DaRmaZat Confronted is a terrifying game for PC, in Early Access on Steam since October last year. Set in Radu Castle, this first-person experience requires you to build cover to hide—your only means of survival against the horrors lurking within. While the final release is expected in 2027, a new demo will be available on February 20. In this preview, we take a look at the first chapter, which takes approximately one to two hours to complete.
In short, the story revolves around a castle, a missing loved one, and a monster. You play as Dorinela, who returns to Radu Castle for her beloved husband Nicolae, from where she had apparently previously escaped. Nicolae is said to be trapped in the torture chamber, but upon arrival, nothing is as it seems. A strange black ivy has overgrown everything. Screams echo through the halls. Blood is everywhere, and there’s a black monster lurking around every corner. Meanwhile, Dorinela learns that her best friend, Elena, has also been captured on accusations of witchcraft. By whom? That remains unclear.
Dorinela’s dialogue is sometimes unnecessary, and the writing has noticeable plot holes. No, the voice acting isn’t perfectly spoken English either, but despite its flaws, it has its own charm. The story is further told through collectible written journals and hand-drawn cutscenes, which are well-executed in terms of art style.
The game features three difficulty levels, each one less forgiving. Normal mode allows for autosaves, Hard mode requires manual saving, and Permadeath mode removes saving altogether, meaning death results in restarting the entire game. Confronted’s stealth system is simple but effective, featuring hide-and-seek gameplay reminiscent of games like Amnesia and Alien: Isolation, with an additional – though basic – building mechanic. Once you find the screwdriver, you must gather wooden planks to build barricades and hide from the monster in crates or wall recesses.
Later in this first chapter, a hammer allows you to break locks, though this creates noise, which forces you to pause your actions and hide before the monster storms in to investigate. The next key item is a torch, mainly used for puzzles, but also for lighting up the many flooded underground chambers. However, it must be extinguished while moving through the dark dungeons and crypts of the castle, as leaving it lit makes you an easy target.
Relying on sound is crucial to determine whether the monster has left, making playing with headphones highly recommended. Yes, the sound design is one of Confronted’s strongest aspects. Distant screams, the creaking of wooden doors, and the whispering wind through the castle corridors all contribute to the immersive horror experience. The monster’s sound effects are particularly disturbing, making each encounter feel truly terrifying. Wearing headphones enhances the experience significantly, as spatial audio plays a key role in detecting the monster’s location, which is essential for survival.
The sound design is one of Confronted’s strongest aspects.
Puzzles primarily consist of finding combinations to light candles in the correct order and searching for missing panels, while saving is done via a magical book found on workbenches scattered throughout the game. Visually, Confronted feels very polished for an indie title. The game features detailed environments that create a sinister and immersive atmosphere. Shadows move realistically across the damp stone walls, candlelight flickers eerily, and the black ivy creeping along surfaces adds to the unsettling environment. The hand-drawn cutscenes complement the game’s aesthetic and are executed with great attention to detail.
However, not everything in Confronted is perfect. Sneaking and sprinting do not seem to have a significant impact on the AI of the monster, as its appearances feel somewhat pre-scripted. Because of this, barricades sometimes feel useless, and after a few deaths, it becomes more predictable when and where the creature will appear. This predictability is further reinforced by the fact that save points are not spread too far apart.
The monster’s appearances can feel somewhat pre-scripted.
Another minor issue is how doors behave when opening, as they sometimes swing toward the player, causing you to walk through them in an awkward manner. The arrival of the monster is also frequently telegraphed, making it easier to find a crate or hiding spot in time. Holding down the right mouse button to barricade yourself adds tension, but the suspense is often dampened by the predictable nature of the encounters.
Preliminary Thoughts
The first chapter of Confronted plays remarkably well, thanks to its smooth performance, excellent sound design, and tension-filled atmosphere. The concept strongly reminds me of Amnesia, and while the gameplay is fairly simplistic, it still holds plenty of potential for further development. With a few refinements, this could become something truly special. I am already looking forward to the next part!
Additional information
Release Date: October 17, 2024 (Early Access)
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher.
Developer: Grumpy Rock Studios
Publisher: Grumpy Rock Studios
Official Website: https://www.confrontedgame.com
Relevant links: Confronted on STEAM
