Info

Developed By: Tricore Inc.

Published By: Chorus Worldwide.

Platforms Available On: PS5/4, Xbox Series X/S and One and PC.

Reviewed on PS5, a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

Ai is a grade-schooler in 1990s Japan who is about to realise just how isolated she is. Forced to play children’s games in a world of never-ending dusk, Ai is hunted by otherworldly entities as her life hangs in the balance. When these horrors begin to bleed into the real world, Ai must accept that she has only three choices: hide, run, or die.

◆Evolving gameplay Test your courage in a dangerous game of hide and seek before initiating a terrifyingly twisted version of tag with abominations not of this world. Use the items you’ve gathered to flee your sunset hell, but be sure to remember the paths you’ve taken or risk being trapped there forever.

◆Japanese locations ablaze with a haunting, beautiful sunset Experience an unnerving mix of beauty, fear and nostalgia in a mysterious world where a Japanese house, school and hospital are all inexplicably connected. Explore corridors dyed twilight crimson, witness the ethereal glow of -amber through paper walls of a traditional Japanese house and escape creeping black shadows in hospital rooms where the power is somehow always out.

◆Hide or die 10-year-old Ai has no defensive measures to defeat the enemies you face; instead, you must take advantage of each spirit’s weaknesses to survive. Hold your breath to sneak past blind foes or dash past deaf ones as quick as your little legs can carry you. And if you can’t get away in time, prepare to suffer a dire fate at the hands of unimaginable forces.

◆A tragic tale of friendship, betrayal and facing your demons Mute and anxious, Ai is grateful when she makes a group of friends to play with. But it turns out that the ghostly apparitions trapped in the world of dusk aren’t the only things she has to contend with; ghosts can be cruel, but children even more so. Your classmates harbour dark thoughts and harrowing secrets that you must uncover to progress. Throughout the game, Ai will learn more about her new friends than perhaps she’d care to know…

◆If only there were another way… Upon clearing the game, another ending will become available to you. What story will this new path unveil? Slipping back into the terrifying world of Yuoni will see you face considerably more challenging foes for an even greater reward.

Gameplay

I enjoy a good horror title when it comes to gaming, normally prefer the zombie slasher style ie Back 4 Blood but sometimes a psychological thriller or a game that really gets your heart racing is just what you need.

Yuoni is the latter part of that game type definitely a game that will keep you glued to the screen in suspense. I literally had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up playing this, it really does get under your skin sending chills down your spine.

You play as Ai a youngster who is forced to take part in an ancient ritual that is the urban legend of years gone by. If you dare you must take the teddy bear dunk it into the bucket of water and hide without being seen to waken the spirit, this is a game of courage and holding your nerve and as a run and gun gamer I found this a bit hard, I don’t have the greatest amount of patience.

Once you have completed that task it’s a case of cat and mouse to hide from the shadow beings that are lurking, this in itself isn’t an easy task although not overly difficult that it takes the enjoyment out of the game. The game definitely keeps you on edge with it’s atmospheric gameplay and deep storyline it really is an imersive experience.

Graphics and Sound

With this being available on the PS5 I really felt the gameworld itself took advantage of the next gen power, however the design of the shadow beings were a bit blocky for me. On the whole Yuoni is a good looking game with a very different approach.

The soundtrack is just as chilling as the game and definitely works well in bringing an immersive game experience. The narrative is good although in some parts I felt a bit long winded but maybe it had to be that way to get the story across.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts on Yuoni a good immersive experience, probably not the best idea to play in the dark (I speak from experience!!) A good overall game with some very unique aspects, would definitely recommend if horror is your thing.

Verdict-Out of 5🌟

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good

I give Yuoni a good rating of 4🌟 a good overall experience one that really needs to be seen to understand.

Get your copy of Yuoni on PS5 now click here