Withering Rooms
Table of Contents
When I think of Withering Rooms, I think of a horror game unlike anything I’ve ever played. It’s one of those games where I wish I could erase my memory of it and play anew. Since I can’t erase my memory, I’ll let the experience simmer for a little while and play New Game+ when ready. What an amazing experience Withering Rooms is with so much to explore and discover.
WITHERING ROOMS
Withering Rooms is a horror action-roguelike 2.5D video game combined with some soulslike elements. The game takes place at a private asylum named Mostyn House. The Victorian mansion is procedurally generated and changes every night. Discover and utilize a wide array of items to create a build that fits your playing style.
You play as Nightingale. Her father sends her to Mostyn House. Motives are not apparent at first but it is easy to assume that Nightingale needs help. All new patients spend their first night in the gatehouse for observation. This is where Nightingale’s journey begins when she awakens in a dream.
There is plenty to discover in Withing Rooms. You’ll meet a large cast of strangers that either want to help, deceive, or do their own thing. A large arsenal of dangerous and challenging monsters are eager to slaughter Nightingale. Combat them with melee, ranged, and magical weapons and equip gear to enhance Nightingale’s abilities. Withering Rooms is big and you’ll be surprised with how much is packed into this video game.
VISUALS
I randomly came across the video game on Steam. The graphics and unique visuals grabbed my attention immediately. The character animations, environment, atmosphere, lighting, particles, and attention to detail are well done. I stopped many times during my playthrough to appreciate the work put into the visuals.
ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere compliments the visuals so well. The eerieness never lets up as you never know what lies ahead. The sounds make it feel like Mostyn House is alive with creaks and cracks. Screams and heavy breathing build tension with each step forward unnerving. Fans of horror will appreciate the level of detail put into the atmosphere.
GAMEPLAY
Withering Rooms is a hard video game. The beginning can feel extra difficult and I’ll admit that I was hesitant at first. Perseverance drove me to move forward and not give up and I am so glad that I did. I say this because you may feel the same when you start Withering Rooms but don’t let the challenge make you miss out on this wonderful experience.
Combat is slow and punishing. It took me some time to get used to it. I found difficulty in dodging, blocking, and movement. However, I got used to combat over time and found that I enjoyed the experience once I did. It’s a learning process and a rewarding one when mastered.
CURSEDNESS
Withering Rooms has a curse mechanic. Nightingale experiences many horrifying moments and her curse level builds up from those encounters. Some weapons and spells also have curse modifiers which can build up the curse level faster. Mostyn House changes and becomes increasingly terrifying when the curse level rises past a certain threshold. Certain events take place when above the curse threshold and can be rather shocking.
Nightingale develops curse rot if the curse level reaches the max threshold. The entire experience changes when this happens and Nightingale begins to lose health. Warding candles and other items help alleviate curse rot. Death is imminent if curse rot is not addressed as quickly as possible.
Cursedness is an awesome mechanic in Withering Rooms. I enjoyed all of the nuances cursedness created. It can entirely transform Mostyn House in real time and all fo the changes are so neat to witness. The process can be terrifying, too.
EXPLORATION
Mostyn House is huge. There are so many areas to explore. You’ll start in the mansion but you’ll also explore the mansion grounds, crypts, labyrinths, caves, ruins, churches, and so much more. Some areas are well lit and some require a light source. Every area looks and feels unique.
Withering Rooms has a large cast as well. There are so many characters to meet. Some characters have clear motives such as merchants and friends. Others possess motives that are not clear and need attention to detail. Everyone has a unique personality that complements their appearance. I enjoyed meeting all of them regardless of their intentions.
MEDIA
SCREENSHOTS
AS I SEE IT
Withering Rooms is a hidden gem that deserves accolades. Moonless Formless built an incredible world full of life, death, beauty, horror, and so much more. The video game is massive and my playthrough was much longer than I anticipated and I greatly appreciated that. I never wanted to stop exploring so now I hope for additional content if not a second entry.
Withering Rooms has left a lasting impression on me and I will forever be grateful for the experience. I hope for more but am satisfied with what I got. What an incredible experience.
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