Jul 2020
Ah, Carrion! Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the horror genre—BOOM! You’re the monster now! This reverse-horror game serves up a delightful dish of gore and puzzle-solving, all while asking the age-old question: ‘What if the blob from that one movie marries the science lab from Alien?’ Spoiler: It’s messy! It’s gruesome! And I can’t get enough of it. Let's dive into the squishy goodness that is Carrion and see whether it has what it takes to be your next Switch obsession.
In Carrion, players squish their way through a research facility, playing as an amorphous, tentacled monster whose main objective is glorious chaos. Forget about saving mankind or finding the truth—your only goals are to escape and gobble up hapless scientists and soldiers like they’re gummy bears. Controls are delightfully simple but effective; the monster slinks through vents, smashes through obstacles, and weaves around the sci-fi corridors chasing victims with varying degrees of skill and finesse (or, let’s be real, kraken-like enthusiasm). As you progress, you unlock upgrades that allow you to dash through wooden barriers or grow even larger! Forget splashing around in a kiddie pool. You’ll be staining the floor of that facility red with guts and mischief like it’s your day job. The back-and-forth dynamic between predator and prey here is exquisite, giving you a satisfying sense of power—as you should, because you’re a freakin' creature from a nightmare, not a toddler! Puzzles scattered throughout the game often require a bit of thought, elegantly coaxing you into using your abilities in clever ways. A list of things to do typically includes smashing walls, vent-surfing, and occasionally reminding yourself that it’s just a game after you tear a scientist in half. You have a fair bit of freedom in how you approach various challenges and obstacles, which keeps things varied (and enjoyable) throughout your rampage. The gameplay loops seamlessly, making you feel like a true horror-force while never getting too stale—an impressive feat, considering the gruesome nature of the premise.
Graphically, Carrion is a feast of stylized horror! It flaunts a retro pixel art style that merges beautifully with its grotesque themes. You know that half-eaten pizza from last Friday that’s been hiding at the back of your fridge? Carrion captures that aesthetic—in a good way! Backgrounds are detailed enough to draw you in, letting you respect the art of pixelation while you’re busy feeling like a monster. The fluid animations enhance the gameplay experience remarkably; the squishy movements of the creature feel surprisingly realistic…assuming your idea of realism includes blood and viscera everywhere. Add to this the great enemy animations: watch as terrified humans react to the horror happening around them, while you're just there, wildly evolving and growing like a California weed in the summer sun. The general atmosphere serves as an impeccable tribute to horror games of yesteryear, sprinkled with new-age flair that makes even seasoned gamers feel giddy with nostalgia.
Carrion offers an engaging and horrific experience that flips the horror narrative on its head and throws it straight into the snapping jaws of your monster. On the Nintendo Switch, it runs smoothly and looks great whether you’re playing on a big screen or in handheld mode, making it perfect for those late-night terrors on the couch or when you’re secretly hoping to scare your friends with a little gaming mischief. Is it perfect? No. But it’s darn close to it for a niche title. The unique premise, satisfying gameplay, and striking graphics meld together like perfect, blood-splattered cake. If you enjoy a good horror themed romp that lets you unleash your inner beast, then strap in with Carrion. Just make sure to keep a mop nearby for… well, you know! Overall, I’m giving this delightful horror fest a solid 8.5 out of 10. Who needs nightmares when you can literally create your own terror?
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