The Tartarus Key

The Tartarus Key is a psychological horror adventure game. It was developed by the indie studio Vertical Reach and published by Armor Games Studios.

Plot

The main protagonist of The Tartarus Key is Alex Young, who wakes up in a mysterious mansion, her memories lost. In order to escape the manor filled with traps, puzzles and cameras, she must be clever, courageous and willing to make difficult choices. Soon enough, Alex discovers other people trapped in the mansion; it's up to us whether we'll help them or leave them behind to an uncertain fate. Our choices establish which of the three different endings we'll see.

Mechanics

The Tartarus Key makes use of the first-person perspective (FPP). The gameplay is reminiscent of escape rooms. Trying to find our way out we must explore the mansion, avoid traps and solve puzzles. Along the way we'll meet other prisoners, whom we can help or leave behind, focusing on ourselves. Over time we start to learn more about the manor and Alex's kidnappers. Unlike many other horror games, there is no combat nor chase scenes; the game frightens with its unrelenting atmosphere.

Technical aspects

The Tartarus Key makes use of an old-school artstyle reminiscent of PS1 games.