Show Notes
Content Warnings: Suicide, domestic violence, general horror gore In this ocean-sized episode we tackle the FMV-soaked marvel that is Alan Wake II. We talk about how this feels both like a culmination and maturation of Remedy’s work over the past 20 years and how this is still kinda the same as Max Payne 2. We discuss the game’s delicious ambiguities and contradictions, which sometimes feel hamstrung by broader “lore” concerns. We marvel at how thick and thorny this is, and gristle at the game’s broader reception. At the end, we answer a bevy of listener questions and make a tier list of the characters. Big episode for a game worthy of the runtime. Next episode: Resident Evil Remake
More from The Safe Room
cw: discussions of sexual assault and self harm On this episode of The Safe Room, we discuss about the 2021 indie survival horror game Tormented Souls! We talk about the ways it riffs on classics such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill, the game’s lack of daring storytelling, and the charm of a low-budget horror game. At approximately 49:00, we shift gears to talk about Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, the nature in which it explores its thorny themes, and its relation to works such as Silent Hill. Next time: Yume Nikki! Bio F R E A K S Character Select N64
This episode we cover the 2012 RPG Maker game Ib! We talk about the game’s simplistic-yet-subtle narrative, its playful level design, and its mature tone in comparison to…a certain game we’ve covered on the show previously. We also tackle a mountain of relationship discourse as grapple with the sobering reality of fandom shippers.
This episode, we cover the 8-bit inspired horror hit FAITH: The Unholy Trinity. We talk about the game’s undeniable style, its many unique frights, and the ways in which it improves throughout the course of its three chapters. We also discuss the game’s relationship to religion, especially in comparison to other exorcism tales.
Rose and Grace explore a secret island base in pursuit of Code Veronica! They discuss its melodrama, nineties-style transphobia, and its multitude of annoyances.
We visit the infamous Heavenly Lost Elementary School as we explore Corpse Party and many of its different versions. We talk about the ways in which it (mis)handles sensitive topics, the overbearing edginess of its horrors, and its large-but-mostly-bland ensemble cast of characters. In our Q&A segment, we muse over the process of games criticism, talk about various media that has repelled us in different ways, and rip into that god awful Gameboy Advance sound chip.