Dead Format

The main pros of the game

• Visuals and Atmosphere: The game is praised for its stunning graphics, attention to detail, and effective use of color and lighting, creating a captivating atmosphere that evokes classic horror films.
• Sound Design: The sound effects and music contribute significantly to the horror experience, enhancing the overall immersion.
• Unique Concept: The idea of navigating through different horror movie tapes is seen as innovative and engaging, allowing for varied gameplay experiences across genres.
• Puzzles and Level Design: Many players enjoyed the puzzles, which are considered well-balanced and inventive, as well as the creative level designs that reflect different horror styles.
• Live Action Sequences: The inclusion of charming live-action cutscenes adds a unique layer to the storytelling and immerses players in the game’s narrative.
• Developer Engagement: The developer is actively addressing feedback and implementing updates, which is appreciated by the community.

The main cons of the game

• Stealth Gameplay: The introduction of a persistent stalker enemy in the later stages of the game is criticized for slowing down the pacing and making gameplay tedious, as players often have to hide and wait rather than engage with the environment.
• Save System: The lack of auto-saves or checkpoints is a common complaint. Players must return to a central hub to save, leading to frustration if they die and lose significant progress.
• Enemy Mechanics: The main pursuer is considered unbalanced, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience due to its frequent spawns and the inability to effectively combat it.
• Inventory Management: Players noted that the limited inventory space (only eight slots) and the inability to stack items or combine ammo can lead to unnecessary backtracking and frustration.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Checkpoints or Auto-Save: Many users expressed a desire for a checkpoint system or auto-save feature to alleviate the frustration of losing progress after dying.
• More Enemy Variety: Some players wished for a greater variety of enemies and challenges, particularly in the later stages, to maintain engagement and excitement.
• Map or Navigation Aids: A map or navigation aids would help players avoid getting lost in the larger environments, as some players found it challenging to keep track of their location.
• Streamlined Inventory Management: Suggestions were made to improve the inventory system, such as allowing players to combine items or providing more slots for easier management of resources.

Summary

• Overall, while Dead Format has received praise for its artistic vision and engaging gameplay, it also faces criticism regarding pacing and gameplay mechanics, particularly in the latter half of the game. Players appreciate the developer's responsiveness to feedback and the potential for future improvements.

Summary generated on: December 22, 2025