It was supposed to be a fun camping trip among close friends. A last hurrah before they were to all take the next step in their adult lives. If only they had known of the nearby train and the horrors within. They were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Developed by Red Ego Games and published by Green Man Gaming Publishing, Re:Turn– One Way Trip is a 2-D side-scrolling horror RPG filled with scares, thrills, and a dark secret to unravel.
The heroine and main protagonist, Saki, begins as a weak character whose opinions are quickly overshadowed by her hot-headed fiancé. Even when a vicious argument breaks out amongst her friends, she does little to stop it. The night only goes from bad to worse when Saki is separated from the group and finds a dilapidated train. Armed with only a flashlight, journal, and her steadfast optimism, she naively enters the deathtrap filled with bitter memories and angry spirits.
The train is littered with clues, enigmas, and puzzles that Saki must find and solve to save her friends. The further she continues on her quest, the more challenging the puzzles become as even Saki’s grasp on reality will be put to the test. Space and time warp within the decrepit locomotive and nothing is as it seems. The only pillar of truth she can trust is her strength and unwavering determination to right the wrongs of the past.
The puzzles are all at varying levels of difficulty as some are quite simple, while others may take multiple attempts. At times, the puzzles can easily become especially frustrating due to the errand-like tasks that are required to solve them. The biggest critique of the game, however, is its anticlimactic ending. Ambiguous endings can be great, especially in the horror genre. Unfortunately, Re:Turn – One Way Trip does not successfully achieve this, as the ending not only leaves many unanswered questions, but it also falls flat. There just seems to be such a strong build up and with everything that the protagonist had to go through, when the truth was finally revealed, it was disappointing.
This 2-D adventure, puzzle-solving RPG begins strong with interesting characters, captivating plot developments, and classic Japanese horror tropes. The art, game design, and game mechanics were smooth and well-developed. Couple this with its amazing sound design and haunting music, this game has a spectacularly spooky mood. It’s great to see how Saki grows throughout her trials and tribulations; transforming from a once submissive pacifist to a strong woman who isn’t afraid to let her voice be heard. If only the ending was better polished, or if there were possible multiple endings based on the choices that players make. What could’ve been a special diamond in the rough is still an uncut gem with hidden potential.
PROS: Great atmosphere, spooky, and enjoyably challenging. Lights off with headphones on is highly recommended.
CONS: Anticlimactic ending, not much replay value, and can be finished within 7 hours.
SCORE: 6/10
Check Out the Re:Turn – One Way Trip Trailer:
Re:Turn – One Way Trip is available for PC via Steam. For more information, please visit: https://redego.net/
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Steam Review
Video games have always been a huge influence in my life and have definitely shaped me to who I am today . Some of my best memories growing up were the many adventures and stories I was able to experience and become immersed in. If my hands aren't either covered in clay, typing, editing, creating, or helping shoving food in my mouth, they would either be gripped to a controller, tapping away at the screen of my phone, or clicking away on my PC. I am always up for trying something new because why live just one life when you can live many.
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