REVEIL Review by IM Dave Angel

The following is a review by IM Dave Angel, who is joining on the Complete Xbox Team. REVEIL is available on Xbox Series X|S & PC.

This train is stopping at AAARRGGHH!

REVEIL is a well-paced horror experience that can only be described as a rollercoaster of emotions—mostly fear, apprehension with a side order of frustration. But don’t be complacent, everything is not as it seems.

Developed by Pixelsplit and Daedalic Entertainment, this first-person psycho-thriller takes you into the rundown ruins of our hero’s fractured mind.  Reveil takes you on a journey through regret, puzzles, and psychedelic phenomena within the eerie confines of a family circus and the surrounding area.

A slow burner

Reveil plays its card close to its chest and you won’t get a full view of the entire picture until you are near the very end of the story.  Once you have completed the story once, multiple endings as well as collectibles hidden in every dark nook and cranny give this game great replayability.

The story starts with you suffering from headaches and (seemingly) addicted to strong painkillers. However, in Reveil, nothing is exactly what it seems.

It’s the story of a family apart, for what reason you cannot initially remember.  You play the husband, looking for his wife and daughter.  It is only by playing through the 5 chapters of the game will you find out the truth.  Remember that horror can come in many forms and Reveil plays with that to its best advantage.

It seems apparent that the game was developed with PC in mind and the game has been ported to the latest generation of consoles. However, you use your “hand” in game to grab the indicated handles, switches et al and manipulate them to solve the current problem.

When the game turns back to horror (why wouldn’t it?) then the hand mechanics are the reason I got caught about 20 times by a monster that a few moments before was helping me solve a puzzle. But you need to complete that sequence to carry on.  I simply saved, made myself a cup of coffee, made some phone calls and went back to it and aced it.  It is not a deal breaker, but some people may have issues with the level of control and accuracy required at certain times in the story.

Main highlights and takeawys from REVEIL –

The circus setting is both haunting and captivating, enticing you to move the story forward to find out more. The attention to detail in the graphics and set design immerses you in the twisted world of REVEIL.

Good Puzzles and Fun Mini-Games: The gameplay strikes a balance between exploration and brain-teasing challenges, including the use of an arcade machine.

Exquisite circus attractions and psychedelic visuals enhance the overall experience and it never missed a step once on the Xbox Series S.

Horror-Filled Atmosphere: The game’s atmosphere is steeped in intrigue, making every step nerve-wracking.

Great Atmospheric Audio Design: The soundscapes contribute significantly to the fear factor.

Five different endings and a slew of collectibles give the game a nice level of replay value.

What the game could have improved on –

Epilepsy Risk: Some sequences feature intense visual effects that may pose a risk for players with epilepsy. Caution is advised.

Slower Narrative: While the story is intriguing, it unfolds at a more deliberate pace than some players might prefer.

Conclusion

REVEIL’s story, though simple, is executed (pun played for and got) brilliantly. Themes of grief, denial, and fear are subtly woven into the unique setting. The horror is not a cheap trick; it serves to amplify the protagonist’s internal struggles as well as allow the player to try all the game styles that REVEIL offers them. If you’re seeking genuine scares and a trippy circus experience akin to Cirque du Soleil, buy your ticket and STEP RIGHT UP. Just be prepared to lose some sleep!