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Amnesia: The Bunker

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Amnesia: The Bunker
Item: Amnesia: The Bunker
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Shooter, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJun 6, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperFrictional Games

Overview

Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person horror game set in a desolate WW1 Bunker. Face the oppressing terrors stalking the dark corridors. Search for and use the tools and weapons at your disposal, while keeping the lights on at all costs. Overcome fear, persevere, and make your way out alive.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker impresses with its chilling WWI trench atmosphere and survival horror elements, but critics largely find its narrative weak and predictable, lacking depth and engagement. While the game excels in immersive world-building, it ultimately falls short of the storytelling standards set by its predecessors, leaving many disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Amnesia: The Bunker has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its immersive setting and atmospheric elements. Many reviewers, such as TechRadar Gaming and IGN Portugal, commend the game for its gripping narrative set against the backdrop of World War I trench warfare, effectively conveying a sense of terror and emotional depth. Critics like Cultured Vultures highlight the engaging premise of a soldier navigating a dark bunker filled with horror, while GameSkinny appreciates the environmental storytelling that unfolds through notes and diary entries left by previous inhabitants. The incorporation of survival themes and the protagonist's struggle against a lurking monster, as noted by PlayStation Universe and DarkZero, adds to the tension and immersion, making it a compelling experience for players. However, a significant number of critics express disappointment regarding the depth and engagement of the story. Meristation and CGMagazine describe the narrative as weak and uninteresting, lacking the complexity and emotional resonance expected from the Amnesia series. The story is often characterized as predictable and minimalistic, with New Game Network and Game Rant noting that it fails to provide a satisfying conclusion or character development. Critics like KeenGamer and Eurogamer Germany mention that while the game encourages exploration, the narrative feels disjointed and does not effectively tie into the gameplay, leading to a sense of detachment from the protagonist's journey. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Amnesia: The Bunker offers a haunting atmosphere and intriguing survival elements, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and cohesive narrative. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and IGN, point out that the story lacks the depth and engagement that fans of the series might expect. Despite some positive remarks about the setting and world-building, the majority of critics agree that the narrative is too simplistic and predictable, which detracts from the overall experience. As a result, while the game successfully creates a tense and immersive horror environment, it struggles to achieve the storytelling heights of its predecessors.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker impresses with its immersive survival horror gameplay, combining resource management, exploration, and strategic decision-making, earning praise for its clever puzzles and replayability. However, it suffers from frustrating trial-and-error mechanics, one-hit deaths, and restrictive gameplay elements that can dampen the experience. Critics highlight its potential but warn that design flaws may deter some players seeking a smoother adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Amnesia: The Bunker has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its immersive and engaging mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and PC Gamer, appreciate the survival horror elements that emphasize resource management, exploration, and strategic decision-making. Critics like Shacknews and Xbox Tavern note the clever puzzles and the tension created by navigating a semi-open World War 1-era bunker while avoiding a monster. The game encourages player creativity and adaptability, as seen in the opinions of SpazioGames and Wccftech, who commend the incorporation of physics-based interactions and the variety of tools available for problem-solving. This open-ended approach and the ability to tackle challenges in multiple ways contribute to a sense of replayability, as noted by IGN Portugal and GameSpot. However, the gameplay also faces criticism, with many reviewers pointing out significant frustrations. CGMagazine and Game Rant highlight the tediousness of trial-and-error mechanics, one-hit deaths, and a save system that can lead to a fear of losing progress. Critics like IGN Italia and GameMAG express concerns about restrictive mechanics that limit player creativity and meaningful choices, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the presence of frustrating enemy mechanics and the unpredictability of encounters, as mentioned by New Game Network and DualShockers, can lead to a less enjoyable gameplay experience for some players. These issues suggest that while the game has ambitious mechanics, they may not always translate into a smooth or satisfying experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Amnesia: The Bunker offers a unique blend of survival horror gameplay that emphasizes exploration and resource management, but it is marred by frustrating mechanics and design choices that can hinder enjoyment. While many reviewers, such as DarkZero and God is a Geek, recognize the game's potential for immersion and strategic depth, others like GameMAG and IGN Italia caution about the limitations imposed by certain gameplay elements. As a result, the game stands out for its creative mechanics and atmospheric tension, yet it also faces challenges that may affect its reception among players seeking a more polished experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker impresses with its tense atmosphere and effective lighting, immersing players in a claustrophobic horror experience. Critics commend its design for evoking fear and vulnerability. However, the game is marred by technical issues like frame rate drops and outdated graphics, leading to disappointment in visual fidelity. While the atmosphere shines, it ultimately fails to meet modern standards, leaving a split opinion among reviewers who recognize its potential but call for significant refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Amnesia: The Bunker have garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for their ability to create a tense and immersive atmosphere. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Metro GameCentral highlighted the superb bunker setting, emphasizing how the game effectively utilizes lighting to enhance the horror experience. Critics such as PlayStation LifeStyle and KeenGamer noted the meticulous crafting of visuals that contribute to a claustrophobic environment, with details like flickering lights and dark corridors enhancing the sense of dread. Furthermore, the game's ability to evoke feelings of vulnerability and fear through its design, as mentioned by Generación Xbox and Movies Games and Tech, showcases its strengths in atmospheric storytelling. However, the game is not without its shortcomings. Many critics pointed out technical issues, including frame rate drops and graphical anomalies. App Trigger and Gameblog.fr noted that the visuals fall short compared to other horror titles, with repetitive level design and simplistic textures detracting from the overall experience. Critics like GameSpew and Everyeye.it echoed these sentiments, mentioning that the game appears graphically outdated and suffers from low-resolution textures and poor animations. The consensus among several reviewers, including GameGrin and SECTOR.sk, is that while the atmosphere is compelling, the visual fidelity does not meet modern standards, leaving a sense of disappointment regarding the game's polish. Overall, the sentiment among critics reflects a divided opinion on the graphics and visual design of Amnesia: The Bunker. While many appreciate the immersive atmosphere and effective use of lighting, as noted by PlayStation Universe and Pure Xbox, there is a consensus that the game suffers from technical flaws and outdated visuals. Reviewers like IGN Italia and Wccftech acknowledged the game's ability to create tension and fear, yet they also pointed out the need for refinement to elevate the visual experience. Thus, while the game succeeds in creating an engaging horror atmosphere, it ultimately falls short of delivering a visually stunning experience that matches the expectations set by contemporary horror games.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker is lauded for its chilling sound design that amplifies horror, with critics praising immersive audio cues like monster growls and environmental sounds. Headphones are recommended for full impact. However, some point out flaws, including weak music and technical issues like closed captioning problems. Overall, while there are critiques, the game's sound design is deemed essential in creating a tense, terrifying atmosphere.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Amnesia: The Bunker have received considerable acclaim from a majority of critics, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the game's horror atmosphere. Reviewers such as COGconnected and GamingBolt praised the sound design as a standout feature, emphasizing how it builds tension and dread through immersive audio cues. Critics noted the chilling growls of the monster and the atmospheric sounds of the bunker, which create a palpable sense of fear. IGN and GameSpot echoed this sentiment, asserting that the audio design significantly contributes to the overall immersive experience, with environmental sounds like footsteps and the creature's breathing heightening the tension. Many reviewers recommend experiencing the game with headphones to fully appreciate the intricate soundscapes, underscoring the importance of audio in gameplay. However, not all opinions were positive, as some critics pointed out shortcomings in the sound design. GameMAG criticized the lack of significant atmospheric elements, suggesting that the game could be played with music in the background without losing immersion. GameCritics highlighted a technical issue with the closed captioning feature, which detracted from the sound design's intended purpose of alerting players to enemy presence. SECTOR.sk mentioned that while the sound design is strong, the music itself is ambient and not particularly memorable, serving more as background noise than a focal point. These critiques indicate that while the sound design is generally well-received, there are areas where it could be improved. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design of Amnesia: The Bunker is a significant asset to the game, effectively creating an immersive and terrifying atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. Despite some criticisms regarding the music and technical issues, the majority of reviews, including those from TechRadar Gaming and Everyeye.it, affirm that the audio elements play a crucial role in building tension and fear. The game successfully utilizes sound to engage players and maintain a sense of dread, making it a noteworthy aspect of the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in "Amnesia: The Bunker" earns mixed reviews: praised for enhancing atmosphere and emotional depth, yet criticized for limited scope due to a mute protagonist. While some critics hail the quality as "impeccable," others find it merely "serviceable," noting that the scarcity of vocal performances could undermine overall narrative engagement. The consensus? Strong voice work when present, but its absence leaves a significant gap that may affect player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Amnesia: The Bunker" has received a mix of praise, particularly for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional impact. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and TRG highlight the "impeccable" quality of the voice acting, suggesting that it adds significant depth and believability to the characters and the overall narrative. Additionally, GamingBolt appreciates the performance of Henri, noting that his voice acting effectively contributes to the horror experience by recounting unsettling deeds. SECTOR.sk also points out that while the main character is rarely vocal, the minimal dialogue helps maintain a tense atmosphere, with voiced notes adding depth to the storytelling. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the limited scope of voice acting in the game. Meristation expresses disappointment over the mute protagonist, contrasting it with previous titles where voice acting played a more significant role. PlayStation Country describes the acting as "serviceable," indicating that while it meets basic expectations, it does not exceed them. The Jimquisition acknowledges the understated quality of the limited voice acting but implies that it may not be enough to elevate the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in "Amnesia: The Bunker" has its strengths, particularly in enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth, it suffers from limitations due to the protagonist's muteness and minimal dialogue. