PGC NEWS

The found-footage horror genre has seen its fair share of shaky-cam outings, from Cloverfield to Paranormal Activity. The gaming world has also dabbled in this style, with titles like Blair Witch attempting to capture the same unsettling atmosphere. While Blair Witch (2019) offered a visually stunning forest, its execution left much to be desired. Someday You’ll Return similarly aims to immerse players in a captivating natural environment, but does it succeed where others have faltered?

This psychological horror game places you in the shoes of Daniel, a father desperately searching for his missing daughter, Stela. The search unfolds primarily in the dense forests of Moravia, Czech Republic, a place steeped in both natural beauty and unsettling local lore. While the narrative revolves around the mystery of Stela’s disappearance, the game’s true strength lies in its depiction of the forest itself.

The serene beauty of the Moravian forest belies a darker secret.

Exploring Moravia’s Mystical Woodlands

The core gameplay loop of Someday You’ll Return is surprisingly simple yet deeply immersive. Daniel navigates the forest using a combination of GPS, a detailed map, distinct landmarks, and color-coded trail markers. This creates a compelling sense of exploration, blending the thrill of venturing into the unknown with the solitude of a solo journey.

The act of hiking itself is remarkably satisfying. The visual and auditory details of the environment are captivating, making even mundane treks feel rewarding. The game even incorporates real-world elements, allowing players to scan QR codes to learn more about the locations they encounter within the semi-fictional Moravian forest. Collecting items like candy wrappers adds a layer of environmental storytelling, but the true joy lies in the exploration itself.

The forest’s beauty can be deceptive, hiding dangers within its depths.

A Father’s Flawed Search

While the forest provides a captivating backdrop, the game’s narrative and horror elements are less successful. The story centers around Daniel, a deeply flawed character whose motivations are often questionable. His reactions to Stela’s disappearance range from annoyance to outright hostility, making him an unsympathetic protagonist. This intriguing character choice, however, ultimately hinders the emotional impact of the narrative.

The game’s attempts at horror fall into a predictable pattern: Daniel finds a clue, encounters an obstacle, overcomes the obstacle, and returns to the forest. This repetitive cycle, coupled with the overuse of dark, claustrophobic environments, diminishes the suspense and makes the scares feel less impactful.

Dark and claustrophobic environments become repetitive and predictable.

Untapped Potential

Someday You’ll Return introduces several interesting gameplay mechanics that unfortunately remain underdeveloped. The herbalism system, which involves collecting ingredients and following recipes to create potions, lacks depth and complexity. Similarly, the toolkit, initially promising with tasks like disassembling objects and repairing structures, is rarely utilized throughout the game.

Crafting and tool usage offer glimpses of potential but remain underutilized.

Conclusion

Someday You’ll Return offers a breathtakingly beautiful and immersive hiking experience through the Moravian forest. However, its flawed protagonist, predictable horror elements, and underdeveloped gameplay mechanics prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the game succeeds in capturing the tranquility of nature, it struggles to deliver a compelling narrative and truly terrifying experience. Ultimately, Someday You’ll Return is a beautiful hike marred by a less-than-satisfying journey.