Ad Infinitum Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Ad Infinitum |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Nacon |
| Developer: |
In Ad Infinitum, you step into the boots of a German soldier amidst the chaos of World War 1. Despite the initial impression of a typical war game, it’s crucial to note that Ad Infinitum is, in fact, a first person horror game. Drawing parallels to Amnesia: The Bunker (another 2023 horror game), the game’s narrative unfolds against the haunting backdrop of the Great War.
From the outset Ad Infinitum throws you into the visceral chaos of trench warfare, a battle for survival. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn following an explosion, leading you to awaken in the familiarity of your childhood bedroom within the family manor. This intriguing twist sets the stage for an unsettling and atmospheric experience, as you seamlessly traverse between the ever changing manor and the grim reality of the trenches throughout the game.
One aspect that strikes me as discordant in the storytelling is the decision to employ English accents for a German family. While I understand that the narrative deviates into horror themes, and making a fully authentic war story wasn’t the primary goal. Nevertheless, the choice of English accents for German characters seems somewhat perplexing. If the intention was to have English voice overs, utilizing German-accented English might have been a more coherent choice. Thankfully there’s a German language option for those who just can’t get past this.
Despite starting with a gun in hand, Ad Infinitum is generally not about engaging in combat. While you’ll encounter monsters throughout the game, the focus is largely on evading their terror rather than confronting them with gunfire or physical force. These monsters are intricately designed, showcasing both brilliance and ugliness, and each plays a significant role in unraveling the story of the broken family at the heart of the game.
The game does incorporate several boss fights, however. The majority of these battles showcase thoughtful enough design and serve as fitting conclusions to the corresponding encounter. However, the final boss stands out as illogical in its design, proving to be a disappointing way to conclude the game.
When you’re not fleeing from or battling monsters, the game offers ample opportunities for exploration to piece together the story. Whether wandering through the family manor or navigating the trenches, you engage in a lot of walking, with occasional puzzles thrown in for variety. The game even may remind some of a walking simulator at times, a choice that might not suit everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, it’s clear that the developer intentionally chose this method to tell their story.
Ad Infinitum boasts a visually striking aesthetic that effectively enhances the game’s atmospheric qualities, especially in the meticulously detailed family manor. However, it’s essential to note a drawback—occasional yet significant performance issues. These disruptions, occurring seemingly at random in particular areas, detract from the overall experience. The developer will hopefully address and rectify these issues through a future patch. On the flip side, the sound design stands out at every level, showcasing excellence. Eerie sound effects and chilling music work seamlessly to establish and enhance the atmospheric tone of the game.
