Escape the Nightmare of Dr. Ripper
Since the release of the Resident Evil 2 remake, we’ve seen a renaissance in traditional horror survival that aims to recapture the spirit of the classics while offering a fresh experience. These titles allow fans to enjoy a new batch of traditional horror games while allowing new gamers to enjoy an old school experience. They range from modernized tank-control adventures to games designed to evoke the look and feel of the original PlayStation era. The latest title that presents such an experience is Flesh Made Fear.
Flesh Made Fear is a retro inspired horror survival that seeks to capture the essence of the classics with 80s style camp. From its cast of characters and grotesque monsters to its eerie, explorable world navigated with tank controls, the game is a clear love letter to true survival horror. The developers at Tainted Pack Games make no effort to hide their passion for the genre, and that enthusiasm shines through in every aspect of the experience.
Welcome to Rotwood
Dr. Victor Ripper, a leading scientist in the MKUltra project, became obsessed with creating the ultimate soldier. His fixation drove him underground, where he pushed his research far beyond ethical limits. In response, the CIA launched an operation to locate and eliminate him. When an agent tracking Ripper vanished in the town of Rotwood, the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.) was deployed to investigate. Their mission: find the missing operative and stop Dr. Ripper’s grotesque experiments.
Upon arriving, the player becomes separated from the team and must battle through Rotwood’s infested streets, facing hordes of zombies and Dr. Ripper’s monstrous creations. Playing as Jack or Natalie, they’ll fight to rescue their squadmates and end the nightmare once and for all.
At first glance, Flesh Made Fear is a clear homage to the first two Resident Evil games, reflected in its story and characters. Players must survive a town overrun by the twisted creations of a mad scientist while trying to contain the horrors he has unleashed. Its collection of characters also makes no effort to hide which of the S.T.A.R.S. members they were based on. At the same time, it doesn’t want to take itself seriously. It knows the story is ridiculous, so it tries to have some fun with it while also mocking how it borrows a lot from Resident Evil. All without sacrificing the horror elements.
Making Sense of the Madness
The gameplay features all the hallmarks of survival horror from the Fifth and Sixth Generations of games. Players begin by selecting either Jack or Natalie as their character. Each follows a different path and experiences unique encounters while progressing through the same story. At the same time, each character has distinct advantages and disadvantages that affect what they can do and what items they can carry.
Players must explore every section of the level thoroughly, searching for keys, puzzle pieces, and vital supplies like ammo and medicine. Unlike Resident Evil, Flesh Made Fear uses fully 3D environments instead of pre-rendered backgrounds, allowing for more exploration and hidden secrets. Danger is constant, with zombies and other abominations roaming the world. Ammo is scarce, so combat is a last resort, and limited inventory space forces players to carefully manage what they carry. Combat is also made more difficult thanks to the tank controls that will take some time getting used to.
Puzzles are a key element of survival horror games, and Flesh Made Fear is no exception. To solve them, players must carefully explore their surroundings and search for clues. This includes reading scattered notes for hints and finding keys that unlock access to new areas. Don’t leave any corner unchecked; overlooking even the smallest detail could mean missing a vital piece of the puzzle.
Two Shells Left
If you grew up playing survival horror in the late ’90s to mid-2000s, much of this will feel familiar. When it comes to recreating the atmosphere of that era, Flesh Made Fear gets many aspects right. From the tank-style controls to the inventory management and the roster of unforgettable abominations, it nails the formula. It’s clear that the team at Tainted Pack Games truly loves classic horror. At the same time, it incorporates modern game design techniques to enhance the experience.
Flesh Made Fear is a homage to classic survival horror, following in the footsteps of another genre staple that itself honored the greats. Yet, it takes a unquie approach by harkening back to another horror classic to create the right atmosphere. The game pays tribute to the Resident Evil series, blending its gameplay style with the visual flair and aesthetic of George A. Romero and Stephen King’s 1982 horror anthology film Creepshow. Its use of dark yet vibrant colors, accented by deep crimson tones and a chilling soundtrack, perfectly captures the atmosphere the film sought to create. This time, however, that same haunting mood has been masterfully reimagined for a horror video game with equally powerful effect.
Beyond the obvious Resident Evil and Creepshow influences, the game is filled with subtle nods to other horror titles. Fans of Silent Hill, The House of the Dead, Cold Fear, and Nocturne will easily spot these homages. It’s a real treat for players who hold fond memories of these classic games. These treats add a layer of nostalgia that complements the overall experience.
Click Click Boom!
Flesh Made Fear is a great game, but it also suffers from several major flaws that hold it back. The first issue I noticed was how ineffective the map is for most of the game. It simply marks key locations and nothing more. There’s no indication of different floors or area layouts, which often leaves you feeling lost and disoriented. It’s a disappointing oversight, since even classic survival horror titles offered more detailed maps to guide players through their journey.
Next was the control configuration and the lack of options to adjust it. While the combat setup was perfect, other actions like running, opening the item menu, or checking the map could have been mapped more intuitively. Unfortunately, there are no alternative options or the ability to customize the controls. This makes the experience feel annoying at times.
I thought that was the only issue until I finished the game and discovered there was no New Game+ mode. Instead, selecting “New Game” simply starts everything over from scratch. It’s frustrating when a horror game lacks a New Game+ option that lets you replay from a different perspective, aim for a higher score, unlock special rewards, or carry over your previous progress. Without it, finishing the game feels hollow, offering little incentive to return for a better performance. While Flesh Made Fear does have solid replay value, it would have been far more rewarding if it had been tied together through a proper New Game+ feature.
From Dusk Til Death
Flesh Made Fear is a love letter to classic survival horror by blending the elements of Resident Evil with the aesthetics and camp of Creepshow. It successfully recreates the classic survival horror experience while adding its own unique twist. This is also a game that fully embraces its roots, proudly showcasing the timeless titles that inspired its creation. Overall, it’s a horror game by horror fans for horror fans.
Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.
This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Flesh Made Fear (PC)
Pros
- Resident Evil style experience with the tone and aesthetics of Creepshow.
- Solid replay with its alternative endings and multiple character options.
- Classic survival horror gameplay setup, including the use of tank controls.
- Game is packed with homages to other horror survival classics.
Cons
- Map is not that helpful for most of the game.
- Control configuration and the lack of options to adjust it.
- Absence of New Game+ makes finishing the game feel hollow.
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Author: 360 Technology Group
