The game Luto comes from the workshop of the Spanish studio Broken Bird Games, an independent team that first caught the attention of the horror community back in 2021 with the announcement of this ambitious game. After several years of development, Luto has finally arrived on PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X/S, promising an emotionally powerful and psychologically tense first-person horror adventure.
Luto brings a unique and deeply emotional experience that differs from most modern horror games. Instead of relying on classic horror elements like monsters, violence and the struggle for survival, this game immerses the player in a psychological horror based on emotions, inner struggle and sense of loss. It is about a journey through the darkness of one's own mind, where the greatest enemy is not some creature, but memories, sadness and powerlessness.
The player assumes the role of a person who tries to get out of his house and go to work, but each attempt ends in increasingly absurd, creepy and anxious labyrinths. The spaces are constantly changing, the corridors are turning in circles, and the door that led to the exit now leads to the darkest corners of consciousness. The game also uses a narrator, which adds to the experience.
The fact that the player does not have access to weapons or the ability to fight further emphasizes the character's powerlessness.
Unlike mnogih horror igara koje koriste "jump scareove" as glavni izvor straha, Crazy gradi napetost sporim tempom, koristeći zvuk, svjetlo i prostor in order to stvorio osjećaj konstantne nelagode iako se desi tu i tamo koji jump scare, niis onglasak na to. On taj način podsjeća na games like P.T., Layers of Fear or What Remains of Edith Finch, iako s newhat manje raznolikosti u mehanikama.
Luto lasts between 2 and 6 hours, depending on how fast the player solves the puzzles and how much exploration they do. Puzzles are based on observation of the environment, logical reasoning and symbolism, but can vary in clarity. It can happen that the player gets trapped in space without a clear idea of what to do next, which can disrupt the pace of the game.
On a technical level, Luto is solidly executed. The visual style uses realistic graphics and elaborately designed interiors to portray an atmosphere of decay and mental breakdown. Lighting plays a key role - dark corridors, flashes, shadows that move at the edges of the view - all this creates a sense of unease without any specific enemy shown.
Sound is probably the strongest component of the game. Subtle noises, distant steps - all these elements serve as a means of building tension. The music is minimalistic, often completely absent, which further enhances the feeling of isolation.
Performance on the PlayStation 5 is solid, albeit locked at 30 frames per second. It's not a deal-breaker, but for more sensitive players, it can diminish the impression of smoothness.
For trophy hunters, Luto on PlayStation 5 brings 21 trophies, including Platinum. Most of the trophies are related to progressing through the main story, but a few require exploring and finding hidden items or alternate scenes. Considering the length of the game, the trophies are relatively affordable and can be collected in one or two playthroughs.
Crazy is a horror experience that won't please every player. Those looking for action, combat and a traditional gameplay structure may find it monotonous. But for those who like thought-provoking horror and use gaming as a means of expressing emotion, Luto is a poignant and intense insight into the dark states of the human psyche.
A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes SelectaPlay
