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Review of Martha is Dead on Xbox Series X/S

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Feb 2022
Cover image of Martha is Dead on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 6
Released: 24 Feb 2022
Genre: Psychological Horror
Developer: LKA
Publisher: Wired Productions

Introduction

In the vein of that one friend who insists on telling ghost stories at sleepovers, *Martha is Dead* serves up a cocktail of horror that leaves you questioning material reality, identity, and your own sanity. But don't worry, it's all fictional, mostly, kind of. Gather around as we dive deep into this haunting tale that's as compelling as it is convoluted.

Gameplay

This is a first-person psychological horror game dressed to the nines in a 'walking simulator' outfit, which simply means you won't be dodging chainsaws or blasting beasts. Instead, you'll meander through environments, gathering clues while potentially losing your grip on what's real and what's a figment of someone's twisted imagination. Picture an art gallery filled with unnerving photographs, eerie reminders of a traumatic past, sprinkled with sinister whispers from the void. Sure, you won't be winning any races here, but the atmosphere is anything but dull. Navigating through the winding real world of post-war Italy, players engage with the story through environmental storytelling, letters, and interludes that show how far down the rabbit hole we can go while avoiding actual enemies. In essence, you're piecing together a painful puzzle-similar to that one homework assignment you 'forgot' to turn in, only with more dismemberment.

Graphics

Graphically, *Martha is Dead* takes fans of the horror genre on a visually stunning walk through some genuinely disturbing landscapes. Utilizing Unreal Engine 4, it offers intricate details in both environments and small, often overlooked items that contribute to the overall unsettling ambiance of the game. Eerie lighting, real textures, and atmospheric effects give the game an edge, but be prepared! This is not a serene stroll through a sunny meadow-this is exploring a hellish version of Tuscany, complete with tension-filled shadows and deeply unsettling imagery. While the game looks great, it comes with a dose of dark themes. So unless rustling leaves and horrifying sound design is your idea of a cozy evening, you might want to rethink your decision to play this game before bed.

Conclusion

*Martha is Dead* occupies a strange territory, much like trying to explain what happened during your last family get-together. With a narrative that is as layered as a lasagna and just as messy, this psychological horror experience will either grip you tightly with its themes of identity, loss, and the harsh realities of life or leave you scratching your head in confusion. It's a mixed bag of chilling atmosphere and heavy narrative dialogue Stroud where some will thrive on its depth, while others might just want a simple ghost story. Just a friendly warning: it might take a toll on your mental faculties, but hey, for a solid horror experience that digs deep into dark pasts and mind-bending realities, it's worth losing a few more brain cells for. Grab the snacks, dim the lights, and proceed with caution, because if you thought *Martha is Dead* was going to be a bed of roses, well, you just tripped on a thorn.

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