Conscript: Deluxe Edition

A grim reminder of the senselessness of war and the best old-school survival horror game in ages.

Conscript's grimy, disturbing setting and gruelling combat are effective and poignant, and a sturdy and well-crafted survival horror skeleton keeps things compelling.

A mixed bag, then, but certainly not unenjoyable.

Conscript - Director's Cut offers a more complete and accessible version of a survival horror game that presents a different approach to the genre in terms of setting, although with somewhat familiar mechanics and story.

While not the type of horror you’d normally think of in spooky season, surviving the war is its own bit of terror

Conscript is a harrowing, immersive survival horror that boldly explores the brutality of WWI. Despite some balance quirks, its oppressive atmosphere, tense gameplay and thematic depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre seeking a challenging, thought-provoking experience.

At its peak, Conscript is a wonderfully harrowing ordeal that will keep you on your toes, and at worst, it’s a drag designed to feel as dread-inducing as the setting it’s built around. The rest of the game lingers somewhere in the middle, and whether you’re an avid fan of survival horrors or not will most likely determine your enjoyment with this experience.

Conscript is a worthy entry into the Survival Horror genre and comes highly recommended. It takes all the ingredients of the genre and marries them to a vital and under-represented part of history in video games to create a standout title that deserves a wider audience.

For those survival horror fans who can lean into the lo-fi, top-down aesthetic, Conscript will be an engaging fusion of familiar elements with an under-used setting. Its sometimes frustrating traditionalism and abyssal bleakness is unlikely to win over new recruits.

Jordan Mochi's singular vision can occasionally get ensnared by questionable design choices, but it's still a ride easily worth volunteering your time and money to experience.