Me and my friend played through DreadXCollection 2, we each played a game resulting in 6 for him, and 6 for me. Although, there is a 13th game which is the hub that goes between the games. Despite playing separate games like this, we both experienced it together and I feel confident in making a short review for each game in the collection and a conclusive one for the collection that is DreadX.
Il be reviewing each game in the Order I think You should Play if you are going to.
Game X: The House (Ingeniously done!)
Scare Type: Spooky
I would advise you to figure out and play trough the house, you will be forced to play through one game from the collection before the house opens up to be fully explored. When that is the case, give it your pace by doing the house little by little or all at once so that there are no barriers to the games.
The House itself is such a nostalgic trip for me when I think about it, it reminds me a bit on Mario 64 or Banjoo Kazooie where there is a hub and you have to figure out how to get to the next level. But the next level is a game in this case. Some of the puzzles can actually trip you up, but I fully believe you to try and figure them out on your own. There are always other puzzles to do if you are stuck on one. For us, they were not in any way difficult.
When you do unlock a game, make sure to read the terrible comic. Me and my friend did not... GET it, and it felt awful due to the terrible voice-over.
Solipsis by Daniel Mullins (alright!)
Scare Type: Surreal
This is the first recommended game to play. A fairly short one that puts you in the right mood for the rest of the House and the game. Solipsis is artistically very very very good. It gives a sense of dread, and plays with a certain mechanic wonderfully to the character. Its a bit of a Walking simulator, but it is worth experiencing, especially as a first before doing the house! My friend was the player of this one.
Then do the house, The next game on the list then is!
Arcadletra by Vidas Games (Not that good)
Scare Type: Jump Scares
This is a very short linear experience, the quality is not bad or anything. But artistically it does very little to satisfy a tense horror session. It felt very run of the mill, and just got me (Who was the player) to just walk forward into what the game wanted me to walk forward into. No real game, just a jumpy experience.
To The End Of Days by Scythe Dev Team (Meh)
Scare Type: Action packed!
Here is a fun one, and one I think is good to rub the last game off with. To The End Of Days is an 80s style action movie where you blast through enemies with your shotgun. Some enemies make a return from their previous DreadX collection game, those are probably the only spook worthy enemies in the game. It is pretty forgettable but a nice change of pace. My friend was the player of this one.
The Toy Shop by Mahelyk (Oof... pretty bad)
Scare Type: Copy-pasted enemies coming from the Darkness???
I get that these games are having fun with their ideas and are being unique, there are some unique ideas in this game but it just falls flat and you want it to be over. This game becomes several different games in different areas, you arent really sure what kind of horror this game is trying to bring. Although, I did like some of the aesthetics here and there, again it has its ideas but it was not enjoyable. Knock this one out. My friend was the player of this one.
Another Late Night by Secret Cow Level (What?)
Scare Type: Suspense
Playing this, I was mostly waiting for the big reveal or the grand horror, but I was mostly confused. Did we miss out on certain scares? Were there scares at all? I will give it that there is suspense. The horror here is of an entity speaking to you through the computer. That is... about it. Im sorry! I dont have much to say about this one!
Undiscovered by Torple Dook (Just fine)
Scare Type: Hopelessness
It is a pretty campy and simple Silent Hill esque game with a horror Indiana Jones adventure. Its not all that fun to PLAY, but kind of funny poking fun at the campy quality. As you go deeper, the game does get more interesting. Nothing to write much about, but is a nice treat.
From here on out, the upcoming games will be both better and scarier! If you are following this list, know that it all now becomes absolutely worth it!
The Diving Bell by Bathysfear Labs (Pretty cool)
Scare Type: Lonesome/Paranoia
The Diving Bell was a bit too forgiving with its difficulty, but it did have interesting ideas and design. It did get spooky and was also often moody. It was a bit glitchy, enough for us to find an easter egg by accident. Most of the spookiness might be randomised. Regardless, this was a nice spooky experience I personally wish I could see in a more fleshed out game. My friend was the player of this one.
Touched by an Outer God by Wither Studios (Fun!)
Scare Type: Gross
A rouge-like esque arena shooter akin to Doom. Its fun to upgrade yourself and blast through enemies, this game however, desperately needs music to accompany the campiness of the game. You will want to upgrade for killing efficiency before anything else, you will get overpowered, dont worry. However, the constant attention for a bit of skill-full clicking did make things a bit tiresome.
Squirrel Stapler by David Szymanski (Godlike!)
Scare Type: Huge Build-Up, suspense.
I would rate this as the second best game on the collection. It does take a bit of frustration and time, but that is all just a build up. And when the time comes, learn to strafe and let them charge past you. Youl know what I mean. In any case, this was to me the most memorable as it had a lot of anticipation and build up as well as a cursed nature to it. It struck me exactly the way I wanted it to.
THE THING IN THE LAKE by Panstasz (Great!)
Scare Type: Panic
A neat little game with a cool aesthetic. I personally find it disappointing, but I also recognise it for being solid and designed well. Tip: If you hear a rumble, maybe you should wait. I wish there was more to this game as it was enjoyable learning the layout and getting the secret ending.
SUCKER FOR LOVE by Akabaka (Awesome!)
Scare Type: Twists and turns!
A cute point and click “Date”-ing simulator (Not really a dating simulator at all) that turns dark. Its funny, ngl it does get tense, and is well made! Most dating simulators or point and click games dont reach this quality. My friend was the player of this one.
Charlotte’s Exile by John Szymanski (The best!)
Scare Type: Anxiety
Save the best for last, as this one will make an impression! This is such a well rounded puzzle game. Great art, great puzzles, great everything! Its 100% the best in this list, and is probably the most gratifying to end on. My friend was the player of this one.
Conclusion to the Entire Collection
Despite some games being pretty bad, it did make the variety pack feel like a good variety of small games. Top 3 for me goes to Sucker for love, Squirrel Stapler and then Charlotte’s Exile. The house that bring them together is also great, each tape comes with an uneventful comic which ties to the house in some way. The ending to the entire collection was fine, could have had a bit more fanfare or an objective but it was fine.
As a game/collection, this is legitimately a breath of fresh air. It feels nostalgic to experience a variety pack of games, and bundled together in an interesting way. I have my friend to thank for making it possible as it was he who hosted the evenings.