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and TRG commend the quality of the voice work when present, but others like Meristation and PlayStation Country point out that the scarcity of vocal performances could detract from the experience for some players. This divergence in opinion highlights a nuanced reception, where the effectiveness of voice acting is appreciated, yet its limited presence leaves a gap in the overall narrative engagement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker shows uneven technical performance across platforms. PS4 has gameplay strengths but suffers from crashes and graphical issues. Xbox Series X experiences crashes and immersion-breaking stutters, while PC is mostly stable but still faces bugs. Critics agree: significant technical polish and updates are needed to enhance the horror experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Amnesia: The Bunker varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PlayStation 4, reviewers like PlayStation Universe acknowledged that the game performs well during exploration, indicating that the core gameplay experience is intact despite some issues. Similarly, IGN Italia mentioned that a patch is expected to address some of the technical imperfections, which suggests that there is potential for improvement. On the Xbox Series X, IGN Portugal noted that the game offers a direct and immersive gameplay experience, despite some minor technical issues. Additionally, COGconnected praised the PC version for being polished and running problem-free, highlighting a capped 60 FPS limit that, while not ideal, still indicates a stable performance. However, the negatives for each platform are quite pronounced. On the PS4, multiple critics, including GameSpew and PlayStation LifeStyle, reported issues such as graphical anomalies, crashes, and long loading times, which detract from the overall experience. BaziCenter also pointed out occasional frame rate drops, indicating that the technical shortcomings are a recurring theme among reviewers. For the Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox reported multiple crashes that caused lost progression, which is a significant concern for players. GameSkinny mentioned traversal stutter that disrupts immersion, while Movies Games and Tech highlighted clunky controls and a frustrating UI. On PC, while some reviews noted stability, others like GameGrin and DarkZero pointed out issues such as stuttering, freezing during transitions, and even bugs affecting gameplay, including creature clipping and input bugs. The overall consensus among critics suggests that Amnesia: The Bunker suffers from a range of technical issues across all platforms, which can detract from the immersive horror experience that the game aims to deliver. While there are some positive remarks about the gameplay and potential for improvement—especially on the PS4 and PC—many reviewers echoed concerns about crashes, frame rate drops, and graphical problems. The mixed feedback indicates that while the game has a solid foundation, it requires significant polish and updates to fully realize its potential and provide a smoother experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker offers a mixed bag for replayability. Critics praise its randomization and procedural generation that create unique experiences each playthrough, appealing to various player skills with adjustable difficulty levels. However, many worry about its short length (4-6 hours), lackluster endings, and diminished scares after the first run, which limit motivation for revisits. While some see the variability as a reason to return, others caution that the horror's intensity may not hold up. In short, it’s a game with potential but significant drawbacks, leading to a split opinion on its replay value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Amnesia: The Bunker highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its potential for multiple playthroughs. Many critics, such as Metro GameCentral and MondoXbox, emphasize the game's randomization features, including item locations and codes, which create a unique experience with each run. This procedural generation is noted by Adventure Gamers and PC Gamer as a key element that keeps gameplay unpredictable and engaging. Furthermore, the inclusion of different difficulty levels, as mentioned by COGconnected and SpazioGames, allows players to tailor their experience, adding another layer of replayability that can appeal to a variety of skill levels and preferences. Despite these positive elements, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replay value. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Cultured Vultures argue that the game lacks sufficient motivation to replay, citing unsatisfying endings and a short overall length of around 4 to 6 hours. Critics such as App Trigger and PlayStation Universe note that the initial tension and scares diminish after the first playthrough, which may lead to a lack of engagement in subsequent runs. Additionally, the linear gameplay structure, highlighted by TheXboxHub, restricts the potential for exploration, further limiting the desire for repeated experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the game's randomization and procedural elements and those who feel that the short length and diminishing horror impact detract from its replayability. While some, like GameSpot and GGRecon, argue that the variable elements provide a compelling reason to revisit the game, others, including TechRadar Gaming and TRG, warn that the taxing horror experience may not be suitable for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, Amnesia: The Bunker presents a blend of innovative features and limitations, leading to a divided reception regarding its replay value among critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Amnesia: The Bunker is a mixed one, with several critics praising its innovative approach to survival horror. Notably, PC Gamer lauds the game for its harrowing encounters and immersive sim elements, describing it as one of the scariest experiences available. Similarly, Metro GameCentral highlights the game's effective atmosphere and innovative gameplay, suggesting it sets a new benchmark for the genre. Critics like TheXboxHub and God is a Geek also commend the game for its ability to engage players through tension and fear, emphasizing its potential to redefine expectations within the horror genre. The game’s fresh narrative concepts and gameplay mechanics have been recognized as significant steps forward for the Amnesia franchise, with GameWatcher and DarkZero noting its evolution from previous entries. However, the game has not escaped criticism, with many reviewers pointing out its shortcomings. Critics such as GameMAG and CGMagazine express disappointment in the game's lack of atmosphere and engaging mechanics, suggesting it falls short of its predecessors. The gameplay has been described as tedious and restrictive, with IGN Italia noting a lack of innovation that may disappoint long-time fans. Furthermore, several reviews mention technical flaws, weak narratives, and limited replayability as significant drawbacks. For instance, Meristation acknowledges that while the game offers more freedom, it suffers from a weak narrative and lacks depth for extended engagement. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Amnesia: The Bunker presents a bold and unique take on survival horror, yet it is marred by various issues that prevent it from fully realizing its potential. While some reviewers, like Hey Poor Player, celebrate it as a purist survival horror experience, others, like PlayStation Universe, highlight frustrations with monster mechanics and gameplay flow. Overall, the game is seen as a worthwhile experience for horror fans, but it may leave some players wanting more in terms of depth and polish.

