MANOS: The Hands of Fate ~ Director's Cut

Cool short game

Who would want an 8-bit platform game based on a notoriously bad horror film...? (lets face it, you know if you are). It's fitting that the game looks like a cheap 8-bit knock off, made from a cheaply made horror film. The game was also cheap, so YAY, another win!

Silly but fun platformer that throws off great retro vibes. Works perfectly on the Steam Deck.

All that's missing is the stunning conclusion to Hired!

It's starts out really janky at first but you get used to the controls and start figuring everything out. It's harder than the first AVGN game. It has a lot of nostalgia of old MST3K movies. A really fun basic but good game of what the AVGN games would be.

A fun 2D platformer, if a little too short. Though I've never seen the movie (at the time of writing), I think it has an interesting story about a cult-leader with minions and maidens who conducts rituals to worship the god of darkness, Manos. I also think that the Master's costume has a cool design, a black cape with two big red hands on the inside. Even if the story isn't the main focus, it held my attention, and it was complimented by its presentation. This game has a grainy filter, just like an old horror movie, and some stages have tunnel vision lighting; the cutscenes in between stages are presented through well drawn pixel-art illustrations; I also like how the in-game graphics go for a more muted color pallet with a few contrasts to highlight important characters and objects, all of which have interesting designs as well; finally, the music and sound effects also help give the game a creepy, mysterious atmosphere to it. As for the gameplay, Manos: The Hands of Fate is similar to an old-school Castlevania title, but much more beginner friendly. The hand statues throughout the stage give you plenty of health pickups and extra lives to keep going, and the shotgun powerup makes fighting enemies easier; my only problem is that you lose the shotgun as soon as you take damage, which I find annoying. I should also mention that each of the 8 stages has a "Hand of Fate" hidden in it. All but the one in stage 6 are pretty easy to find as long as you take the time to explore each stage. When you find one, it increases your health bar, and you have to find all 8 to get the good ending, just like grabbing all the Chaos Emeralds in a Sonic game. It's a pretty short game, one that you can beat in about half an hour, but it's still a good game nonetheless. Definitely buy this game to support the talented people over at Freak Zone Games, and you'll most likely have a good time!

I can't recommend it based on gameplay, but I think it is funny that exists. Still plays better than most NES games.

A fine game for connoisseurs.

Title: A Rollercoaster of Bizarre: MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ Game Review Introduction: MANOS MANOS AND MORE MANOS?!?! MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ is a unique and unexpected addition to the world of video games, based on the cult classic horror film of the same name. Developed by a team of passionate indie developers, the game attempts to capture the essence of the original movie while delivering an interactive experience that's both intriguing and bewildering. Prepare for a journey that blends nostalgia, horror, and absurdity in ways you've never quite imagined. Gameplay: The gameplay in MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ is an eccentric mix of point-and-click adventure, platforming, and surreal exploration. Players take on the role of Mike, who must navigate a series of bizarre locations while rescuing his family from the clutches of the enigmatic Master and his eerie cult. The controls are relatively simple, allowing players to move, interact with objects, and engage in occasional combat sequences. However, the lack of proper tutorials can lead to confusion, especially for newcomers. One of the game's standout features is its non-linear progression. Players can choose between various paths and decisions, each leading to unique outcomes and endings. This dynamic adds replay value as players are encouraged to explore different choices in subsequent playthroughs. However, the lack of clarity in consequences might frustrate players looking for a more guided experience. Visuals: The visual presentation of MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ is a double-edged sword. The developers have intentionally designed the graphics to mimic the low-budget, grainy style of the original movie. While this creates a nostalgic connection for fans of the film, it can also be jarring for those accustomed to modern, polished visuals. The deliberately awkward animations and pixelated art style contribute to the game's surreal atmosphere, though some players might find it off-putting. World Design: The game's world design is simultaneously intriguing and disorienting. Locations are meticulously crafted to resemble scenes from the film, from the haunting desert landscapes to the eerie lodge. Exploring these areas can be both captivating and frustrating, as the lack of a clear map or direction can result in aimless wandering. This design choice, while meant to evoke a sense of mystery, might lead to player frustration, especially for those seeking a more streamlined experience. Sound and Music: MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ nails the audio aspect by delivering an eerie and unsettling soundtrack that effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the source material. The voice acting, while intentionally exaggerated to mimic the style of the original movie, can be polarizing. Some players might appreciate the quirky charm, while others could find it grating over time. Horror and Comedy: The game blends horror and absurd comedy in a way that's both unique and bewildering. The surreal scenarios and unexpected encounters often result in unintentional hilarity. Whether it's fending off bizarre enemies or engaging in strange interactions, the game consistently keeps players on their toes, never quite knowing what to expect next. This juxtaposition might not resonate with everyone, but it's undoubtedly one of the game's defining characteristics. Conclusion: MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ is a game that defies convention and expectations. Its deliberate embrace of the bizarre and its determination to faithfully pay homage to the cult film might alienate some players while delighting others. The non-linear progression, combined with the strange world and unpredictable encounters, creates an experience that is both captivating and confounding. If you're a fan of the original movie and have a penchant for the eccentric, MANOS: The Hands of Fate™ might just be the oddball adventure you've been waiting for. Just be prepared to embrace the weirdness and roll with the surreal punches.

All these movie license games are getting out of hand, but this is a good introduction to the Manos Cinematic universe.