The Stairway 7 Review: A Never-Ending Climb into Unsettling Madness
We're diving headfirst into The Stairway 7, the newest heart attack inducer from Steelkrill Studio. If you’re into shitting your pants while clinging to your controller like it’s your last lifeline, then you’re in for a treat. Picture this: a horror game that’s basically a never-ending climb up a staircase from hell, where every step could be your last and every floor is a ticket to Crazy Town. Ready? Let’s go!
The First Step: Setting the Scene
You know that sinking feeling when you boot up a horror game and the menu alone makes you question your life choices? Well, The Stairway 7 kicks off with a simple, yet ominous menu that practically screams, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!” The game’s graphics aren’t about to win any awards, but they’re moody enough to make you double-check the locks on your doors. And the sound design? Sweet mother of jumpscares, it's a symphony of terror. Every creak and groan is a gentle reminder that you’re just one heartbeat away from a coronary.
Gameplay: A Stairway to a Nervous Breakdown
Here’s the gist: you’re stuck in an endless loop of stairways, tasked with spotting anomalies that would make your average poltergeist wet itself. The game thrives on messing with your head – it’s like a twisted game of “spot the difference,” only the stakes are your sanity. Miss an anomaly? Too bad, so sad, you’re gonna get eaten by whatever unholy creature’s lurking around the corner.
Now, let’s talk about the anomalies themselves. They’re not your typical boogeymen; these bad boys are subtle, sneaky little bastards that play with your perception. One minute, everything’s fine, and the next, BAM! Reality’s gone to shit, and you’re left questioning whether you saw what you think you saw.
The Good, the Bad, and the Cat That Saves the Day
First things first: the atmosphere in this game is on point. You know you’re in for a rough ride when you start sweating bullets the moment you step into the game. The anomalies are crafted with an evil genius level of attention to detail – they’re just enough to make you doubt your sanity without giving you a full-on heart attack (most of the time).
And can we talk about the cat? Yes, there’s a cat. A red, fluffy beacon of hope in this nightmare. It’s like the developers said, “Hey, let’s throw in a cute cat to balance out the sheer terror.” Genius move, Steelkrill. And yes, you can pet the cat. If that doesn’t make this game an instant buy, I don’t know what will.
Now, for the downsides. The game tries to pull a fast one on you with a heavy-handed story twist near the end. It’s like, “Oh, you’re having fun? Here’s a tragic backstory to bum you out.” And don’t even get me started on the missing floor 70. Where the hell is it? Seriously, did someone lose a floor? I’m losing sleep over this, guys.
Bugs and Glitches: The Real Anomalies
Sure, the game has its fair share of bugs – nothing game-breaking, but enough to make you roll your eyes and say, “Oh, come on!” Think of it as part of the charm. A ghostly entity that decides to moonwalk instead of chasing you? Classic.
To Climb or Not to Climb? That is the Question
Despite its quirks and a story that feels like an afterthought, The Stairway 7 is a gem in the horror genre. It’s short but oh-so-sweet, with a hardcore mode that’s available right off the bat for those of you who like to live dangerously. Kudos to Steelkrill Studio for creating a game that’s more than just cheap scares and really plays with your mind.
Final Verdict: Worth the Ascent?
Hell yes! The Stairway 7 is a rollercoaster of psychological horror that’s sure to give you nightmares – the good kind. It’s not perfect, but it’s a damn good time. If you’re into games that mess with your head and keep you on your toes, you owe it to yourself to give this one a go. And hey, don’t forget to pet the cat. It’s the least you can do for dragging yourself through this digital hell.
Rating: 8.0/10 – An unsettling ascent into madness, with a side of feline comfort.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.