Dementium: The Ward

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Horror Elements: The game successfully creates a haunting atmosphere reminiscent of classic horror games like *Silent Hill* and *Doom 3*. Users praised the oppressive environment, sound design, and unique enemy designs that contribute to the horror experience.
• Nostalgia Factor: Many players have fond memories of the original DS version and appreciated the opportunity to revisit the game with modern controls and enhanced graphics.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The combination of flashlight and weapon mechanics, along with simple yet engaging combat, was well-received. The puzzles, while not overly complex, added to the gameplay variety.
• Solid Port: The transition to PC was generally seen as well-executed, with smooth controls, good performance, and the ability to play with mouse and keyboard or a controller. Some users even noted that it ran well on devices like the Steam Deck.
• Affordability: Many reviewers highlighted the game's reasonable price, making it an attractive option for both nostalgic players and newcomers to the genre.

The main cons of the game

• Repetitive Environments: A common criticism was the repetitive nature of the game’s environments and enemy encounters, leading to a sense of monotony as the game progressed.
• Lack of Depth in Story and Characters: The story was described as shallow and predictable, with many players noting a lack of character development and a resolution that left much to be desired.
• Difficulty and Combat Issues: While the game is challenging, some users found the combat mechanics frustrating, particularly with certain enemies that could be overly punishing, especially on higher difficulty settings.

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

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

• Notepad Functionality: Players expressed a desire for the return of the notepad feature from the DS version, which allowed for note-taking and added an interactive layer to the gameplay.
• Customizable Controls: Many users noted the lack of options for rebinding controls, which is often expected in modern PC games, along with a missing FOV slider and ultrawide support.
• Enhanced Graphics Options: Some players wished for options to toggle between original DS graphics and updated visuals, as well as improvements in texture quality and lighting.
• Additional Content: Suggestions for future updates included adding new game modes, improved checkpoint systems, and more varied environments to enhance replayability and depth.

Summary

• Overall, while *Dementium: The Ward* has its flaws, it is celebrated for its nostalgic value, atmospheric horror, and solid gameplay mechanics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Summary generated on: November 6, 2025