The Initiate

Game is way too hard, like others have sad. So I brought myself the challenge of completing this game that only the true gamers complete. And of course, I conjured! I enjoyed every part of this game. Onto the second game.

Excellent logical puzzles, atmospheric, and surprisingly long. I already bought the next one. I only had five issues with it: 1) it is sometimes incredibly dark and the torch isn't nearly good enough. 2) I had an issue with the final puzzle only activating in some places but not others, I got it working once I realised if I stood very close to it, all of the interactable spots worked properly. 3) the torch flickers but you can play the whole game using the UV one instead, 4) some spelling and text errors, these really shouldn't have made it to the final game. 5) the final achievement didn't trigger on Steam. I had no other issues with the game so any of the original technical issues were solved. Enjoyed it very much, looking forward to the second one.

a good horror game. can recommend it. some good puzzles. the price of this game is in offer for -89% a gift.

The Initiate is a first-person puzzle and mystery game created by Deceptive Games Ltd., placing players in a tense scenario where logic, observation, and curiosity become the primary tools for survival. The story begins with the player assuming the role of Nathan Rockford, a man who wakes up inside an unfamiliar house with no recollection of how he arrived there. What initially appears to be a normal residential environment quickly reveals itself to be part of a carefully orchestrated trial. A mysterious voice begins communicating with Nathan through speakers hidden around the house, calmly informing him that he has been selected to participate in a test. To escape, he must solve a series of increasingly complex puzzles scattered throughout the building. From that moment onward, the game unfolds as a psychological puzzle challenge where the player must explore the house, uncover clues, and gradually piece together the truth behind the strange experiment. Rather than presenting its narrative through cinematic storytelling or direct exposition, The Initiate reveals its story slowly through environmental clues, scattered documents, and cryptic messages left behind throughout the house. The unseen voice monitoring Nathan’s progress offers occasional commentary, guiding the player while also hinting at a larger organization responsible for orchestrating the test. This method of storytelling creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and intrigue, encouraging players to question the motives of the individuals controlling the situation. As players progress deeper into the house, they discover notes and recordings that suggest Nathan may not be the first person to undergo this trial, adding another layer of mystery to the experience. The gameplay is centered on exploration and puzzle solving from a first-person perspective. Players are free to move through the rooms of the house, examining objects, opening drawers, and interacting with various devices that form the basis of the puzzles. The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing players to walk through the environment, crouch to inspect hidden spaces, and interact with items that may provide clues or solutions. An inventory system allows the player to collect objects that can later be used to unlock doors, activate mechanisms, or reveal new pathways through the house. While the mechanics themselves are straightforward, the real challenge comes from understanding how different elements of the environment connect with each other. The puzzles within The Initiate vary in both design and difficulty. Some require players to locate hidden keys or decipher numeric codes hidden within the environment. Others involve manipulating objects, interpreting written clues, or solving logical patterns that unlock hidden mechanisms. Many of the puzzles are interconnected, meaning that clues discovered in one room may be necessary to solve a challenge located somewhere else in the house. This interconnected structure encourages careful exploration and attention to detail, rewarding players who take the time to thoroughly investigate each area. A defining characteristic of the game’s puzzle design is its resemblance to real-life escape room experiences. Much like those physical puzzle attractions, The Initiate asks players to analyze their surroundings, identify patterns, and connect seemingly unrelated clues in order to progress. Solutions rarely involve complicated systems or advanced mechanics; instead, they rely on logical thinking and careful observation. This design approach makes the puzzles feel grounded and believable, as though the house itself has been constructed specifically to challenge the player’s reasoning abilities. The atmosphere of the game plays a major role in maintaining tension throughout the experience. Although the game contains elements that might be associated with horror, it does not rely heavily on jump scares or direct threats. Instead, the tension comes from the unsettling environment and the constant awareness that the player is being observed by an unseen presence. The quiet hallways, dim lighting, and subtle environmental sounds contribute to a sense of isolation that makes every discovery feel significant. The house itself becomes an important character in the story, gradually revealing its secrets as players progress through its rooms and hidden passages. Visually, The Initiate uses realistic interior environments to create a believable setting for the puzzles. Rooms such as bedrooms, kitchens, and storage areas appear familiar at first glance, but as players explore more deeply they begin to notice unusual mechanisms, hidden compartments, and strange symbols integrated into the design of the house. The contrast between ordinary domestic spaces and the elaborate puzzle systems hidden within them reinforces the unsettling nature of the situation. Even though the graphics are relatively modest compared to large-budget games, the environment design effectively supports the game’s mysterious tone. Sound design further enhances the sense of immersion. Instead of relying on a dramatic musical score, the game primarily uses subtle ambient audio to create a quiet and tense atmosphere. The most prominent sound element comes from the voice communicating with the player through the intercom system. This mysterious narrator occasionally provides hints or commentary, but often speaks in cryptic or ambiguous ways that deepen the intrigue surrounding the trial. The presence of this unseen observer reinforces the feeling that the player’s actions are constantly being monitored and evaluated. As the player solves puzzles and unlocks new areas, the layout of the house gradually expands to reveal additional rooms and hidden spaces. Each new section introduces new puzzle concepts or variations on earlier mechanics, increasing the complexity of the challenges as the game progresses. This gradual escalation keeps the gameplay engaging, as players must adapt their thinking and pay closer attention to the environment. Some puzzles require combining multiple clues from different parts of the house, encouraging players to mentally map the space and revisit previously explored areas. Despite its strengths, the game does have a few limitations that may affect the overall experience for some players. The pace can occasionally feel slow, particularly when players become stuck on a puzzle and must carefully search the environment for overlooked clues. Because the game relies heavily on observation rather than explicit guidance, progress may sometimes involve trial and error. Additionally, while the story establishes an intriguing mystery, certain narrative elements are left somewhat ambiguous, which may leave players wanting a more definitive resolution. Even with these minor drawbacks, The Initiate succeeds in delivering a thoughtful and engaging puzzle experience that emphasizes exploration and logical reasoning. The combination of atmospheric storytelling, carefully designed puzzles, and a mysterious setting creates a game that rewards patience and curiosity. Players who enjoy unraveling complex challenges and uncovering hidden clues will find the experience both satisfying and immersive. Ultimately, The Initiate stands out as a solid entry in the first-person puzzle genre, offering an experience that feels similar to participating in a digital escape room wrapped in a psychological mystery. Its focus on environmental puzzles, subtle storytelling, and immersive atmosphere makes it particularly appealing to players who enjoy solving intricate problems and uncovering secrets hidden within carefully designed spaces. Rating: 7/10

