HOLE

HOLE is a small but well-crafted single-player extraction shooter that offers a unique and tense gameplay experience through its tactical gunplay, manual weapon mechanics, and eerie liminal office aesthetic. Players engage in progressively challenging missions where they collect loot, complete quests, and face off against multiple factions and special enemies, all while managing weapon jams and reloads. The game features three maps, a handful of weapons with attachments, and a progression system that unlocks upgrades for both player and base.

While the gameplay loop is addictive and satisfying, the game suffers from significant performance and optimization issues, especially given its simplistic polygonal graphics. Players report choppy frame rates and limited graphics options, which can detract from immersion. The content is relatively short, around 5-15 hours, and some find the endgame lacking in depth or variety. Despite these flaws, for its low price point, HOLE delivers a compelling and atmospheric extraction shooter experience that many players recommend.

Highlights

Players praise HOLE for its unique tactical gunplay featuring manual chambering, weapon jams, and satisfying recoil mechanics, which add depth and tension to firefights. The eerie liminal atmosphere created by its distinctive retro-styled graphics and sound design enhances immersion and sets it apart from other shooters. The simple but effective progression system with weapon attachments and upgrades keeps the gameplay loop engaging. Many appreciate the game's focused design and enjoy the replayability offered by its three distinct maps and escalating enemy difficulty. Overall, the game is considered a great value for its price, offering a fun and challenging experience in a compact package.

Criticisms

Common criticisms center on poor optimization and performance issues, with many players experiencing low frame rates and choppy gameplay despite the game's minimalistic visuals. The lack of detailed graphics settings and inability to easily tweak performance is a notable frustration. The limited content and short duration leave some players wanting more, as the endgame can feel repetitive and lacks significant variety. Navigation in later maps is sometimes confusing, exacerbated by sound design limitations in multi-floor environments. Some also find the ammo and armor balance inconsistent, and the gun jamming mechanic occasionally annoying. Lastly, the absence of multiplayer and a more developed storyline are seen as missed opportunities.