Game Reviews

Eyes - the horror game

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Eyes - the horror game

Despite the proliferation of zombie-themed games on iOS and Android of late, it's amazing how few truly scary titles are available on the platform. I mean, even the best horror games on mobile aren't THAT frightening, in truth.

You might assume that a smartphone game maker is incapable of frightening the player in the same fashion as the designer of a big-screen home console release, but the developer of Eyes - the horror game throws that theory right out of the window.

This game may be restricted by the small screen, but it's just as immersive and chilling as any other title in the horror genre you could mention.

Flash of inspiration

The objective of the game is to break into a dusty old mansion and collect a certain number of money bags before dashing to the exit.

It sounds simple, but some of those bags are secreted in cupboards or locked safes, while access to other areas of the house can only be gained with the correct key.

Though the dimly light environment is spooky enough - especially when you're in a dark corridor which suddenly becomes illuminated by a flash of lightning from outside - the most alarming element in Eyes - the horror game by far is the spirit which stalks the seemingly deserted abode.

Bump in the night

Its presence is indicated by shaking furniture and spine-tingling sounds. And should the spirit get within touching distance of your character, then it's Game Over - you'll have to begin your morbid quest for cash all over again.

Your only hope of survival is to run in the opposite direction until the ghost gives up its chase. It's these terrifying attempts at escape which lend Eyes - the horror game its incredibly fraught atmosphere.

The controls are awkward - possibly intentionally so - which makes your flight even trickier. Like a bewildered teen trying to evade a bloodthirsty killer in your textbook horror movie, you feel exposed and vulnerable.

Every time you play, the coin bags are placed in different locations (though the layout of the house remains the same). A map serves as a vital tool for finding your way around. Alas, it's just like a real map, so your current location isn't shown, which only seems to add to the tension.

Spooky events

Your only other aid is a series of "eye" icons, which you can collect and use to see the house from the ghost's perspective. This allows you to pinpoint where the spirit currently is. In practice, however, it's less useful than it should be, for the ghost is capable of moving from one location to another with uncanny speed.

Eyes - the horror game is quite easily one of the scariest mobile games we've ever played. Experienced in a darkened room with the volume up high, it's just as foreboding and harrowing as any other spooky video game out there.

The only shortcoming is the lack of variety: once you've grabbed the coins and reached the exit, all that remains is to play the game again on a higher difficulty level.

Even so, Eyes - the horror game is a ride which deserves to be taken at least once. If only to prove that smartphone titles DO possess the power to make you jump out of your skin.

Eyes - the horror game

On the surface, Eyes - the horror game is a simple game of cat and mouse without much long-term appeal. Such is the fraught nature of the atmosphere, though, that it's almost impossible to play without being scared witless. A real achievement for a handheld game
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Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.