Dead Reset
" Gruesome adventure horror with immersive FMV and time-loop replay, but limited narrative depth "
Dead Reset Review
Dead Reset is a full-motion video (FMV) horror game that combines a claustrophobic underwater setting with a time-loop mechanic, offering a tense and atmospheric narrative. Players control Cole Mason, a surgeon trapped in a research facility plagued by monstrous transformations. The story unfolds through player choices that affect who lives or dies and which of several endings is reached. The game’s practical gore effects and well-executed cinematography enhance its B-movie sci-fi horror vibe, while the time-loop mechanic encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover all story facets.
Though praised for its acting and replayability, some players found the choices less impactful than expected, with limited branching paths and a linear progression that funnels towards a few endings. The lack of a save or checkpoint system for exploring different outcomes was a common frustration. Despite these shortcomings, Dead Reset is appreciated for its stylish presentation, engaging story, and unique approach to FMV interactivity, making it a worthwhile experience especially for fans of the genre.
Highlights
Players especially praise Dead Reset’s practical gore effects and atmospheric cinematography that evoke classic B-movie horror. The acting, particularly of the main character, is considered strong for an FMV game, enhancing immersion. The time-loop mechanic and multiple endings add replay value, encouraging exploration of different narrative outcomes. The game’s sound design and lighting effectively build tension, and the inclusion of a skip feature for seen scenes improves pacing during replays.
Overall, the combination of sci-fi horror themes, moral decision-making, and interactive storytelling is well-received as a fresh take within the FMV genre.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the limited impact of player choices, with many decisions leading to similar outcomes and only minor variations in scenes. The narrative is sometimes seen as linear and repetitive, which diminishes replay value after discovering multiple endings. Several players noted the absence of a save or checkpoint system, forcing full restarts to explore alternate paths, which can be tedious.
Some found the acting uneven and the pacing slow, with certain scenes lingering too long on dialogue. The monster design and plot explanations were occasionally described as cheesy or underdeveloped, and technical issues like jittery visuals detracted from immersion for a few users.
Pros
- • Practical gore effects create authentic and gruesome horror visuals.
- • Strong acting performances enhance narrative immersion.
- • Time-loop mechanic adds depth and replayability.
- • Multiple endings encourage exploration of story paths.
- • Atmospheric cinematography with effective lighting and sound design.
- • Skip feature allows faster replays through seen scenes.
- • Engaging sci-fi horror story with moral decision-making.
Cons
- • Limited branching narrative reduces impact of player choices.
- • No save or checkpoint system forces full game restarts.
- • Some pacing issues with slow, dialogue-heavy scenes.
- • Occasional uneven acting and melodramatic performances.
- • Monster design sometimes looks cheesy or unconvincing.
- • Plot explanations can feel vague or underdeveloped.
- • Repetitive gameplay can lessen tension after multiple runs.
Rating Criteria
Trapped in a terrifying death-loop, surgeon Cole Mason is kidnapped and brought to an underwater facility, forced to operate on a patient to extract an evolving parasitic horror. Dead Reset is a blood-soaked interactive horror, where each death brings you closer to the truth.