i had fun for about 2-ish hours not expecting much from the game till its flaws started showing. Boss designs are wildly pathetic with them just running at you constantly in tight spaces giving you almost no window to shoot them. Had my good fill and wont let it get soured more! 5/10

Them and Us : By Triple F

"Them and Us" by TendoGames is a survival horror game that draws heavily from classic genre staples like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, offering a modern take on the old-school survival horror formula. Set in the 1970s, the game follows Alicia, a woman who wakes up in an abandoned mansion after surviving a bus accident, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare filled with grotesque creatures and dark secrets. Combining fixed camera angles, a slow-burn atmosphere, and resource management, "Them and Us" appeals to fans of traditional horror who appreciate tension, exploration, and a touch of nostalgia.

The story in "Them and Us" is mysterious and deliberately cryptic, revealing itself gradually as Alicia explores the eerie mansion and uncovers notes, diaries, and clues left by former residents. The plot borrows heavily from the haunted mansion trope but weaves its own lore around Alicia’s tragic past and the experiments that took place within the mansion walls. Alicia herself is a compelling character, grounded in realism and vulnerability, making her struggle for survival feel genuine and relatable. The pacing of the narrative allows players to immerse themselves in a world filled with dread, discovering bits and pieces of the larger mystery as they push forward.

Gameplay in "Them and Us" is a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, much like the survival horror games of the late 90s and early 2000s. Players are tasked with finding keys, solving environmental puzzles, and managing limited resources such as ammunition and health supplies. Combat is strategic rather than fast-paced, emphasizing careful use of resources and an understanding of enemy behaviors. Each encounter feels weighty, as players must decide whether to fight or flee. This classic approach to gameplay creates tension by forcing players to carefully consider each decision, as mistakes can quickly lead to life-or-death consequences.

The game’s environments are richly atmospheric, featuring dimly lit hallways, decaying furniture, and a level of detail that brings the mansion’s haunting history to life. Shadows cast eerie figures across cracked walls, and the flickering light from Alicia’s flashlight adds to the suspenseful mood. The mansion itself feels labyrinthine and oppressive, with winding corridors, secret rooms, and a variety of environments that extend beyond the mansion into crypts, forests, and other eerie locations. The intricate design of each area invites players to explore every corner, reinforcing the sense of isolation and unease as they uncover hidden horrors.

Sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the horror elements of "Them and Us". The ambient audio is rich and unnerving, featuring subtle creaks, distant footsteps, and sudden crashes that make every moment feel charged with tension. Background music is used sparingly, allowing silence to build suspense as players inch through each room. The groans and shrieks of enemies are unsettling, giving players an audio warning that something is lurking nearby. Voice acting is solid, with Alicia’s voice capturing her fear and determination, adding depth to her character without overshadowing the game’s eerie, minimalist atmosphere.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Them and Us" is its respect for player choice. The game allows players to choose between fixed camera angles, which enhance the old-school horror vibe, or an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, making it accessible to both fans of classic and modern horror styles. This flexibility in gameplay perspective is refreshing, as it accommodates different types of players without sacrificing the core survival horror experience. Additionally, the difficulty settings allow players to tailor the challenge to their preference, from resource scarcity to enemy aggression, adding replay-ability for those who want to test their skills at higher levels.

While "Them and Us" succeeds in capturing the essence of classic horror, it does have minor drawbacks. Some players may find the pacing slow, as the emphasis on exploration and resource management can make progression feel methodical. Certain puzzles, while inventive, can feel overly complex or tedious, potentially breaking the flow for players looking for a more streamlined experience. Additionally, the combat mechanics, though serviceable, can feel clunky at times, especially when faced with multiple enemies in close quarters. However, these issues are relatively minor and don’t detract significantly from the game’s overall sense of dread and immersion.

In the end, "Them and Us" is a well-crafted homage to the survival horror genre, blending traditional gameplay mechanics with a dark, atmospheric world that pulls players into its nightmarish setting. The game’s dedication to classic horror design, combined with modern options for customization, makes it a versatile experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre. For players who crave a suspenseful, slow-burn horror experience filled with puzzles, resource management, and relentless tension, "Them and Us" delivers a haunting journey that is both chilling and nostalgically satisfying.