The Anomaly Project

The Anomaly Project is a unique indie multiplayer horror puzzle game that excels in delivering a cooperative experience centered around spotting subtle anomalies in surreal, dreamlike environments. Players work together to identify off details and vote on pathways, creating a tense and rewarding gameplay loop. The game's atmosphere is eerie without relying on graphic horror, using liminal spaces like endless staircases and haunted party rooms to build suspense. Regular updates, including new maps and a Story Mode, keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. While the core gameplay is praised for its cleverness and cooperative nature, some players find certain levels repetitive or underwhelming, and the story mode receives mixed reactions. The game is well-suited for playing with friends and offers good value for its price, though some criticisms include occasional bugs, a lack of settings options, and concerns about asset originality. Overall, it’s an addictive, social puzzle game with a distinct atmosphere that rewards attention to detail.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's cooperative gameplay mechanics that require teamwork and sharp observation skills. The surreal and unsettling visual design effectively creates a creepy, dreamlike atmosphere without relying on gore or jump scares. The variety of maps and the continuous addition of new content, including a Story Mode, contribute to the game's replayability. The social aspect of playing with friends enhances the fun and tension, making the experience memorable and enjoyable. The puzzle design is clever and encourages communication, making each successful round feel earned and rewarding.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include some levels feeling repetitive or boring, especially those relying heavily on pictures or maze-like designs. The story mode is viewed as confusing or derivative by some players, with complaints about uninspired narrative elements. A few reviewers mention bugs and the need for a more thorough settings menu. There are also concerns about the use of AI-generated content and asset originality, which some players feel detracts from the overall polish. Additionally, some find the game's horror elements inconsistent and the difficulty uneven, with certain levels being frustratingly hard or tedious.