The Cosmic Horror of Stygian: Outer Gods

Habitually, Stygian: Outer Gods provides an atmospheric trek into a world engulfed by cosmic horror. Clearly inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, the game captures the author’s sense of existential dread and psychological decline. At best, Outer Gods is an unsettling experience, as you explore each menacing cavern, an unnerving cemetery, and an imposing mansion. But as an Early Access title, the journey isn’t free of few missteps.

Set in a derelict town that seems obscurely detached from reality, Gods immediately impresses with its stunning art style. The town of Kingsport is murky, decaying, and ominous thanks to same meticulously crafted 3D modeling and detailed texture work.

As you explore the city, you’ll notice immersive visual effects like leaves and banners blown around by gusts of dusty wind. Sonically, Outer Gods employs minimalistic melodies and ambient sound effects that convey a sense of menace. Yes, there’s almost always something threatening in the distance, from screams to howls. Developer Misterial Games has crafted some of the best representations of Lovecraftian New England.

Those Innsmouth-area Storms are the Worst

You play as Jack, a researcher burdened by an ever-tightening grip of madness. After hearing that his father isn’t deceased but has been seen around Kingsport, the protagonist sets out to visit the coastal town. But disaster strikes, his ship is submerged, so Jack barely makes it to shore.

Unlike games with customizable protagonists and open-ended play, Outer Gods leans toward a more structured approach. That said, there is some autonomy found when selecting from dialog choices and the use of Sin Card perks. But like The Shining, Jack’s descent into madness is the focal point of the story. As you explore, know that your decisions don’t usually have an immediate consequence. As such, it can feel like you’re observing Jack’s gradual unraveling than actually fighting against it. But hey, madness is an essential ingredient for Lovecraftian recipes, right?

Fearsome Fights, Not Always for the Right Reasons

The game’s real-time combat system strives for intensity but occasionally becomes frustratingly unwieldly.  Encounters lack fluidity, and imprecise controls make defending against basic enemies like a decomposing dog feel like a struggle. The AI can be erratic, and without much tactical depth, battles quickly grow tiresome, thanks to fickle blocking and a stamina gauge that allows for a trio of strikes at most.

Rather than evoking a sense of dread, combat tends to interrupt the immersion established by the game’s atmosphere. Fortunately, you can frequently sidestep encounters, and it often seems like that’s the preferred approach. But if you must fight evil, it’s clear that Misterial Games are aiming for Resident Evil-style tension with restrained ammo counts and feeble melee weapons. All too often, Jack doesn’t seem like a seasoned world-traveler but more of a fumbling flunky.

Stealth Rather Than Strength

Narratively, Stygian has moments of proficiency. The world is rich with peculiar lore, and the game’s commitment to Lovecraftian horror is apparent in each line of dialogue. While those who aren’t familiar with the Miskatonic region might think the dialog is too flowery, Outer Gods’ writing team understand how essential Lovecraft’s lexis is.

Stygian: Outer Gods’ world-building, atmosphere, and haunting visual design will undoubtedly immerse fans of cosmic horror. For those willing to overlook a few mechanical flaws, it can be a memorably unsettling experience.