PROXIMATE

PROXIMATE is a unique horror experience that combines a creatively challenging navigation mechanic with a deeply atmospheric and immersive world. Players navigate using a visor that only reveals limited information, fostering an imaginative and unsettling sense of blindness. The game’s tone balances dark humor, poignant writing, and moments of genuine dread, often exploring themes of cruelty, capitalism, and human pain through a dystopian lens. The narrative includes strong queer representation and complex characters, though some players felt the story lost focus towards the end, shifting into a more conventional tragic romance that detracted from earlier intrigue.

Gameplay is praised for its originality and the satisfying challenge it provides, though some found the navigation finicky and occasionally frustrating. The experience is relatively short, making it suitable for a single sitting, and the sound design significantly enhances the horror atmosphere. While the game is generally well-received for its creativity and emotional impact, a few critics noted pacing issues and a lack of polish in certain areas.

Highlights

Players especially praise PROXIMATE’s innovative gameplay mechanic that limits vision to a visor, creating a unique spatial awareness challenge. The writing is noted for its humor, emotional depth, and strong queer representation, which adds layers to the horror narrative. The sound design effectively builds tension and atmosphere, complementing the eerie and unsettling vibe. Many reviewers appreciated the game’s ability to blend moments of laughter with genuine terror, resulting in a memorable and thought-provoking horror experience. The short duration is seen as a strength, providing a concise yet impactful journey.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game’s short length and a story that some players felt became disjointed or clichéd towards the end. The navigation mechanic, while innovative, was described as finicky or frustrating by some, potentially hindering enjoyment. A few reviewers found the horror elements subjective and not always effective, depending on player taste. Some felt the writing, particularly the dialogue and romance subplot, was awkward or campy. Additionally, there were mentions of pacing issues and loose narrative threads that left questions unanswered.