There has been an increased number of horror games coming out over the past few months, and a new game has just hit the the market called Haunted Memories. This game is an early access game on steam made by Madmen Theory games. The game is split into six different episodes, each one with their own mode: either Collector, Adventure or mixed. The game takes place in what seems to be a dream world and it tells the tale of Mark Slender (not to be confused with Slenderman). After all, Mark Slender doesn't wear a suit and acts in a completely different way to our favourite faceless man. Mark was burnt alive in a bunker by Nazi's where he was covered in various chemicals.
 |
| Main Menu Screen |
You can choose a difficulty when you select a new game; from easy to supernatural. It was nice to see a game like this with different setting for the type of gameplay most people can enjoy. You start the game waking up in a small clearing in a forested area at night, with no items or indication of where you are and how you got there. The area is filled with a number of different sounds and lighting; from the overbearing moon, and the sound of the character's own really heavy breathing. The movement feels kind of clunky in this game, and the motion of the camera, although nice when moving, can be a bit annoying after a while, and no you can't turn it off.
You come across a car with the lights on, and find a map and flashlight. You also find a classic typewriter - like in the Resident Evil series - which is the game's method for saving. This is something I enjoyed about the system.
You pass through a gate, and that's when the game really begins. You see Mark Slender for the first time. From that moment on you are left to try and navigate the park. There are various items to be found such as notes on the area. As you make your way around, you are always being watched and followed by
 |
| Your Starting Items |
 |
The Moonlight is OP
|
Mark Slender. There is no real static when you see him, and he will just stand there when you look at him.
He appears to be faster than the classic Slender Man, and he floats too. And of course, if he gets too close to you, you die - maybe it's down to the chemicals that surround him or maybe he just eats you. If you die, you respawn at your last save point, ready to begin the devilish process all over again. Some areas of the map you can't get to, but they will be made accessible as you play through. Like most typical Slender-like games, the idea is not to look at him and run a mile in the complete opposite direction in which you wanted to go. Though of course he can be a complete and utter douche and appear right in front of you to kill you instantly.
You may be thinking, "yes the setting sounds nice, but what do you do in game?" Well you simply explore the area you have been dumped in. These areas will have a number of items which will help you access different parts of the area. If you don't look carefully enough for them then you can walk straight past them without realising, like I did several times. You will find a few tools that can open sections to buildings, like the fire axe obviously used for breaking wood.
 |
| Got Axe, GOT WOOD? |
Keys are lying about the map to open certain doors, for instance the inn which has a typewriter in and a room purely made up of glare effects. With the clues you find in game you can access some of the restricted areas which will make Mark Slender come after you a lot, and he will make you life 50 Shades of Hell. These restricted areas are locked but can be opened via number codes and fuses.
But I won't dive into the rest of the details or it would ruin the game for people who want to play it.
 |
| Power Up, People! |
Haunted Memories is on Steam's early game access, so there are several bugs. I had problems with the action button prompt that appears on screen to open doors as it kept disappearing when I tried to open the door. Also, the mouse sensitivity is a bit off: it's either too fast or too slow. And sometimes I didn't see Mark Slender at all, but I cant really complain about that. However, in the games where I did see him, he would get stuck on rocks and just stay there. I am sure these issues will be fixed over time, but apart from that it's shaping up to be a good game. I advise you to check it out.
 |
| Time To Go Half Life Style On His Ass |
