How Conscript’s Twin Halves Honor Classic Survival Horror

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As a seasoned survivor of countless nights spent huddled behind walls, peering around corners, and shuddering at every creak and groan, I have to say that Jordan Mochi’s Conscript has truly captured my heart (and maybe a bit of my sanity). This game, set in the trenches of World War I, is an ode to the survival horror games of yore, and it does so with such finesse and respect that it feels like a love letter from the past.

2024 was an outstanding year for horror games, particularly indie survival horror titles with a retro PS1 aesthetic and feel. One such game, Jordan Mochi’s “Conscript“, received considerable attention. A survival horror game set during World War I, “Conscript” showcases some nostalgic influences and features a pixel art visual style. Unlike many other survival horror games this year, “Conscript” balances its narrative and gameplay aspects effectively, making it a standout title that openly pays homage to classic survival horror games.

Resident Evil, though not the original in the survival horror genre, is widely recognized as the game that brought it into mainstream popularity and even gave the genre its name. Following close behind the release of Resident Evil under the title BioHazard in Japan, Keiichiro Toyama began work on Silent Hill. Both these franchises are closely associated with shaping the foundations of survival horror. As a throwback to the classic horror games of the 5th generation, Conscript‘s gameplay may follow the approach of Resident Evil, but its narrative and focus on psychological horror are distinctly reminiscent of Silent Hill.

Conscript’s Gameplay Borrows Heavily From the Original Resident Evil Trilogy

In the gameplay aspect of Conscript, you’ll find a strong resemblance to the initial three Resident Evil games on PS1. You assume control over the protagonist, André, from a fixed overhead third-person viewpoint, exploring labyrinthine maps to tackle puzzles and eliminate adversaries. Resource management, particularly of scarce items in your inventory, is crucial in Conscript’s game mechanics, as is gathering various objects and hints to solve its intricate puzzles. Unlike Resident Evil, Conscript introduces a degree of unpredictability by randomizing the numbers used for combination locks, making it impossible to rely on online guides or past experiences when finding solutions.

In the 5th-generation Resident Evil games, combat and movement are strikingly similar to Conscript’s mechanics. The movement is deliberately slow and awkward, a design choice that emphasizes careful positioning and accurate aiming. Players must constantly manage their stamina meter and rely on a single defensive move – a combat roll – for protection. Due to limited ammunition and unique handling characteristics for each weapon, Conscript’s gameplay will be reminiscent of the classic Resident Evil games for dedicated fans.

How Conscript’s Narrative Elements Pivot Its Survival Horror Influences

In terms of its storyline, however, the game “Conscript” shifts the perspective from being heavily influenced by “Resident Evil” to showing obvious similarities with “Silent Hill”. Unlike “Resident Evil”, “Conscript” doesn’t rely on supernatural elements. Instead, it delves into the psychological horror of the First World War, revealing the grim reality and psychological toll that war takes on its survivors amidst so much death.

In an innovative deviation from typical survival horror gameplay dynamics, Conscript challenges players to ponder their in-game actions. Typically, killing enemies and pillaging their belongings is a routine aspect of survival horror games, with the ongoing collection of resources essential for progression. However, what sets Conscript apart is that as the game unfolds, players amass photographs from the German soldiers they eliminate. These images serve as poignant reminders that these enemies aren’t merely faceless adversaries but rather individuals with lives and loved ones. By skillfully blending gameplay mechanics and narrative themes inspired by classic survival horror tropes, Conscript disrupts player expectations and encourages introspection about the consequences of their actions within the game world.

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2024-11-30 16:53