The Cecil: The Journey Begins Impressions

Upon entering a detention center, the notion of being unaware of your surroundings is unsettling. The book, The Cecil: The Journey Begins, quickly puts you in that uncomfortable position. This first-person horror game, published by Genie Interactive Games and Wandering Wizard, merges classic point-and-click gameplay with a psychological thriller story that’s both thrilling and creepy.

John finds himself in a filthy cell, with the task of finding Sarah — his wife — justifiably appealing. This simple escape sequence is not only a good one, but also sets the tone for future events. When you move into a different world, the authentic essence of gaming becomes apparent. The game is truly remarkable. In terms of environmental storytelling, The Cecil Hotel in the game’s center is a true example. There’s a constant sense of terror in everything, from the flickering lights to the scratchy old radios.

The game’s main storyline, John searching for Sarah, may be familiar to some, but it takes a dive. Guests are encouraged to poke around, flip switches and explore the hotel’s dark secrets. It moves between scenes based on environment and subtle sound warnings — like that creepy jump scare where a statue appears in the background. It’s not just about finding Sarah; it’ll also be a quest to unravel the hotel’ incoherently sinister history.

Mechanically, The Cecil is accessible. There is a smooth flow, and the puzzles strike ideally between being challenging and fair. Despite not being stuck on mysterious puzzles, you’ll have to be mindful. There is a notable instance where the search for one key in an assortment of pots and pans seems complicated, but not as difficult as it was with more intricate genre entries.

Combat is minimal but impactful. During the game’s opening major battle against its adversary, players experience intense excitement that prompts their quick thinking and adds urgency to the otherwise steady pace. Although it seems to be an open-ended game, the gameplay is surprisingly linear. The rooms function as a separate puzzle chamber, and progress is tightly controlled. Yet this sense of freedom works in the favour of the game, allowing full and detailed play without overstepping options for the player.

Even though The Cecil: The Journey Begins doesn’t completely change the horror genre, it shouldn’t. This is an atmospheric, tightly woven story that’s perfect for fans of the thriller genre. Despite the haunting backdrop, clever puzzles, and lasting storylines, don’t expect to fall asleep during this journey.