic when someone disappears around the corner.
One of the biggest advantages of the co-op game is the variety of monsters. Each creature has a unique behavior pattern and requires a special approach from the player. Some of the monsters rely on sight, so it is necessary to turn off the lamp and hide, others react to the sound the player makes, and some even react only when the player is not looking at them. We discover some of them through the story mode, and some we will meet only in the Case Files mode, which rewards players for continuing to play even after the "introductory" story mode. They are very diverse in design, so we come across humanoid figures that seem eerily familiar, but also some creatures that look like they came out of the worst nightmares or even entities that are more psychological than physically threatening. It is this variety that ensures that each new encounter remains fresh and unpredictable.
Speaking of monsters, we must also touch on the in-game sounds. Creaking, grunting, intermittent screams or footsteps echoing through the maze make it feel like they're always close, even when you can't see them. When we add headphones to that, the impression is so strong that you will instinctively stop and listen from which direction the threat is coming. In other words, monsters are not only obstacles but also the main builders of the atmosphere. Each one brings a different type of tension and forces you to adapt, which ensures that the game doesn't become predictable and repetitive.
In order to further motivate the players, they added various cosmetic items, of which there are now over 200. There are various face masks, from scary horror masks to funny and cute summer hats, various jackets, t-shirts, hats, and even whole costumes. In addition, we also have lamps of different colors and shapes, glowsticks, pendants and other details. All cosmetics are unlocked by finding and collecting in the maze, and progress and curiosity are rewarded without the need for microtransactions. This amount of cosmetic items allows each player to stand out in the team, and in combination with the procedural mazes gives a strong reason to return to the game after the end of the story mode.
In the end, the localization into the Serbian language should be highlighted, which will make the game much more accessible to our players. This is not such a rare move anymore, but it is welcome for the regional audience.
Conclusion
Labyrinthine is a horror game that absolutely excels when played socially. The atmosphere, variety of monsters, procedurally generated levels and emphasis on cooperation make it one of the best co-op horror games out there.
Plus:
- Co-op up to 8 players
- Two game modes
- 200+ cosmetic items
- Localization in the Serbian language
- Atmosphere and sound
Minus:
- The solo experience is a little weaker
- Some procedural mazes can be too long
A copy of the PlayStation 5 version of the game was provided by publisher Klabater for review purposes
