Developer: International Cat StudiosÂ
Platforms: PC (Reviewed), PS54, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|SÂ
Genre: Adventure, Simulation
Publisher: Future Friends Games, Feardemic
The Cabin Factory focuses on blending horror and an inspection simulation. You play as a cabin inspector, having been tasked with inspecting different cabins for paranormal anomalies. Besides the usual anomaly detection games, as you check each cabin, you are introduced to a narrative in which the inspector is weirdly connected. International Cat Studios has developed The Cabin Factory, and Future Friends Games has published The Cabin Factory.
The gameplay is simple: you enter each cabin and look around, in first-person view, searching for things that have changed, anomalies. After leaving each cabin, you are to press either clear or danger depending on whether you think the cabin is haunted or not. Different objects and people change or move, and if you are in a dangerous cabin for too long, you can die and have to restart. The controls are straightforward, moving to look around, clicking buttons, opening doors, and running away. There’s no heavy interaction and complex things, which allows you to really enjoy and relax into the scary experience. Since the mechanics are so minimalistic, the tension is created through the atmosphere and suspense. Something I did find a bit interesting was that you were in charge of distinguishing between things that may be considered an anomaly or not, like, for instance, the sudden radio chatter.
Visually, the game aims for a semi-realistic view, with the cabin interior and the feel of the props and the atmosphere in general. Even though your surroundings remain the same, the lighting and tension around you continuously change. The atmosphere brings moody and chilling vibes. Sometimes it was hard to tell if the cabin had changed or not unless you stayed in the room for a while.
There’s no soundtrack in the game. But the strong sounds of the winds, the doors opening, and the subtle movements built the uneasy and horror-filled feel. I do have to say that the narration and slight voice acting definitely build on the horrific atmosphere, creating a chilling vibe. This game doesn’t lean into jump scares, but instead it builds up silent creaks and makes you second-guess every little detail in the cabin.
This game is honestly a different spin on the other more popular anomaly games, showing its uniqueness and horror feel. It’s a low-priced and short-duration game that can be played in one sitting. The strengths of this game lie in the atmosphere, making you doubt yourself by checking multiple times. This game only led me to wanting more, and it is perfect to play just in time for Halloween.
Overall: 7.5/10
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