DaRmaZat BrokenLore: LOW is a psychological horror game developed and published by Serafini Productions. Released on February 20, 2025, the game takes players into the eerie depths of Kirisame Mura, a mist-covered Japanese village haunted by an ancient legend—the Gashadokuro, a terrifying skeletal yokai from folklore. This game serves as a prequel to BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW, unraveling a chilling narrative filled with mystery, despair, and relentless psychological torment.
A Dream of Fame Turned into a Nightmare
Naomi Montgomery arrives in Kirisame Mura, hoping to launch her singing career. What starts as a promising opportunity soon unravels into a terrifying ordeal. The village harbors a cursed past, where envy, ambition, and failure intertwine with supernatural horrors. Naomi’s rival, Erika, shares the same dream, but their ambitions are eclipsed by the village’s sinister history.
During a pivotal karaoke performance for the influential Hideki, Naomi’s drink is drugged, leading to a harrowing blackout. When she wakes, memories are missing, and an overwhelming dread sets in. As she explores the village, the legend of the vanished temple and the tormented souls trapped in its cycle of misfortune slowly comes to light, drawing her ever closer to the relentless Gashadokuro.
A Distorted Reality Through Art and Design
BrokenLore: LOW thrives on psychological horror, crafting a claustrophobic and immersive experience. The looping village layout reinforces the feeling of entrapment, echoing the inescapable nightmares of Silent Hill. Time and again, you must navigate its eerie streets, searching for an escape while under constant pressure.
A striking blend of hyper-realistic graphics and low-poly visuals sets BrokenLore: LOW apart. These contrasting styles create an unsettling effect, reinforcing its psychological themes. The visual shifts between modern and retro aesthetics further distort reality, while the ever-present specter stalking you intensifies the fear, making object collection a nerve-wracking challenge. The somewhat limited automatic save system can be frustrating, as it requires retracing progress after quitting the game.
Brokenlore: LOW’s haunting soundtrack and sound design play a crucial role in amplifying the horror, drawing players deeper into Naomi’s nightmare, while the spirit’s relentless wails and screams disrupt concentration at critical moments. In a mirror-themed section, you must search for objects scattered across different floors of a mesmerizing yet cursed dojo, while the double-layered music takes on an ethereal quality, heightening the dreamlike and distorted atmosphere.
Conclusion
BrokenLore: LOW masterfully blends psychological dread with folklore-driven storytelling. Its nightmarish structure forces players to confront their fears while unraveling a web of supernatural and human horror. Though some mechanics—such as forced replays and stressful object collection—can be frustrating, the atmospheric design, chilling soundscape, and unique visual shifts make for a gripping horror adventure. Fans of psychological and atmospheric horror will find much to appreciate in this haunting tale of ambition, envy, and the cruel grip of fate.
Additional Information
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher.
Developer: Serafini Productions
Publisher: Serafini Productions
Official Website: https://www.serafiniproductions.com
Relevant links: BrokenLore: LOW on STEAM
