Contemp

Pros

• Exceptional attention to environmental detail
• High-quality textures and visual design
• Effective sound design enhancing the horror ambiance
• VR support for an immersive experience

Cons

• Very limited gameplay and interactivity
• Lack of narrative or substantial plot
• Extremely short experience with little replay value

Immersive Horror Exploration in Contemp

Contemp emerges as an indie horror walking simulator that invites players into the eerie confines of a desolate house. Crafted by a dedicated computer graphics student as part of a university project, this succinct title aims to reel players in with its heavy emphasis on atmospheric tension.

Atmosphere Takes the Spotlight

What Contemp lacks in complexity, it compensates with its meticulously crafted ambiance. The game places you in the shoes of a character equipped solely with a flashlight, navigating through the darkness of an abandoned residence. Each room whispers tales of neglect, allowing the environment to take center stage. The game revolves around exploration, slowly enveloping the player in an intensifying sense of dread.

One striking aspect of Contemp is its visual fidelity. Given its origins as an academic exercise spanning nine weeks, the quality of the textures is notably sophisticated. The visual realness amplifies the unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the sense of immersion. Matching its visual prowess, Contemp's sound design, while minimalistic, effectively complements the haunting visuals, perfectly syncing with the visual cues to bolster the overall horrific experience.

The attention to detail within the decrepit house is commendable, with clutter and dilapidation that tells a story without words. This focus on atmospheric detailing is emblematic of a labor of love and reflects a promising understanding of environmental storytelling.

Virtual Reality Support Expands Immersion

Introducing an added layer of immersion, Contemp supports various Virtual Reality (VR) systems, including smartphone emulators. This feature elevates the game, granting an extra dimension to the chill factor by allowing players to step literally inside the gloomy environment.

Simplicity and Gameplay Limitations

Unfortunately, the brevity of the gameplay might be a sticking point for some. Contemp is straightforward about its objectives—or the lack thereof. Your time within the game will be primarily spent meandering from one room to the next, opening doors and piecing together the unsettling atmosphere. Interactions within the game are minimal, and most players will find that the experience wraps up in about ten minutes.

For those seeking deep narrative or interactive puzzles, Contemp may fall short. The game is more of an atmospheric showcase than a traditional game, with the player's role limited to witnessing rather than influencing or resolving.

Conclusion – A Brief Dip into Darkness

Contemp stands out as a horror experience that relies on the tried and true elements of its genre—tension, atmosphere, and the unknown. Its impressive graphical execution and sound design make it a noteworthy effort, particularly as a student's project. However, the game's limited interactivity and short duration might leave players yearning for more substantial engagement. Nevertheless, for those willing to overlook its brevity and embrace the finely tuned atmosphere, Contemp serves as an intriguing, if fleeting, stroll through a visually rich house of horrors.

Pros

• Exceptional attention to environmental detail
• High-quality textures and visual design
• Effective sound design enhancing the horror ambiance
• VR support for an immersive experience

Cons

• Very limited gameplay and interactivity
• Lack of narrative or substantial plot
• Extremely short experience with little replay value