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FORECLOSED blends familiar cyberpunk tropes like character upgrades and hacking with a distinct comic book aesthetic reminiscent of the Bronze Age. Developed by Antab Studio, the game promises a unique visual experience. However, does this stylistic choice elevate the gameplay, or does it mask deeper flaws? This review explores whether FORECLOSED delivers on its potential or falls short of expectations.

A Visually Striking Yet Flawed Presentation

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FORECLOSED’s visual style is undeniably unique, but its execution leaves much to be desired. While aiming for a comic book aesthetic, the game neglects a crucial element: linework. The bright, chalky color palettes, lacking clear delineation, often create a jarring, visually overwhelming experience, especially in dimly lit scenes. This is further exacerbated by the overuse of film grain and harsh reflections, making the game difficult to look at and potentially straining for the eyes.

This visual confusion extends to the level design. Whether navigating ventilation shafts, infiltrating sleek offices, or assaulting high-tech labs, the environments lack distinct visual identities due to the consistently low contrast and high reflectivity.

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The protagonist’s character model, with its jarring color blocks, remains visually unchanged regardless of the environment, further adding to the game’s awkward aesthetic.

Beyond the problematic color palette and design, the animation and effects are equally underwhelming. The protagonist’s movements are stiff and robotic, lacking fluidity in actions like turning or aiming. He holds his weapon awkwardly close to his chest, impacting the shooting experience negatively.

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Even the stealth takedowns feel underwhelming. Instead of visceral animations, the protagonist “hacks” enemies, causing them to collapse comically. This raises the question of why he even needs a gun when he possesses such potent hacking abilities.

A Forgettable Narrative and Frustrating Mechanics

The four-hour campaign presents a predictable and forgettable narrative. The protagonist, pursued by a shadowy corporation, utilizes forbidden technology to uncover the truth. The plot is easily discernible from the moment the initial characters are introduced.

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While a four-hour playtime might seem short, enduring FORECLOSED’s flawed mechanics for that duration feels excessively long. Abrupt camera angle shifts and jarring transitions between comic book panels disrupt the flow and make it difficult to follow the narrative. These awkward camera angles further hinder gameplay, particularly in stealth sections.

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Early stealth sequences, requiring the player to navigate vents and evade patrols, are made frustrating by poorly chosen camera perspectives that obscure safe spots and enemy lines of sight. The game’s poor color choices further complicate stealth by blending cover with the environment.

However, the camera is not the game’s biggest downfall. The shooting mechanics are weak, with enemies exhibiting little regard for incoming fire. The lack of impactful feedback and poorly implemented recoil further detract from the experience. Weapon upgrades feel almost meaningless. The inability to remap controls adds another layer of frustration.

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Death in FORECLOSED results in being sent back to the nearest cutscene or dialogue sequence, forcing the player to rewatch tedious and repetitive segments. To further compound the frustration, death also resets any applied weapon upgrades, requiring players to re-equip them before continuing.

Conclusion

FORECLOSED’s unique visual style ultimately fails to compensate for its flawed gameplay and forgettable narrative. The jarring visuals, frustrating mechanics, and predictable story make for a disappointing experience. While the game attempts to innovate with its comic book presentation, it falls short in delivering a compelling cyberpunk adventure.