BrokenLore: Low

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Adventure, FPP, horror, indie games, Japan, singleplayer

81%

Steam

Rate It!

A Japanese first-person horror adventure game, serving as an introduction to the BrokenLore series. In BrokenLore: Low we end up in a foggy Kirisame Mura village, overrun by supernatural beings. We are playing as a musician named Naomi Montgomery, trying to survive in this place. The protagonist can't fight, so she must hide or run away if necessary.

Story
Gameplay

BrokenLore: Low is a horror-themed adventure game, which serves as an introduction to the BrokenLore series. It was developed concurrently with such projects as BrokenLore: Don’t Watch, BrokenLore: Follow and Broken Lore: Unfollow. The Japanese studio Serafini Productions from Tokyo is behind the development of this title.

Story

In BrokenLore: Low we play as Naomi Montgomery, who arrives in Kirisame Mura (Mist Village in Japanese), to take advantage of an opportunity that could boost her music career. Upon her arrival, it quickly becomes apparent that the settlement has been taken over by sinister, dangerous creatures not from this world.

Fighting for survival, Naomi gradually learns the history of this place and the dark legend associated with the tragedy that unfolded in the local ancient temple, bringing a curse upon the inhabitants of Kirisame Mura.

Gameplay

In BrokenLore: Low we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). The village where the game takes place was designed like a labyrinth bathed in fog, with no way out. As we explore it, we look for diaries and letters that allow us to push the plot forward. Their content not only provides historical and emotional context, but also serves as a source of clues.

However, exploration is hindered by malevolent creatures roaming around Kirisame Mura. Since the heroine is not able to fight them, she must avoid direct confrontations, hiding or fleeing if necessary.

Videos and Screens

[1:32] BrokenLore: Low - Launch Trailer

81%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (265)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Atmosphere and Graphics: Many users praised the game's beautiful graphics and immersive atmosphere, noting the effective use of fog and weather effects that enhance the horror experience. The transition from hyper-realistic graphics to low-poly elements was also highlighted as a unique and engaging feature.
Sound Design: The audio was frequently mentioned as a strong point, with users appreciating the eerie soundscapes and voice acting that contributed to the overall tension and immersion.
Engaging Mechanics: Some players enjoyed the innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly the segments involving puzzle-solving and the unique narrative style that kept them engaged.
Value for Price: Several reviews noted that at its price point of 7€, the game is considered a fair deal, especially for fans of the horror genre.

The main cons of the game

Short Length: A significant number of users criticized the game for being too short, with many completing it in about 1 to 2 hours. This brevity led to feelings of incompleteness and disappointment regarding the overall experience.
Weak Story and Pacing: Many reviews pointed out that the storyline was confusing, poorly developed, or lacked depth. Some players felt that the narrative was disjointed and didn't provide satisfactory explanations or connections between events.
Gameplay Issues: Users mentioned that the gameplay could be tedious, often involving long walking segments with little to no action. Some found the mechanics repetitive and lacking in variety.
Performance Issues: There were complaints about optimization, with some players experiencing performance drops and bugs that detracted from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Deeper Storytelling: Many players expressed a desire for a more fleshed-out narrative, with better character development and clearer connections between plot points. Some suggested the need for content and trigger warnings due to the game's themes.
More Gameplay Variety: Users wanted additional gameplay elements beyond walking and basic puzzles, such as more interactive segments or varied challenges to enhance engagement.
Replayability: The lack of meaningful choices and consequences in the game led to desires for a more compelling reason to replay, as many felt that the choices made during gameplay did not significantly impact the story or outcome.
Enhanced Optimization: Several reviews called for better optimization to ensure smoother performance across various hardware setups, as some players experienced technical issues that hindered their enjoyment.

Summary

Overall, while BrokenLore: LOW had its strengths in atmosphere and audio, many players felt it fell short in terms of story depth, gameplay variety, and overall length, leading to a mixed reception.

Summary generated on: March 17, 2025