Review by Jon Donnis
Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror has an interesting premise, taking one of literature's most recognisable horror stories and placing it against the backdrop of the Crimean War. Set in an alternative version of 1855, this third-person survival horror adventure combines exploration, limited resources, environmental puzzles and combat. There is plenty of potential here, but unfortunately, the finished game struggles to deliver on its promising foundations.
The story begins with a soldier waking up in an Edinburgh military hospital with no memory of what has happened to him. The British government has turned to Victor Frankenstein and his controversial experiments in the hope of creating a new weapon. However, the project has gone horribly wrong, leaving something far more dangerous behind. The protagonist is tasked with finding Frankenstein and putting an end to his work.
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It is an interesting twist on the familiar Frankenstein mythology, particularly with the military setting providing a different angle on the consequences of scientific ambition. The mystery surrounding the protagonist's missing memories also gives players a reason to keep exploring, especially when certain creatures appear to recognise him.
Atmosphere is one of the game's strongest qualities. Abandoned medical facilities, Victorian interiors, snow-covered villages and gothic castles provide suitable surroundings for a horror adventure. Dark corridors and unsettling locations help establish a suitably sinister mood, while the soundtrack does a decent job of reinforcing the tension.
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Gameplay follows a fairly traditional survival horror formula. Ammunition and medical supplies are limited, meaning players must think carefully about when to fight and when it is better to avoid confrontation. Combat centres around a revolver and melee weapons, while exploration rewards players with supplies, clues and documents.
This resource management adds some welcome tension, particularly during the earlier sections. Knowing that ammunition is scarce makes every encounter a decision, rather than simply encouraging players to shoot their way through everything. Environmental puzzles, hidden passages, traps and boss encounters also provide some variety beyond the usual combat.
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There is an appealing old-school survival horror feel to the experience, with a vulnerable protagonist and an emphasis on careful exploration. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not always work as well as the concept suggests.
Combat is a particular weakness. Controls can feel clumsy and unresponsive, making encounters unnecessarily frustrating. Character animations are often stiff, and movement lacks the fluidity expected from a modern PS5 release. Instead of making enemies feel genuinely threatening, some encounters become irritating because of the limitations of the combat system.
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Enemy encounters also become repetitive, with limited variation in how players approach certain situations. The puzzles are similarly inconsistent. Some provide a welcome change of pace, but others feel uninspired, offering little satisfaction beyond getting in the way of progression.
The visuals are another mixed bag. Some indoor environments look suitably atmospheric, making good use of the gothic setting, but the overall presentation lacks consistency. Character models and animations are particularly disappointing, while certain locations lack the detail and visual personality needed to make exploration interesting.
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The problems become much more noticeable once you venture outside. The atmosphere that works reasonably well in the earlier interiors begins to disappear, replaced by bland environments that look and feel considerably dated. At times, it genuinely feels like stepping back 20 years in gaming technology.
The storytelling also fails to make the most of its promising premise. The military's involvement in Frankenstein's experiments and the protagonist's missing memories provide plenty of opportunities for an engaging narrative, but the execution is uneven. Dialogue and voice acting can be unconvincing, while the pacing occasionally drags, making certain sections feel longer than necessary.
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Ultimately, Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror feels like a game that needed more development time. Its setting, soundtrack and survival mechanics provide a reasonable foundation, but the technical shortcomings and inconsistent gameplay repeatedly undermine what could have been an enjoyable horror experience.
The game starts reasonably well, and there is enough atmosphere and mystery to overlook some of its early problems. However, as the adventure progresses, the weaknesses become increasingly difficult to ignore. The bland outdoor environments, awkward animations and frustrating combat eventually take their toll.
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There is potential here, and I genuinely wanted to enjoy Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror more than I did. Sadly, what begins as an intriguing journey into a dark Victorian nightmare turns into a disappointing experience that struggles to maintain its initial appeal.
I score Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror a disappointing 5 out of 10.
Out now on PlayStation
