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Carrion, the debut game from Phobia Game Studio and published by Devolver Digital, flips the horror genre on its head. Inspired by classic monster movies like The Blob (1958) and The Thing (1982), this “reverse horror” experience casts you as the terrifying creature, wreaking havoc on unsuspecting humans. This unique premise generated significant buzz among gamers even before its release. But does the gameplay live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Embracing the Horror

alt text: A screenshot of the amorphous creature from Carrion spreading its tendrils through a vent.

Carrion unfolds within a sprawling, modern scientific complex nestled amidst a desolate desert. You are a failed experiment, contained within a pressurized chamber until a sudden breach sets you free. Your objective? Unleash your monstrous power and destroy anyone who stands in your way.

The narrative, while straightforward, effectively reveals your origins and the complex’s purpose. Unraveling the story is engaging, relying on environmental storytelling, your guttural roars, and the screams of your victims rather than explicit exposition. This immersive approach enhances the feeling of embodying the monster and evokes a surprising degree of empathy for its past.

The game’s stunning pixel art visuals breathe life into the amorphous creature, showcasing its fluid and gruesome movements with disturbingly captivating detail. The sound design further amplifies the experience, with the creature’s chilling sounds and the desperate cries of its prey creating a truly satisfying sense of power.

Being a Monster Isn’t Easy

alt text: The creature from Carrion consuming a scientist in a dimly lit corridor.

Carrion is more than just mindless carnage. It features a surprising amount of puzzle-solving and challenging enemy encounters. Each level is divided into interconnected segments, often requiring you to manipulate the complex’s systems using your own biomass to progress. These environmental puzzles add a layer of strategic depth, requiring you to manage your size and abilities.

Certain abilities are only accessible at specific sizes, adding a tactical dimension to gameplay. You’ll encounter a variety of foes, from vulnerable scientists armed with pistols to heavily armored guards with flamethrowers and powerful robots with machine guns. While scientists are easy prey, armored guards require more strategic approaches, demanding you utilize your growing arsenal of abilities.

alt text: The creature from Carrion using its tendrils to pull a lever in a flooded area.

Consuming prey increases your size and unlocks new abilities, but also limits access to others. Biomass deposits allow you to shed mass strategically, essential for navigating specific areas and solving puzzles. Resource management becomes crucial as certain segments require sacrificing potential meals to advance.

Carrion also borrows elements from the Metroidvania genre. Abilities like phasing through barriers or cloaking to bypass security cameras are unlocked later in the game, encouraging exploration and backtracking. The interconnected level design makes revisiting previous areas a rewarding experience.

alt text: The creature from Carrion in a containment area, surrounded by broken glass and debris.

Periodic flashbacks offer glimpses into the complex’s history and your own origins, providing narrative context and welcome breaks from the intense action. These slower-paced segments contribute to a well-rounded and engaging experience.

Lost in the Labyrinth

alt text: A view of a complex network of vents and corridors in Carrion, highlighting the game's intricate map design.

One notable drawback is the lack of an in-game map. Navigating the complex environment can be disorienting, especially in later levels where areas become repetitive. Getting lost is almost inevitable, forcing players to rely heavily on environmental cues.

Conclusion

alt text: The creature from Carrion lurking in the shadows, ready to strike.

Despite the navigation challenges, Carrion delivers a unique and thrilling reverse horror experience. The satisfying gameplay, stunning pixel art, and immersive sound design make embodying the monstrous creature a truly unforgettable experience. While the lack of a map can be frustrating, the engaging puzzles, strategic combat, and intriguing narrative make Carrion a must-play for fans of horror and unconventional gaming experiences. Embrace your inner monster and unleash chaos in this refreshingly different take on the genre.