MadMan

MadMan is the latest Indie Horror Game to hit Steam. This regularly updated game is self-described as a walking simulator, with your goal being to find a way out of an asylum while a crazed doctor tries to kill you. The game offers you clues through exit signs which you must follow, and additional small clues that help build the story along the way.

Incredible graphics and sound

The first things players may notice when trying out this game is the crisp graphics that are levels above the average game. The characters are detailed, backgrounds are moody and appropriate, and everything in the game is sharply detailed. People with super wide screens will be pleased to note that this game can accommodate resolutions for even very wide screens. The sound is also very well done and uses the music to help guide you as to the location of the Doctor who wants to kill you.

Simple, short tutorial

The game starts you in a room with a note from a previous victim, which helps set the background for the doctor and briefly instructs you on how to play the game. The tutorial lets you get off the ground quickly, and controls are very simple and easy to use.

No Jump Scares

Many horror games rely on jump scares to terrify the player. If you love a good horror but hate cheap scares to get your heart pumping, this game is for you. Mad Man has no jump scares in it and utilizes general tension instead to help scare the player.

Much of this is through sound based gameplay, which has you rely on the distance and location of where the sound of the Doctor is to determine how close he is and how big the threat is.

Lacks story

Although the game does have some story—a ‘doctor’ is chasing you with the intent to kill you and you need to escape, it doesn’t go any deeper in that. The game could really benefit from a somewhat deeper storyline. This may be fixed later as the developer has promised regular updates and has promptly fixed bugs as they come up.

Extreme gore and violence

This is a horror game, so violence and gore is expected. This game has more gore and violence than usual, so if you are at all sensitive to these things you may want to choose a less gorey game.

Very short gameplay

The game will last about an hour start to finish. If you are looking for a longer game to keep you busy, this game is not for you. Short gameplay, however, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you don’t have a lot of free time but still want to fully immerse yourself in a game, this short length can be an entertaining way to spend an evening or weekend.

Pros:

• Sound based gameplay
• Simple, straight forward controls

Cons:

• Lacks a deep story