A Strong Comic Book Identity
I Hate This Place wears its inspiration proudly. Pulled directly from the comic of the same name, the game leans hard into thick outlines, bold colors, and exaggerated creature designs. Visually, it works. The enemy designs in particular stand out, grotesque, unsettling, and memorable in a way that fits the world well. There’s also a heavy ’80s horror vibe running through everything, giving off strong Stranger Things energy with its synth-heavy mood and supernatural paranoia.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the game knows exactly what it wants to be.
Basic Combat and Clunky Controls
Unfortunately, the gameplay doesn’t always live up to the presentation. Combat is extremely basic, and while that may be intentional, it often feels flat rather than tense. Encounters lack variety, and fighting rarely feels satisfying or strategic.
Controls are another sore spot. Movement and aiming can feel awkward, especially during stressful moments, and this often leads to frustration rather than fear. The camera doesn’t help either. It can be actively hindering at times, obscuring important details in the environment when you need clarity the most.
One early example stood out: while exploring the bunker, I spent nearly 20 minutes running back and forth, convinced I was missing something. Turns out I was, an open vent grate that simply wasn’t visible to me. After enough frustration, I had to check a guide just to move forward. Moments like that break immersion fast.
Survival Mechanics That Hurt the Pacing
The survival aspect is where the game really lost me personally. Resource management, crafting, and general survival systems slow the experience down, but not in a way that builds tension. Instead, they often feel like obstacles standing between you and the more interesting parts of the game.
Early on, the bunker section does a good job of maintaining suspense. Resources are tight, danger feels constant, and the atmosphere is oppressive. However, once you leave the bunker and the world opens up, that tension drops significantly. For me, that’s where my interest started to tank. The fear fades, the stakes feel lower, and the gameplay loop becomes less compelling.
Voice Acting and Characters
Voice acting is another mixed bag. Overall, it leaves a lot to be desired, with several performances feeling flat or unconvincing. That said, Adam stands out as a genuinely likable character, and his presence helped ground the story when the dialogue itself didn’t always land.
Final Verdict
I Hate This Place succeeds visually and thematically, especially if you’re familiar with or interested in the comic. The creature designs are strong, the ’80s horror influence is clear, and the early atmosphere does a solid job of pulling you in. However, basic combat, clunky controls, a frustrating camera, and survival mechanics that sap momentum hold it back from being truly memorable.
There’s something here, but it never quite comes together.
Score: 6.5/10
