No matter what religion you follow, it is divisive! Consequently, people choose to believe or oppose your thoughts, and this causes friction. However, for entertainment purposes, religion is fantastic. It is the theme behind many box office hits and chart-topping games. Seduction: A Monk’s Fate aims to capitalise on this as you delve into a surreal experience.
Developed by KOEX Studio and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a puzzle horror adventure title. It focuses on temptation, seduction, dark imagery, and many dreamlike moments. Subsequently, it is super weird, confusing, challenging, but oh so good at the same time. Furthermore, you’ll wonder what you’ve let yourself in for as supernatural powers kill you for the nth time.
Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is strange.
The story lacks originality, but its delivery and setting make it stand out. You control a monk who is gifted with unusual powers. By harnessing his abilities, he must uncover the dark mysteries that taint his monastery. Accordingly, he will discard the advice of his elders and take his own path. By doing this, he will discover the truth and many sickening secrets. En route, visions fog his mind that lead him to his calling. Here, he encounters a sacrificial ritual involving a young woman’s soul. Caught at a crossroads, the monk can ignore what he sees, or he can save his home and the woman.
Without a doubt, Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is one of the stranger games I’ve played. Its blend of puzzles, QTEs, and supernatural creatures is extremely bizarre. What’s more, the religious undertones and dark environment are creepy and will make you feel uncomfortable. The gameplay focuses on two realms that coexist. By using the power of prayer, the protagonist sees snippets of the other world and its demonic beings.
Logical thinking and quick reactions.
What’s phenomenal about Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is its blend of slow-paced puzzles and fast-reactive QTEs. During the puzzling sections, you must think logically and methodically. Fortunately, every chapter is small, so the list of useful items is tiny. Now, this doesn’t reduce the difficulty. No, instead, it makes every bite-size problem much more enjoyable. Accordingly, you are expected to search for clues, combine items, and use your power of prayer. Consequently, this is where the other realm takes centre stage. With hidden items, demonic beings, and hazards galore, you must stay alert.
Alongside the excellent, but slow puzzles, are the rapid quick-time events. These fleeting moments add drama and challenge to this creepy title. You’re expected to dodge monsters, run from creatures, or hide in the shadows. Whatever the chore, it wonderfully juxtaposes the methodical elements of the gameplay. What’s more, you must be patient and calm if you wish to progress. If you fail, and you will, you’ll become increasingly frustrated. Subsequently, it has a balanced approach between its methodical and reactive elements.
Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is eerie and uncomfortable.
The side-scrolling perspective and small levels create a restricted and claustrophobic experience. Further to this, the use of richer and darker colours enhances the eerie nature of the plot. I adored the cutscenes, the differences between the two realms, and the low-key use of gore. Thankfully, the developers allowed their story and audio to set the atmosphere. Because of this, the visuals weren’t clichéd, nor were they OTT or horribly cheesy.
The horror genre is only as good as the atmosphere it creates. Luckily, the audio is phenomenal and complements every element. With stomach-churning noises, haunting music, and uncomfortable sounds, it sets the scene perfectly. From start to finish, you’ll feel uneasy and will be creeped out at this brilliantly considered horror game.
Excellent controls.
Due to the reliance on QTEs, the controls had to be responsive. Fortunately, they were, and this makes the faster moments much easier to overcome. Alongside this, the fantastic UI and button layout are well-considered. In short, the excellent controls allow you to focus on the uncomfortable and puzzling elements of the plot.
Where Seduction: A Monk’s Fate falls short is its longevity and replay value. With a linear plot and no collectables, there is little reason to return. What’s more, its short game time reduces its longevity considerably. However, don’t let this put you off. Luckily, the first playthrough is excellent and more than makes up for the shortcomings.
Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is worthy of your time.
Indie games are two a penny these days. Subsequently, finding a gem is easier said than done. Fortunately, though, Seduction: A Monk’s Fate is excellent, horrific, and worthy of your time. Yes, the lack of longevity is a shame, but everything else makes up for this. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you uncover the secrets that haunt your monastery? Explore both realms, find the clues, and save a soul from a cursed fate.
