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Scorn

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Scorn
Item: Scorn
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 14, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperEbb Software

Overview

Scorn is an atmospheric first person horror adventure game set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and somber tapestry. It is designed around an idea of "being thrown into the world". Isolated and lost inside this dream-like world you will explore different interconnected regions in a non-linear fashion. The unsettling environment is a character itself. Every location contains its own theme (story), puzzles and characters that are integral in creating a cohesive lived in world. Throughout the game you will open up new areas, acquire different skill sets, weapons, various items and try to comprehend the sights presented to you.

Elsewhere

6.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

TL;DR: Scorn is a visually stunning game praised for its unique, atmospheric storytelling inspired by H.R. Giger, yet it largely disappoints critics with its cryptic narrative and lack of coherent plot. While some appreciate the opportunity for philosophical exploration, most reviewers find the absence of clear goals and relatable characters frustrating, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights its artistic ambitions but falters in delivering a compelling story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the story of Scorn reveal a fascinating dichotomy in how the game’s narrative is perceived. Several critics, such as IGN and PC Games, commend the game for its unique storytelling approach, emphasizing its reliance on environmental cues and atmospheric design to convey a narrative. Critics like CD-Action highlight the game’s disturbing journey through a world inspired by the works of artists like H.R. Giger, which creates a sense of existential dread and invites players to interpret the story through a lens of personal reflection. The game’s cryptic nature is seen by some, including Eurogamer Italy and Windows Central, as an opportunity for philosophical exploration, encouraging players to delve deeper into the themes of existence and suffering presented throughout the gameplay. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is one of disappointment regarding the story's depth and clarity. Many reviewers, including Game Rant and New Game Network, express frustration with the lack of a coherent plot or relatable characters, stating that the game fails to provide clear goals or motivations for the protagonist. The absence of dialogue or written text, as noted by XboxEra and GamersRD, leaves players feeling lost, with minimal guidance on the narrative. Critics like The Jimquisition and Game Revolution argue that this vagueness detracts from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to engage with the story on a meaningful level. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the notion that while Scorn offers a visually striking and atmospheric experience, its storytelling leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers, such as The Enemy and Twinfinite, point out that the game’s narrative is often confusing and lacks a traditional structure, leading to a sense of frustration rather than intrigue. Although some critics appreciate the opportunity for personal interpretation, the majority feel that the game ultimately fails to deliver a compelling story, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both the game's artistic ambitions and its narrative shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

