Amnesia: The Bunker (2023)
Amnesia: The Bunker departs from Frictional Games’ established monster-stalking formula with excellent results. It follows a French soldier during World War I into battlefield tunnels that are home to a monster that can only be repelled by light. Generators keep the tunnels lit but run on scarce fuel; a crank flashlight is your last resort for navigating the environment when all other resources have been exhausted. The sandbox is as haunting as it is clever, with its best horror moments resulting from gameplay system collisions rather than scripted reveals or jumpscares. The tension-filled spaces and incredible audio design do most of the heavy lifting. It’s a refreshing twist on immersive sims in pursuit of an amazing survival horror experience. — EG