The Safe Room

cw: discussions of sexual assault and self harm

On this episode of The Safe Room, we discuss about the 2021 indie survival horror game Tormented Souls! We talk about the ways it riffs on classics such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill, the game’s lack of daring storytelling, and the charm of a low-budget horror game. At approximately 49:00, we shift gears to talk about Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, the nature in which it explores its thorny themes, and its relation to works such as Silent Hill.

Next time: Yume Nikki!

Bio F R E A K S Character Select N64

This episode we cover the 2012 RPG Maker game Ib! We talk about the game’s simplistic-yet-subtle narrative, its playful level design, and its mature tone in comparison to…a certain game we’ve covered on the show previously. We also tackle a mountain of relationship discourse as grapple with the sobering reality of fandom shippers.

This episode, we cover the 8-bit inspired horror hit FAITH: The Unholy Trinity. We talk about the game’s undeniable style, its many unique frights, and the ways in which it improves throughout the course of its three chapters. We also discuss the game’s relationship to religion, especially in comparison to other exorcism tales.

Rose and Grace explore a secret island base in pursuit of Code Veronica! They discuss its melodrama, nineties-style transphobia, and its multitude of annoyances.

We visit the infamous Heavenly Lost Elementary School as we explore Corpse Party and many of its different versions. We talk about the ways in which it (mis)handles sensitive topics, the overbearing edginess of its horrors, and its large-but-mostly-bland ensemble cast of characters. In our Q&A segment, we muse over the process of games criticism, talk about various media that has repelled us in different ways, and rip into that god awful Gameboy Advance sound chip.

In the midst of a fierce winter storm, we hop on the first available flight to Lospass Island and explore Suda51’s infamous surrealist adventure game “Flower, Sun, and Rain”. We talk about the game’s uniquely mundane structure, examine the ways it borrows from Twin Peaks and David Lynch, and recollect the game’s funniest and most memorable moments.

Grace and Rose have returned to Silent Hill, this time summoned by Christophe Gans’ adaptation of Silent Hill 2. What awaits them on the other side of the fog?

Grace and Rose dig into Slay the Princess and discuss its many routes, surprises, and ruminations on narrative storytelling. We also talk about the game’s tone and often grating dialogue between personalities. Lastly, we contemplate perhaps the most important question of all: Why doesn’t anyone talk about how horny this game is?

On this episode of The Safe Room, we tackle the new indie horror action game Silly Polly Beast. We praise the game’s art style and presentation, analyze its kinetic and tense combat, and discuss what constitutes a “Story-driven” video game. Lastly, we react to the Return to Silent Hill trailer and contemplate the death of art.

Rose and Grace discuss the first (good) Silent Hill game since SH4! We talk over its deeply felt depiction of growing up, its introduction of real ensemble dynamics to the franchise, and its exhausting, repetitive, and thrilling combat.