TLDR: Scorn impresses with its challenging and immersive puzzles that enhance the narrative, but suffers from clunky combat mechanics and tedious level design. Critics agree that while the exploration is engaging, frustrating combat and navigation issues undermine the overall experience, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The gameplay of Scorn has garnered a mix of opinions, with several critics highlighting the strengths of its puzzle design. Many reviewers, such as Twinfinite and IGN, praise the puzzles for their challenge and unique mechanics, suggesting that they engage players and encourage critical thinking. GamesRadar+ notes that while the puzzles are challenging, they can also be rewarding, contributing positively to the overall experience. Critics like But Why Tho? and Everyeye.it appreciate how the puzzles fit into the game’s aesthetic and narrative, enhancing immersion and providing a sense of discovery. The exploration aspect of the game is also recognized, with GamersRD mentioning that it allows players to engage with the environment at their own pace. However, the gameplay is marred by significant criticisms, particularly concerning combat mechanics and level design. A consensus among critics such as The Jimquisition, NME, and GamingBolt is that the combat system is clunky, unbalanced, and often feels like an afterthought. Reviewers like Push Square and Game Revolution echo this sentiment, stating that the combat detracts from the puzzle-solving experience and can lead to frustration. Additionally, many critics point out issues with level design and navigation, with Atomix and CGMagazine describing the puzzles as lacking direction and often requiring tedious backtracking, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Overall, while Scorn is recognized for its intriguing puzzle mechanics and atmospheric exploration, the combat and level design issues significantly undermine the gameplay experience. Critics generally agree that while the puzzles can be enjoyable and fit well within the game’s world, the frustrating combat and cumbersome mechanics detract from what could have been a more cohesive and engaging experience. The game’s reliance on trial and error, as noted by Vandal and TheGamer, further complicates the gameplay, leading to a mixed reception that highlights both potential and shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Scorn's graphics are mostly praised for their unique, grotesque design inspired by H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński, creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere. Critics commend its intricate, biomechanical landscapes that evoke horror and beauty. However, some find the visuals lacking polish and technically outdated, with a few areas confusing or underwhelming in gameplay. Overall, the game is lauded for its distinctive visual identity, making it a compelling exploration in biomechanical horror despite a few criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Scorn is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its unique and grotesque aesthetic heavily inspired by the works of H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński. Reviewers like CGMagazine and GameMAG highlight the game's impeccable design and immersive environments, noting the attention to detail that creates a captivating atmosphere. Critics such as Gamer Escape and TheGamer commend the art style for effectively unsettling players while also being visually stunning, describing the world as intricately designed and filled with biomechanical landscapes that evoke both horror and beauty. The game's ability to create a dark and oppressive atmosphere is frequently mentioned, with reviewers like PC Games and Meristation emphasizing the exceptional quality of the visuals that contribute to the overall experience. However, not all opinions are entirely favorable. Some critics express concerns about specific aspects of the visual design. XboxEra describes much of the game as "ugly and mediocre-looking," suggesting that while there are standout moments, they are overshadowed by a general lack of polish. IGN Italia echoes this sentiment by pointing out that the graphics, while inventive, feel technically outdated and static. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Stevivor and PC Invasion, note that certain areas can be visually confusing or that the aesthetic is underutilized in terms of gameplay functionality, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among the majority of reviewers is that Scorn boasts a remarkable and distinctive visual identity. While there are dissenting voices regarding specific elements of the graphics, the overwhelming majority appreciate the game's artistic direction and the cohesive atmosphere it creates. Critics like TheXboxHub and Digital Trends affirm that the visuals are not only impressive but also contribute significantly to the horror experience, making the game an intriguing exploration of biomechanical horror. Overall, Scorn is recognized for its ambitious visual design, successfully blending grotesque imagery with a strong artistic vision that resonates with fans of the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise Scorn for its haunting sound design and music, which enhance its immersive horror atmosphere, with chilling effects and unsettling ambient noises. However, some reviewers criticize its minimalistic audio approach, feeling it lacks a more pronounced soundtrack and varied sound effects. Overall, while opinions vary, the consensus is that the sound significantly contributes to the game’s eerie aesthetic and tension.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Scorn have received considerable praise from various critics, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the game's immersive and unsettling atmosphere. Reviewers such as Atomix and CGMagazine noted that the sound design complements the visuals, creating an overwhelming sense of unease. Critics like TheXboxHub and Digital Trends emphasized the outstanding quality of the sound, with descriptions of threatening drone scores and chilling sound effects that contribute to the horror experience. The atmospheric ambiance, characterized by squelching noises and biomechanical sounds, was frequently mentioned as a key element that enhances the overall tension, with GameMAG and Gamer.no specifically praising the impressive sound design that aligns with the game's unique aesthetic. However, not all opinions were as favorable, with some critics expressing disappointment regarding the minimalistic approach to sound design and music. Areajugones and XboxEra pointed out that the audio felt lacking, with limited sound effects beyond basic environmental noises and mechanisms. This sentiment was echoed by Meristation and Vgames, who noted that while the sound design has its strengths, the minimal presence of a more pronounced soundtrack left some players wanting more. Critics like Gameblog.fr also suggested that the ambient sounds could have been utilized more effectively to create a stronger sense of unease, indicating that the game's audio experience may not resonate with everyone. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Scorn excels in creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere through its sound design, despite some criticisms regarding its minimalistic approach. Many reviewers, including IGN and GamingBolt, agreed that the chilling sound effects and ambient noise play a significant role in enhancing the horror experience, even if the music's presence is subtle or sparse. The game’s ability to evoke feelings of discomfort and tension through sound has been widely acknowledged, with the majority of critics appreciating the way it complements the unsettling visuals and gameplay. While opinions on the effectiveness of the audio elements vary, the general sentiment leans towards a recognition of the sound design's contribution to the overall atmosphere of Scorn.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Scorn shines on Xbox Series X, delivering smooth 60fps and striking visuals, earning praise for its polished performance. However, the PC version struggles with crashes, bugs, and a frustrating checkpoint system, leading to a mixed reception. Despite its potential, technical issues undermine the experience, making gameplay uneven across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

