Usual

Ever wanted a horror game that feels less like a monster shootout and more like you're actually living inside a creepy story? That's the vibe of Usual. It drops you into the quiet, unsettling countryside of Japan, where you play as one half of a couple who've just moved into an apartment that is... let's just say, not exactly welcoming. The genius here is the mix of the totally mundane with the utterly terrifying. One minute you're doing household chores, trying to settle into your new place, and the next, you're face to face with something you can't explain, all within the cramped, creaky halls of a three story building.

The atmosphere is where Usual truly shines. Exploring the apartment and the eerie world around it feels incredibly immersive, especially with the option for Japanese voice acting and subtitles in English or Japanese. You're not just a visitor in this haunted space; you're a resident, which makes every strange noise and shadowy corner feel deeply personal. The horror comes from a slow, creeping dread rather than constant jump scares, which is a refreshing approach.

However, a few big flaws can really kill the mood. The most frustrating thing is the save system or lack thereof. There's no manual save and no auto save function, which for a narrative driven game in 2023 feels like a major oversight. If you need to stop playing or if the game crashes, you might lose a significant chunk of progress. Pair that with objectives that can sometimes be vague, and you might find yourself stuck, not from puzzle difficulty, but from unclear direction. It turns what should be a tense, engaging experience into a occasionally confusing and frustrating one.

So, is Usual worth your time? If you're a horror fan who values unique atmosphere and a slow burn story over polished convenience, absolutely. It's a memorable, chilling experience that sticks with you. But go in with your eyes open: this is a diamond in the rough. Be prepared for some old school game design quirks that might test your patience alongside the game's supernatural inhabitants.