PIGFACE
" Gritty action indie with visceral gunplay and tactical options but limited content "
PIGFACE Review
PIGFACE is an early access indie shooter blending gritty aesthetics reminiscent of Manhunt, Condemned, and Hotline Miami with immersive sim elements. Players control a tough protagonist named Exit, navigating grim, trash-filled environments while completing missions such as thefts and eliminations. The gameplay loop is praised for its satisfying gunplay and tactical freedom, allowing multiple approaches including stealth, loud combat, and traps. The game’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, enhanced by a VHS-style visual filter and a fitting soundtrack that complements the brutal setting.
However, the game is currently limited in content, offering only about 4-5 levels, which results in a short playtime of roughly 1-3 hours for the available missions. Enemy AI is often criticized for being simple and unreactive, and some mechanics like the mask buffs and melee combat feel underdeveloped. Despite these issues, players appreciate the game's potential and eagerly anticipate future updates to expand content and refine systems.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics receive strong praise for tight, visceral gunplay and multiple tactical approaches, including stealth and loud combat.
The atmosphere and art style capture a grim, dirty, late 90s vibe, enhanced by a VHS filter and an excellent soundtrack.
Level design is open and logical, encouraging exploration and replayability, with a focus on immersive sim elements.
The storyline, while minimalistic, intrigues players with mysterious characters and a dark premise involving a protagonist with an explosive device in her head.
Criticisms
Content is currently very limited, with only 4-5 levels and roughly an hour or two of gameplay, leaving players wanting more.
Enemy AI is simplistic, lacking memory, awareness, and intelligent reactions, which reduces challenge.
Some gameplay mechanics feel underdeveloped, such as melee combat, mask buffs, and stealth detection.
Graphically, the style is divisive; some find it fitting while others see it as flat or crude.
Players desire more customization, varied enemy behaviors, difficulty options, and replay incentives like randomized spawns or modifiers.
Pros
- • Satisfying and visceral gunplay with multiple tactical options for players.
- • Gritty and immersive late 90s aesthetic enhanced by a VHS-style filter.
- • Open and logical level design encouraging exploration and replayability.
- • Dark, oppressive atmosphere backed by a fitting and dynamic soundtrack.
- • Intriguing minimalist storyline with mysterious characters and motives.
- • Flexible playstyles including stealth, loud combat, and traps.
- • Unlockable weapons and gear add depth to gameplay progression.
Cons
- • Very limited content with only 4-5 levels and short playtime.
- • Enemy AI is simplistic, unreactive, and reduces gameplay challenge.
- • Melee combat and mask mechanics feel underdeveloped and bland.
- • Stealth detection lacks depth and can feel inconsistent.
- • Graphical style is divisive; some find it flat or crude.
- • Lack of customization options for player’s apartment or gear.
- • No difficulty sliders or modifiers to increase replayability.
Rating Criteria
You wake up with an explosive headache in a pool of your own blood. You're Exit, a terrible woman whose awful past has finally caught up to her. Fulfill contracts for the people who drilled into your skull — guns-blazing, slow and tactical — it doesn’t matter. They know you’ll do whatever it takes.