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

The technical performance of Scorn has garnered a mixed reception across different platforms, with notable positives for both Xbox Series X and PC. On the Xbox Series X, several critics, including GamersRD and Generación Xbox, praised the game for its consistent 60fps performance and impressive visual effects that create an immersive universe. GamePro Germany noted that while there were minor framerate drops, the overall experience was largely free from major bugs, and Xbox Achievements described the game as relatively polished. This suggests that the Xbox version provides a solid technical foundation, allowing players to enjoy the game without significant interruptions. However, the negatives are more pronounced, particularly on the PC platform. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and INVEN, highlighted various technical issues, including crashes, bugs, and problems with the auto-save mechanism that could lead to frustrating gameplay scenarios. GameSpot and PC Gamer echoed these concerns, emphasizing the restrictive checkpoint system that can result in lost progress. Moreover, while some critics like Meristation and Multiplayer.it noted that the game runs smoothly at high settings, others pointed out persistent issues, including frame rate drops and visual glitches, which detracted from the experience. The day-one patch was mentioned frequently, with critics like DualShockers and Launcher noting that while some issues were resolved, many still persisted. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Scorn offers a commendable experience on Xbox Series X, with solid performance and visual fidelity, though it is not without its flaws, such as poor signposting and checkpoint issues. On PC, the reception is more mixed, with many reviewers acknowledging both the game's potential for smooth performance and the significant technical hurdles that can disrupt gameplay. Critics like The Loadout and LevelUp emphasized that while the game could run well, the presence of bugs and glitches undermined the immersive experience. Therefore, while Scorn showcases impressive elements across platforms, the technical performance remains a contentious issue that could affect players' enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Scorn sparks mixed reviews on replay value: some critics praise its cryptic story and puzzle diversity, hinting at potential revisits, but the majority slam its linearity and brevity—often under five hours—leaving little incentive to return. While a handful find charm in the atmosphere, most agree the game lacks substantial content and branching paths, rendering its replay value largely insufficient. Overall, Scorn captivates on the first playthrough but fails to keep players coming back.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

42%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Scorn reveal a nuanced perspective among critics, with some acknowledging certain redeeming qualities. For instance, IGN France highlights the game's cryptic story and the multiple ways to solve puzzles, suggesting that these elements could encourage players to revisit the game. Similarly, Comicbook.com points out that while one playthrough may suffice to appreciate the world and story, the open-ended nature and challenging puzzles might entice some players to explore further. Additionally, JeuxActu expresses a desire for a second playthrough, indicating that the experience, while short, leaves a lasting impression that could draw players back. However, the predominant sentiment among critics is decidedly negative when it comes to the game's replay value. Many reviewers, including Game Rant and Shacknews, assert that Scorn offers little to no reason to replay, citing its linear path and lack of alternative routes as significant drawbacks. Xbox Achievements reinforces this by noting the game's short length and linear achievement list, which further diminishes replayability. Critics like LevelUp and TrueGaming echo this sentiment, emphasizing the game's brevity—often completed in under five hours—and the absence of branching narratives that could have enriched the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Scorn falls short in terms of replay value. While a few reviewers acknowledge elements that could potentially encourage a second playthrough, such as the intriguing atmosphere and puzzle-solving mechanics, the overwhelming majority agree that the game's linearity and short duration significantly limit its appeal for repeated play. Critics like Game Revolution and The Games Machine succinctly summarize this sentiment, noting that the game lacks content and fails to provide compelling reasons for players to return. Thus, while Scorn may captivate players during their initial run, its replay value is largely deemed insufficient by the critical community.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards "Scorn" reveals a notable appreciation for its artistic vision and atmospheric design, with many critics highlighting its unique aesthetics and immersive world. Reviewers like EGM and TheGamer commend the game for its horrifying and visually stunning environments, which successfully evoke a sense of psychological horror. The game’s art style is frequently described as "breathtaking" and "intriguing," with critics such as Carole Quintaine and Gamersky recognizing its ambitious artistic direction. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Gaming Nexus and GameMAG, emphasize the game's potential for delivering a memorable experience, particularly for players who prioritize atmosphere over conventional gameplay mechanics. Despite the praise for its visuals, the game faces significant criticism regarding its gameplay and mechanics. Many reviewers, including The Jimquisition and XboxEra, express disappointment with the combat system, labeling it as clunky and unsatisfying. Critics like BaziCenter and GameSpot point out that the gameplay is often monotonous and lacks depth, leading to a frustrating experience for players. The narrative structure is also a common point of contention, with several reviewers, such as New Game Network and Eurogamer Italy, noting that the story is vague and poorly developed, which detracts from the overall engagement with the game. This combination of gameplay flaws and narrative shortcomings has led many to question the game's overall value. The consensus among critics appears to be mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the game's artistic merits and those who find its gameplay lacking. While some, like Power Unlimited and Twinfinite, recommend "Scorn" for its unique horror experience and challenging puzzles, others, such as Game Rant and PC Invasion, suggest that it may only be worth playing through services like Xbox Game Pass due to its shortcomings. Ultimately, "Scorn" seems to cater to a niche audience that values artistic expression and atmospheric horror, but it may alienate players seeking a more traditional and polished gaming experience. The divergence in opinions reflects a broader discussion about the balance between artistic ambition and gameplay execution in modern video games.

TL;DR

"Scorn" impresses with its breathtaking visuals and immersive horror atmosphere, earning praise for its unique artistic vision. However, it suffers from clunky gameplay and a vague narrative, leading to mixed reviews. While some recommend it for its artistic merits, many critics question its overall value, suggesting it caters to a niche audience rather than gamers seeking solid mechanics and story.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

Power Unlimited

Oct 14, 2022