The Voidness Review And Gameplay: Terrifying Survival Game in the Depths of Space
Welcome to a realm where darkness reigns, and danger is lurking just beyond your senses. The Voidness, a psychological sci-fi horror game, takes players on an intense journey through an eerie, unknown space, forcing them to rely on their wits, scanning tools, and nerves of steel. It’s not just a game; it’s a pulse-pounding experience that challenges your instincts and ability to survive in a void filled with darkness, mystery, and lurking threats. Here’s everything you need to know about this heart-racing adventure.
What is The Voidness?
The Voidness is more than just a typical horror game it’s a sci-fi psychological thriller that places players in an environment where the only way to navigate is by using a specialized range finder to scan the surroundings. You’re in complete darkness, surrounded by nothing but the void, and your only means of visibility is the light your scanner emits. But you’re not alone. Unseen creatures dwell in the darkness, tracking your every move, waiting to strike when you least expect it.
In this game, players take on the role of Francesca Lee, a space specialist tasked with investigating the void on a newly discovered planet. What begins as a scientific mission quickly spirals into a desperate fight for survival.
Exploring the Void: Your Only Lifeline
At the heart of The Voidness lies the concept of exploration through LIDAR scanning. This game mechanic is both fascinating and essential, providing an innovative way to “see” the environment in total darkness. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a technology that sends out pulses of light to detect objects and surroundings. In the game, you must use your range scanner to navigate the desolate, pitch-black environment, marking landmarks and uncovering hidden dangers.
But here’s the catch: every sound you make whether it’s your footsteps on debris or your breathing while hiding can alert the enemies lurking nearby. This elevates the tension and forces you to think strategically about every movement.
The Story: Francesca’s Descent into the Unknown
Francesca Lee’s mission starts with scientific curiosity but quickly transforms into a nightmare. After something goes horribly wrong, Francesca must navigate through the eerie void while uncovering the grim fate of her crewmates. As the story unfolds, you’ll piece together what led to the catastrophe and why something in the void is determined to stop you from leaving.
The narrative is filled with suspense and psychological twists, keeping you engaged as you balance puzzle-solving, survival tactics, and sheer terror.
LIDAR Scanning: Navigating Through Darkness
In The Voidness, the LIDAR scanning system is your lifeline. Imagine being in a world where you can’t see your surroundings without scanning them first this is the crux of the gameplay. Every time you use your range finder, you light up small sections of the environment, giving you just enough information to move forward cautiously.
But the constant fear of the unknown keeps you on edge. The creatures that stalk the void can only be detected by scanning, meaning you have to be meticulous about how and when you use your device. One wrong move, and they’ll know you’re there.
Survival Isn’t Easy: The Enemies Are Listening
The enemies in The Voidness aren’t your typical jump-scare monsters. They’re intelligent and relentless, capable of hearing your every movement. Stepping on broken glass or knocking over objects can give away your position, forcing you to move slowly and with precision.
These enemies are not visible to the naked eye they can only be detected through your scans. This creates a sense of claustrophobic dread, where you’re never quite sure what’s around the corner, waiting to strike.
To make matters worse, the game incorporates microphone input. When you’re hiding, the creatures can hear your breathing through your microphone. Yes, you read that right. If you breathe too loudly while hiding, they’ll hear you. So, staying calm and composed under pressure becomes critical to survival.
The Art of Staying Alive: Puzzle-Solving and Stealth
As you venture deeper into the void, you’ll encounter complex puzzles that need solving to progress. These puzzles aren’t just thrown in for the sake of it they’re intricately woven into the environment and narrative, challenging you to think outside the box.
At the same time, stealth becomes your best friend. The enemies are powerful, and you can’t outrun them they never get tired, but you do. This adds a layer of tension as you try to balance between scanning the area for safety and moving quietly enough to avoid detection.
The game also features a stamina system, so you need to be strategic about when to run and when to conserve your energy. There’s no sprinting to safety here every step must be carefully planned.
Upgrades and Inventory Management: Essential Tools for Survival
As you progress, you’ll find upgrades that enhance your scanning device, allowing you to scan more efficiently, increase the range, or even scan in different directions. These upgrades are crucial as the environment becomes more hostile, and the creatures more cunning.
Additionally, The Voidness introduces an advanced inventory system. Managing your resources, like health packs and scanning equipment, becomes a crucial part of survival. As you explore, you’ll find supplies that are vital for your journey, making inventory management another layer of strategy in the game.
Terrifying AI: The Enemies Are Smart
The AI in The Voidness takes horror gaming to another level. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill enemies that follow simple patterns. They actively listen for you, reacting to the sounds you make and adjusting their behaviour accordingly. If they hear you, they’ll investigate and they won’t stop until they find you.
This level of intelligence in the enemies creates gut-wrenching moments where every movement could be your last. Walking on broken glass or moving a crate could be the difference between life and death.
Beautiful Yet Terrifying Environments
While the void is filled with darkness, the LIDAR scanning system creates an eerie, visually stunning experience. As you scan the environment, colourful pulses of light reveal the bleak surroundings in a hauntingly beautiful way. It’s a perfect balance between the beauty of technology and the terror of the unknown.
Each level is meticulously designed, offering a rich atmosphere filled with tension, dread, and unexpected encounters. The environments are realistic, both outside and inside the void, giving players a sense of isolation and impending danger.
A Game of Psychological Horror
The Voidness isn’t just about jump scares it’s a deeply psychological horror experience. The game’s atmosphere, combined with the constant threat of being hunted, creates an intense emotional response. You’ll find yourself second-guessing every move, listening intently for the slightest sound, and holding your breath when things get too quiet.
The fear of the unknown, the isolation, and the feeling of being watched at all times are what make The Voidness stand out as a horror game. It’s an experience that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you’ve put the controller down.
Final Thoughts: Can You Survive the Void?
The Voidness isn’t just a game; it’s a nerve-wracking, pulse-pounding test of your survival instincts. With its unique LIDAR scanning mechanic, intelligent enemies, and heart-stopping atmosphere, it offers a fresh take on the horror genre.
If you’re a fan of games that challenge your mind, push your survival skills to the limit, and keep you on the edge of your seat, The Voidness is the game for you. But be warned this game isn’t for the faint of heart. Can you navigate the void, solve its mysteries, and escape with your life? There’s only one way to find out.
Scan your environment, stay quiet, and tread carefully. In The Voidness, survival is not guaranteed, but every second is a fight to escape the unseen terror lurking in the dark.