Ghost-hunting games have become a breakout category in the indie gaming world, each one promising spooky thrills and pulse-pounding encounters. Enter Bureau of Contacts, a new title by developer MIROWIN that dares to stand out in this crowded genre. This 1-4 player ghost-hunting adventure brings a dual-threat dynamic to the table, challenging players to contend with both the malevolent apparitions and the eerie environments that harbor them. However, as much as the game excites with its unique approach, some elements need more polish.
Tackling Two Enemies at Once
The central premise of Bureau of Contacts revolves around not just the hunt for ghosts but also a struggle against the haunted locations themselves. Players must navigate through creaky mansions, dilapidated factories, and misty forests, each map uniquely designed to instill an atmosphere of dread. The ghosts are touted as having the most human-like intelligence ever seen in a game of this kind. It’s not just about what you do in these haunted locales, but also about what you say—you’ll need to literally watch your mouth since verbal cues can attract unwanted paranormal attention.
Engaging Early Access Experience with Potential
Though Bureau of Contacts is still in its early access phase, it has already captured the interest of gamers who enjoy hunting for spectral entities. The initial maps available at launch provide ample scope for exploration, each offering a distinct set of environmental challenges and horrifying surprises. For players who thrive in cooperative scenarios, working together to outsmart cunning ghosts adds layers of engagement and strategy.
New maps have been introduced recently, featuring even more elaborate designs and intricate challenges. These aren’t just aesthetically different; each location has its own set of apparitions and creepy quirks that players will have to outthink and outrun. While fun to explore and genuinely chilling at times, the repetitive behavior of the AI ghosts becomes noticeable after a few playthroughs. Unlike the dynamic locations, the spirit behavior could benefit from further development to maintain unpredictability and excitement.
Character Development and Abilities
One area where Bureau of Contacts shines is in its character development and progression system. Players can level up their characters to gain unique abilities, tailored specifically to improve their ghost-hunting skills. Whether you prefer a character that excels in gathering information, setting traps, or brute-force ghost combat, the leveling system adds an extra layer of depth that encourages continued play.
This progression system helps mitigate the grind that comes with leveling up, giving substantial rewards that impact gameplay. As you invest time in the game, your character becomes noticeably more capable, making subsequent hauntings more engaging and less of a tiresome grind.
A Moody and Eerie Atmosphere
From a visual and sound design perspective, Bureau of Contacts excels in creating a chilling atmosphere. The hauntingly beautiful graphics accompanied by eerie, spine-tingling sounds keep players on edge. The environments become active participants in the horror, casting shadows that play tricks on your eyes and emitting sounds that make the back of your neck prickle.
However, the devil is often in the details, and while the game’s rich atmosphere is a boon, occasional graphical glitches can break immersion. These issues, although not game-breaking, do remind players that the game is still in early stages and needs further refining.
Pros and Cons of Ghostly Challenges
The Chilling Merits:
- Dual Threats: The combination of haunted locations and intelligent ghost AI adds depth, making every mission feel unique.
- Character Progression: A rewarding leveling system that enhances both the character’s abilities and the overall gameplay experience.
- Atmospheric Design: High-quality graphics and sound design create an unsettling ambiance perfect for a horror game.
The Spectral Shortcomings:
- Repetitive Ghost AI: Ghosts often exhibit predictable behavior, which can lessen the scare factor over time.
- Early Access Glitches: Occasional bugs and graphical issues break immersion and serve as a reminder of the game’s developmental state.
- Limited Variety in Maps: Despite recent additions, long-term players may find the current selection of maps repetitive after several playthroughs.
Bureau of Contacts: Bureau of Contacts is a promising addition to the indie horror ghost-hunting genre. It manages to blend traditional ghost-hunting mechanics with unique challenges posed by its haunted environments. While it certainly isn't without flaws, the engaging character progression and spooky atmosphere make it well worth keeping an eye on as development progresses. For those looking to add another haunting experience to their libraries, "Bureau of Contacts" just might be the spectral intrigue you've been searching for. – Obsidian
