"The Attic" (Chapter 1) Custom Story

[Ansatsuhan]

May contain mild Spoilers:

What I liked:
The Attic started just great. Even without enemies spawning the atmosphere was perfect. Also liked the documents one could find so far. It was really creeping me out to climb up to the attic of that huge house knowing something might be there and - even worse - knowing I needed to get down all the way again if something happened. The first jumpscare when I wanted to leave the attic was maybe slightly over the top but fitting. I was freaking out when I realized that it was pitch black around me and I needed to get all the way down again. When I reached the door to the staircase and it was locked I was at the edge of my seat.

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When the first enemy spawned I got a warning that I should hide plus I had time to react before the monster broke the door. It was a little much so short after the first jumpscare, but at least the game gave me a few seconds and it added to the atmosphere with the monster being around. Thought it would be a one-time-event.

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What I didn't like:
Soon I had to find out two things. First, the game is overall too dark. Most of the time you don't see anything. I thought that was only on one floor but it continued. It may be ok if you only want to rush through but you can't really look around if you there are nearly no sources of light and you have to hurry as long as your limited amount of oil still lasts. Second, there are too many jumpscares and monsters breaking down doors immediately attacking as soon as you do anything important or just walk by. It becomes kind of predictable and in many cases you cannot hide (you wouldn't see good hideouts anyway) but just have to sprint to the nearest loading door to get away. As I entered the floor below the one where I came to my senses again it was like: flying corpse! - "Oh, were did that come from?" *looks* - Monster out of the cupboard! - "Damn, a monster! I have to..." - It's a poofer! - "Ok, I'll look around elsewhere...oh, a key!" - Monster attack! What I want to say is, those permanent attacks (where in most cases you can't even hide but just have to run) and the pitch-black darkness don't really add to the atmosphere you have created before. It spoils it because you are too busy with jumping in your seat and running to really notice all the cool things about this custom story. I have to admit that I was kinda disappointed because I really loved the beginning and was hoping for it to continue in a similar way.

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You definitely know how to create atmosphere but you should add more lights and use your jumpscares more lightly. I also think it's better if a monster doesn't immediately breaks the door attacking you, but you actually know one is nearby. Knowing it is there and trying to avoid it creates much more fear than the monster just spawning into your face and bashing it in. Also give the players time to really appreciate the story you created. If they can't see anything and are running most of the time it's wasted effort. I see much potential so I hope that review was helpful and you continue making custom stories. Greetz :-)