Vertical Reach’s foray into horror is a successful merging of PS1-era classics and its own unique DNA, with engaging puzzles and a lovely cast of characters.
The Tartarus Key
Vertical Reach · May 31, 2023
About
The last thing Alex Young remembers is being at home alone in her apartment... so why has she suddenly woken up in this strange mansion? All the doors are locked by bizarre puzzles and traps, there are cameras following her every move, and she keeps thinking she sees... things... out of the corner of her eye. If she wants to escape alive, along with the other captives she discovers, she’ll need to use her wits in this adventure thriller.
Inspired by the look and feel of classic horror games, The Tartarus Key serves up a mystery filled with twists and turns, and more than a few deadly surprises. Rely on brains over brawn to help Alex survive, but beware - not everyone might make it out alive.
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Critic reviews
- 6.5The best thing I have to say about The Tartarus Key is that it does what it says it does. Very little about it is new or unique, but it’s well-executed, and that’s an accomplishment in its own right. It’s maybe about 4-6 hours long, which means it doesn’t drag out. Unless you get stuck on a puzzle, but that’s your problem.
- 7.0Tying the conundrums together is a story exploring why you're in the mansion and who put you there, with more characters introduced as you help free them. There's no voice acting, but good writing delivered over walkie-talkies helps you get a feel for each personality. There's some quality delivery here that helps to set each face apart — everyone has handled their time trapped in the mansion a little differently.
- 7.0While the puzzle here won't send most players to online guides, they're still no fun to tinker with, and opening up more of The Tartarus Key's mansion soon becomes its own reward. Combat mechanics or other challenge elements may have added more spice to the experience, but the game serves as an accessibly light adventure game which is even more fun played alongside a friend to call out puzzle tips or clown on the script. A great ending sequence rounds out the experience, making The Tartarus Key a worthy throwback that doesn't waste time.
- The Tartarus Key is a love letter to the survival horror games of the 90s, featuring an atmospheric environment and an array of puzzles to solve. However, its leading lady lacks the charisma of other characters from the genre. Still, with a story that has twists and turns to keep you guessing, The Tartarus Key is a must-play for survival horror fans.
- 4.0Towards the game's final levels - or rooms, really - I was more eager to complete the puzzles than pay more attention to its story or scares. The puzzles may be able to scratch an itch for brain teasers. Outside of this, however, I can remember little else about The Tartarus Key other than its rooms, set pieces, and all those darned keypads.
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