The Occultist Simulator

The game The Occultist Simulator makes it clear from the very first launch what kind of experience it offers. It is a first-person narrative thriller that combines elements of management, puzzle-solving, exploration of the occult, and a dark atmosphere. The game is set on Godstone, an abandoned British island. It is a gothic horror game in which the protagonist uses his medium abilities to solve a mystery that spans several generations.

The player takes on the role of Alan Rebels, a paranormal investigator with the gift of a medium, who arrives on Godstone Island searching for his missing father. With the mystical Pendulum as his only tool, Alan slowly uncovers the dark past of the island, once inhabited by a secret cult that conducted terrifying experiments that ultimately claimed the lives of all the villagers. As he tries to understand what role his father played in all of this, Alan must also contend with the spirits that still roam this forgotten place.

As for the gameplay itself, you will spend most of your time exploring neglected locations on the island, collecting items and solving puzzles. The Pendulum is a key tool here; initially, it serves only to reveal traces from another world, but over time it gains more powerful abilities. You can turn back time, take control of rats, or summon a spectral raven that helps you explore the island and collect items that are otherwise inaccessible on foot. However, Godstone is not entirely safe; in certain locations, you will encounter enemies that are nearly impossible to defeat, making hiding your only option. The Occultist is not a fast-paced action game, but this slower and more thoughtful pace allows the game to build a strong ambiance and atmosphere, which are certainly its two greatest assets.

The puzzles are mostly well-designed and provide satisfaction when solved. The developers have put effort into ensuring that exploration does not become monotonous and boring. Boss fights are very well designed; you must use the environment to defeat enemies that you otherwise could not overcome. Hiding from enemies adds a dose of tension, but since combat is almost not an option, except in boss battles, encounters with them come down to patience and caution, which can be frustrating for some. The game is not overly difficult, but it is not too easy either; the pace is slower, as some puzzles require time and thought to solve, which can be a problem for players who are used to fast-paced gameplay.

The visual impression of the game is hard to overlook. The lighting is carefully crafted and plays a significant role in building tension, while the design of the monsters remains memorable long after you turn off the game. Each location, from overgrown farms to dark orphanage corridors, exudes a thick gothic atmosphere that constantly keeps you on edge. The Occultist knows how to make you feel uncomfortable, not just through sudden jumpscares, but through the very appearance of the world that surrounds you.

The cinematic soundtrack does a lot of work when it comes to atmosphere, and combined with the narration of Doug Cockle, an actor known for his role as Geralt of Rivia, the entire experience gains additional weight and depth. Cockle's deep and penetrating voice perfectly suits Alan Rebels, giving the protagonist character.

But the game is not without flaws. Movement can be clumsy, and some puzzles require almost perfectly precise interaction with objects, which can be extremely frustrating. I would particularly highlight the painting and drawing puzzles, where the game sometimes fails to recognize what you have drawn, despite having drawn it as the game asks you to.

Despite these flaws, it is hard not to be impressed by how polished The Occultist feels for an indie studio game. From the intricately designed locations and professional voice acting, the game consistently gives the impression that you are playing a title that is a much larger and more expensive project than it actually is. The team at DALOAR Studios has clearly put in a tremendous effort into every visual and audio detail, and that effort is felt in every moment of gameplay. When it comes to value for money, the situation is somewhat mixed. The game is not very long; an experienced player can finish it in 4 to 5 hours, but what it offers within that time is mostly high quality and polished. For genre enthusiasts, the price is justified. Those looking for a longer or more content-rich title may feel a bit shortchanged. If you are drawn to gothic aesthetics, dark secrets, and exploration that leans more towards narrative than action, Godstone is worth visiting at least once.

A copy of the PlayStation 5 version of the game for review purposes was provided by the publisher Daedalic Entertainment