Total Chaos is a game that’ll appeal to lovers of dark and atmospheric horror titles. If you adore Resident Evil and Silent Hill, this will be right up your street. It is dark, uncomfortable, and a little unusual. Furthermore, it focuses on psychological issues, melee combat, and resource management. Therefore, it isn’t a case of killing everything at will. No, you must plan your approach if you wish to survive.
Trigger Happy Interactive has developed it, and Apogee Entertainment, Infogrames, and Atari have published the console release. It is a single-player, first-person horror title that blends surrealism and realism to good effect. The world becomes increasingly tough to navigate, and the action offers limited hand-holding. Accordingly, it can be a little misleading and frustrating to play.
Total Chaos tells a weird story.
Mysterious people and weird locations are somewhat odd. They lead to plenty of questions and unknown moments. This is what Total Chaos relies upon. Its story is vague, and the directions aren’t much better. However, it is the secrets that keep you pushing forward.
You play the role of an unknown stranger who has washed ashore on Fort Oasis. This mining settlement is in disarray, and death lingers in the air. Guided by odd radio transmissions, you must venture deeper into the island and discover more about yourself and the land than you ever wanted.
A game of balance.
Total Chaos focuses on scavenging, resource management, combat, problems, and jump scares. The latter is a little cliched as monsters leap at you from darkened corners, and it is a little corny. However, I love this style, so I enjoyed the basic thrills and silly moments.
Resource management is a little underwhelming and frustrating. Running out of ammo happens regularly, and moving bits around isn’t fun. Yet, it adds to the survival edge, and you dare not be wasteful. This was great, as you quickly realise that one mistake can cost you your life. This idea works perfectly with the scavenging. Supplies and crafting materials must be found if you want to overcome the creepy monsters you see.
Crafting is a key component of Total Chaos. Making temporary weapons, upgrading your gear, and falling slightly short are enough to keep you on your toes. Although this can feel restrictive, you quickly learn that everything can be useful and being wasteful is not a choice.
Deadly bosses and a game of guessing.
Unlike other horror games, Total Chaos is a little behind on its boss encounters. I understand why the developer created a confusing and testing boss experience, but it was a little too hands-off for my liking. Instead of environmental advantages and brute force, you are expected to manage your supplies while observing your surroundings.
Understanding how to overcome each mighty weird boss was a test that I struggled to pass. This caused me to waste time and resources as I tested different theories with varying degrees of success. The trial-and-error approach broke up the immersive psychological style and made me more frustrated than necessary.
This was a shame, as each monster matched the weird and uncomfortable theme. Their design and challenging movement were increasingly brutish and unnerving. Additionally, they pushed you to think outside of the box. Sadly, though, it wasn’t guided enough, and this will make people waste hours of their time.
Total Chaos is dark and horrible.
The gritty and grim design is deliberately horrible. The use of lighting works particularly well. Furthermore, claustrophobic spaces and obstacles help to create suspenseful moments. There are a handful of exceptional jump scares, but much of the tension is built through emptiness and what-ifs. It is this brilliant use of nothingness that plays with your mind.
The use of a first-person perspective and tight spaces enhances the horror experience. Navigating each location isn’t always easy, but the idea that danger is just around the corner keeps you alert. Alongside this, the monsters are increasingly ugly, horrific, and strange. Their movement, aggression, and sound effects make your skin crawl.
The soundscape is an intelligent mix of silence, ambient sounds, and strange noises. Radio transmissions offer hope while leaving you confused. Furthermore, sparse and dramatic music enhances the tension. It’s an incredibly well-delivered audio profile that AAA titles would be proud to have.
Intentionally clunky controls.
Total Chaos delivers clunky controls that are deliberately difficult. The result is tough close-quarters interactions with deadly beasts. Moreover, it makes you think about your resource management as you waste ammo while desperately trying to stay alive. It is a fine balancing act that drove me mad.
There are 9 chapters to experience as you explore the dark and dangerous fort. Each location funnels you to the next progression point, and this was useful. However, the lack of guidance can lead to plenty of wasted hours. This makes the game feel longer than necessary and impacts the desire to keep playing.
Total Chaos is cruel, uncomfortable, and a little annoying.
Total Chaos is divisive. Although I enjoyed the dark and sinister gameplay, the cruel monsters, and the resource management, the bosses are frustrating. I don’t need my hand-holding, but a little guidance goes a long way. Despite this, I like the setting, the audio, and the concept. Accordingly, it is good, and I recommend buying it here! Will you survive the fort and the increasingly dark world? Search everything, be resourceful, and stay away from the shadows.
