Yomawari: Lost in the Dark - Deluxe Edition

Solid and definitely have an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.

Even with the story not living up to previous entries, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark does a good job continuing the unique horror series.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is more of the same. The custom avatar was an almost meaningless addition and it plays itself extremely safe. Fortunately, those who are looking to play an atmospheric and moody horror game will find that this latest entry is just as scary as the rest. There are some choice jump moments and the ambiance keeps players in a constant state of dread and unease.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a third installment totally continuous with respect to its two previous installments. This can be a handicap given the few novelties that we are going to find in its proposal and gameplay, but on the other hand it guarantees the most notable of the other two games, the tension and terror achieved with situations that will leave us very bad, not counting the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability that we will have at all times. Any fan of survival horror and horror games should play this remarkable trilogy.

To break a curse placed upon her, a young girl must venture into the haunted streets of her town at night to search for her lost memories while evading the twisted spirits that lurk in the darkness.

Ultimately, Yomawari: Lost in the Dark shows very little progression from the previous two entries, which is a shame, since the series has tons of potential. While this plot has something of a more meaningful framework and boasts an unexpectedly impressive final chapter, this game continues to be bogged down with the same glacial gameplay and woolly storytelling as Night Alone and Midnight Shadows. Lost in the Dark will be greatly enjoyed by existing fans of the series, as it follows the established formula closely, but those wishing for more than the same pretty hand-drawn graphics and well-rounded sound design will be left disappointed, as there’s been little evolution between entries one, two and three.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is a new game in the franchise five years after its last, delivering familiar gameplay and setting for fans of the series, but losing the opportunity to reinvent itself and target a wider public.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark's core gameplay loop is one that's not exactly brimming with mechanical complexity. But thanks to the impeccable atmosphere, extensive enemy variety, and memorable moments, the game doesn't really need it.

I hadn't really expected a profound or exciting story, but rather thought that the superficial creep should be in the foreground. Here, too, I was very wrong. "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark" once again showed me how exciting it is to break through your own patterns and try something new. And it proved to me how wrong first impressions, assumptions and game theories can sometimes be. I really enjoyed discovering the story behind "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", although I personally could have done without one or the other jumpscare.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark features the franchise’s trademark dichotomy that combines a disarmingly cute art style with disturbing suspense-horror sensibilities. Admittedly, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive and drawn out as you find yourself constantly running away from things instead of truly confronting your fears. The story, however, is a high point that manages to keep you on your toes while also touching your heart at the same time. Give it a look if you like the Yomawari series or a survival game that’s different from the norm.