TL;DR

Amnesia: The Bunker delivers a bold, innovative twist on survival horror, praised for its terrifying encounters and immersive gameplay by critics like PC Gamer and Metro GameCentral. However, it faces significant criticism for a lack of atmosphere, tedious mechanics, and technical flaws, leaving some players underwhelmed. While it marks an evolution for the franchise, the mixed reviews highlight it as a solid, yet flawed experience that may fail to satisfy all horror fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

PC Gamer

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised for its harrowing encounters, immersive sim elements, compelling story, fresh storytelling approach, and high replay value. The game is described as one of the scariest and most stressful experiences, leaving a lasting impact on players.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Jun 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as an excellently crafted survival horror with tension, dread, near misses, and clever puzzles. The weak finale is mentioned as a downside.

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GGRecon

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised as one of the best survival horror experiences of recent times, shifting the franchise in a new direction with dynamic encounters and emergent gameplay.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised for being a truly terrifying and stressful horror experience that keeps players engaged and sweating, despite some limitations in replayability. It is recommended for horror fans seeking a frightening experience.

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Multiplayer.it

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised as a return to pure horror, offering a terrifying experience with well-crafted design and mechanics. It stands out as one of the most engaging horror games in recent years.

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Hey Poor Player

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised as a purist survival horror experience with mind-shredding scares and a thoughtful take on the genre. The reviewer gives it a final score of 4.5 out of 5.

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Wccftech

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is praised for its environmental design, graphics, gameplay mechanics, open-ended nature, and subtle changes that keep players engaged. However, its short length and limitations due to the dated engine are noted as drawbacks.

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GameSkinny

Xbox Series X

Jun 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is a successful franchise revival that rewards exploration and experimentation. It falls short in creating a scary atmosphere and the narrative isn't particularly compelling. However, it is still considered an A-plus horror experience.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Amnesia: The Bunker is a nerve-racking experience that is a natural evolution of the franchise, despite occasional technical issues.

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God is a Geek

Jun 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game sets a new standard for horror games and pushes the boundaries of the Amnesia series. It may be too scary for some, but it is a fantastic horror experience.

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