REMOTHERED: BROKEN PORCELAIN

A disappointing follow-up that squanders its best ideas

- Jess Kinghorn

INFO

FORMAT PS4

ETA OUT NOW

PUB MODUS GAMES

DEV STORMIND GAMES

Certain horror fans will stay up late, combing through Silent Hill 2 video essays in the hopes that someone might give them a new reason to love what is already their all-time favourite. I know this because I’m the horror fan and suspect the developers of this sequel-prequel might be too – though the Clock Tower series is clearly their one true love.

But as games with an enduring cult following go, the clear comparison for us is famously bannedin-the-UK Rule Of Rose. This isn’t purely because of Porcelain’s themes or distinctive sense of style, nor even the fact it too follows an unlucky girl named Jennifer but because, much like Rule Of Rose, it is only technically playable.

Your introduction to the Ashmann Inn begins promisingly enough as you’re treated to a complementary helping of mystery alongside the out-of-time atmosphere of its halls. Jennifer herself is a refreshing protagonist, an outspoken bad girl who deviates from the meek and mild standard set for horror game heroines before her.