I tried writing a short review and kept making it too long. I tried playing a short game about organized crime in Japan and ended it with 60+ hours.

Surprising is the word I would use to summarize this game, in a good way. I am surprised that they charged me 8 fucking dollars for this. I am shocked it ended up being one of the most serious and also stupidest games I've ever played. I am gob smacked that this game managed to make me cry while also making me laugh.

I am stunned that you might be reading this review instead of just experiencing the game for yourself.

Final thoughts, I can't wait to see the rest of the games. I also can't believe I've had this game sitting on a figurative shelf for nearly 4 years before playing it. It's not a deep game in the slightest but that works to its advantage I'd say.

Signalis utilizes the medium to it's fullest. It is, as corny as it sounds, a game. almost everything Signalis does is intentional and designed with the intent of creating a experience holy unique to gaming.

Only after beating the game and letting it rest in my mind for a bit do I truly get to appreciate what Signalis is going for. Not only will it use references to other bits of literature and pop culture, but also re-contextualize it to fit naturally in it's setting. Puzzles serve as both challenges and world building. Level design is simplistic both for allowing ease of navigation but also to instill a sense of dread into someone.

minor gripes would be how damage is given, sometimes it can be more on the unfair end. Limited inventory space but that is a given for this genre so that kind of issue lies to preference. The sound design may annoy you more than scare you, but I feel it does help build atmosphere.

This review is meant more to affirm what you may have heard about the game already, that being is it really that good? Yes, it is a spectacular game. Go play it.

Update: They changed around some stuff, mainly inventory. It's nice to see changes being made to accommodate everyone.