Amnesia: The Bunker
Frictional's latest installment in the Amnesia series, Amnesia: The Bunker, is a terrifying and suspenseful game set in a WWI bunker. With a runtime of four to six hours, this is the shortest Amnesia game to date, providing an intense and adrenaline-pumping Horror experience.
The story of The Bunker is straightforward - you wake up in the bunker with no memory and the constant threat of a lurking creature. The shorter length of the game allows for quick immersion and a sense of urgency from the beginning. However, it also means that the narrative is minimal, leaving many questions unanswered. If you're looking for in-depth lore analysis, this review may not satisfy your curiosity.
In The Bunker, the enemies you encounter are mutated rats, possibly a result of chemical warfare. The game introduces a new main enemy, The Beast, a horrifying creature resembling a dog with a burning head and fishhook-like claws. Additionally, there are satisfyingly gory, exploding heads scattered throughout the game.
Flashbacks and Collectibles
One new feature in The Bunker is the concept of collecting memories or "traces" left behind by your past self. However, this mechanic feels tedious as it requires slow and careful exploration while listening for audio cues. The game's lore is primarily revealed through journal entries and imagery, allowing players to gradually uncover the occult elements within the Amnesia series.
One notable aspect of The Bunker is the abundance of collectibles. The game boasts more collectibles than any other game in the series, each with stunning visual art direction and mysterious images to decipher. While solving these collectibles may take time, each picture offers a striking image and subtle references to WWI, unveiling secrets that may only be partially discovered.
Amnesia: The Bunker offers multiple endings, providing additional content for players to explore. To achieve the best ending, one must escape unharmed, with the game providing instructions on how to do so. Alternatively, players can also choose to confront the creature, with the outcome varying based on their approach.