👍

I played around 3 hours and decided not to continue. On paper, this should have worked for me. It has mystery, horror elements, locked rooms, hidden clues, puzzles, and that classic “wake up somewhere strange while a mysterious voice talks to you” setup. Basically, all the ingredients for a good little escape-room-style puzzle game. But in practice, it just became frustrating. The biggest issue is the puzzle design. Some puzzles are almost too easy, with answers handed to you in a very direct way. Others go completely in the opposite direction and feel too obscure, leaving me wandering around trying to figure out what the game even wants from me. Maybe part of that is on me. Sure. But I’ve played a lot of puzzle games, and this one rarely gave me that satisfying “aha!” moment. It was more like “oh, okay…” or “what am I supposed to do now?” The controls also don’t help. They are not terrible, but they feel clunky enough to make exploration less enjoyable. The camera movement started making me a little dizzy after a couple of hours, which was probably the final push I needed to stop. Presentation is a mixed bag. The graphics look dated, though that is easier to forgive considering it is a 2017 indie game. The sound design has some nice touches, but it is also oddly noisy. There is a lot of outside ambience that becomes distracting, and the music did not do much for me either. TL;DR: Cool concept, decent atmosphere, but frustrating puzzles, clunky controls, weak sound design, and a dull overall experience made me drop it after two hours. 3/10

Хорошая задумка сделать игру набором пазлов, не самых замысловатых, зато глючных. Такое себе удовольствие.