This will sound like a backhanded compliment but it almost cozy-ifies the classic survival horror. All the basics of the genre are there - the specific suite of weapons (handgun/shotgun/magnum/flamethrower), the UI aesthetics, save rooms, post-game unlocks etc. Yet both tonally and formally it is much less oppressive. Enemies and traps are plentiful but so are resources. The nasties themselves are gruesome and the environments dingy but the writing is frequently leaning towards the humorous and compassionate. The PS1-style, avowedly FF7-evoking graphics/framing of scenes, an OST that's low-key even when dissonant and lumpy character models imbue a sense of nostalgic warmth into things.

The game still carries an unnerving air as the walls groan and creak but it isn't 'scary' or tense in any real sense, more so a rather pleasant jaunt through a singular, heavily interconnected level. The satisfaction comes from the expected gameplay facets: uncovering new areas, becoming familiar with the various paths, solving the kinds of puzzles you've seen in RE/SH (with some charming mixups and occasionally multiple solutions/even multiple ways to find those solutions), finding keys, reading notes - you know the deal but it's all very well-crafted. Progression hits a sweet spot of not so taxing that you'll get stuck for ages yet sprinkles in enough moments where you have to actually stop and think or carefully observe your surroundings, with enemies more of a bit of light friction on top instead of a proper threat. There's a suprising flexibility to the order in which you can do things or when events play out to be discovered on multiple playthroughs. And, as is standard, with the genre replays are heavily incentivized via a nice compact runtime alongside getting higher completion ranks.

It's a strange experience, in a positive sense. A game that is recognisably 'survival horror' in all respects but ends up being comforting to play. Genuinely quite a feat to create something that replicates influences closely yet feels different due to just a few smart changes. The presentation is the big star of that. Every room is gorgeous and rich with atmosphere. Leverages an older style but adds to it using modern lighting techniques and grater detail, losing not an ounce of character in the process. Love some fixed camera angles but having control over the camera along only the horizontal axis is nice, it allows them to hide little things for you to find by rotating it, an almost diorama feel when combined with how the assets are constructed. Builds to a nice little mystery near the end of its story too. Strong, confident work! There's a hard mode coming in a future update for something a little spicier.

Oh this was great! Some great scares, a few tricky puzzles, a fantastic art style, and an enticing narrative that had me constantly trying to piece things together and then it adds new pieces that force me to rethink my theories.
I will say the game is a touch too easy, even as someone who hasn't played too many survival horror games, but regardless it was a fun experience the whole way through.
Also you can press Y (or X depending on your button layout) to backstep, I don't think the game ever tells you that despite telling you about most other mechanics. I legit didn't figure it out until I beat the game fghgfghj

This is an amazing homage to early Survival Horror games without any of the archaic sometimes frustrating clunk. Its got an intriguing story, eccentric characters that feel alive, a theme park to explore that is oozing with charm and gameplay that is smooth and fun.

Its also got bonus content to unlock, satisfying to find secrets and clever puzzles that make you feel smart solving them. This is really my favorite game i've played this year and is something any fan of the genre should probably pick up. I can see myself someday soon going back for the two achievements i missed

Felvidek stands on three extremely solid foundations - script, graphics and music.

The game tells the story of an alcoholic knight and his quest to control the unrest in the area and regain his beloved. All in ever-fascinating setting of medival Central Europe.

Graphics and music go hand in hand with the plot, creating a slightly surreal, disturbing and fascinating world of Felvidek. I also really liked the cutscenes, which added extra flavor to the game. The animations and sound effects during combat, both when attacking and using items, are great. The combat mechanics, although simple, are varied enough to prevent you from feeling bored while playing. The number of fights is well balanced and only in the last act will we have to fight more often, although it is also possible to avoid many fights.

It took me 6 hours to complete the game. That time was filled with interesting characters, great, often witty dialogues and one hell of a mystery to solve. Importantly, the script maintains a high level until the very end and I was very pleased with the way story resolved.

The game runs without any problems on Steamdeck.