LIMINAL SHIFT

Developer: NextPhase
Release: Jun 24th 2025
Platforms:
Adventure
Casual
Indie
Simulation
Immersive
Atmospheric
Realistic
Repetitive
Tedious
LIMINAL SHIFT Poster

" Atmospheric adventure simulation with immersive sound and visuals but repetitive level design "

LIMINAL SHIFT Review

LIMINAL SHIFT is a well-crafted entry in the liminal space walking simulator genre, praised for its realistic and visually appealing graphics and immersive sound design that enhances the atmospheric experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and unease without relying on traditional horror elements like monsters or jump scares. The varied levels, including challenging puzzles, add some depth to exploration.

However, some players find the game lacking in originality and variety, with repetitive level designs and a somewhat generic feel that prevents it from standing out in a crowded genre. The exploration can become tedious, especially in larger levels where players may get lost without engaging events. Despite these issues, LIMINAL SHIFT is considered enjoyable and worth playing, especially for fans of liminal spaces, though it may not leave a lasting impression for everyone.

Highlights

The game excels in graphics and sound design, delivering a beautiful and immersive atmosphere that resonates with fans of liminal spaces. Players highlight the realistic lighting effects and the evocative nature of the environments, which can elicit strong emotional responses. The inclusion of puzzles and multiple levels adds to the gameplay depth, making it a standout among similar walking simulators. Many recommend it as one of the better-made games in its niche.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the lack of variety and originality, with many levels feeling repetitive and some areas becoming tedious to navigate. The absence of dynamic events or entities reduces engagement during exploration. Optimization issues typical of UE5 games also affect performance for some players. Overall, the game could benefit from more diverse content and improved level design to maintain player interest throughout longer play sessions.

Pros

  • Immersive sound design enhances the atmospheric gameplay experience significantly.
  • Realistic and visually appealing graphics create a captivating environment.
  • Multiple levels and puzzles add depth to the walking simulator formula.
  • Evokes strong emotional responses through nostalgic and eerie liminal spaces.
  • Well-optimized performance on most systems despite UE5 engine challenges.
  • Unique approach to horror without relying on monsters or jump scares.
  • Recommended for fans of liminal spaces and atmospheric exploration.

Cons

  • Repetitive level design with many similar rooms reduces variety.
  • Exploration can become tedious and confusing in larger levels.
  • Lacks dynamic events or entities to sustain player engagement.
  • Some sculptures and objects feel inaccurately rendered, reducing immersion.
  • Optimization issues common to UE5 games affect some players.
  • Fails to establish a distinctive identity within the genre.
  • Missing memorable moments that would leave a lasting impression.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Liminal Shift is a unique atmospheric suspense game developed using the latest Unreal Engine 5 technologies such as Lumen and Nanite. With every step you take, Liminal Shift pushes you deeper into an eerie, unsettling experience like no other.

Release Date Jun 24th 2025
Publisher NextPhase
Developer NextPhase
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (75)
88% Positive 12% Negative