Creaks is a bizarre and quirky title. A man in his bedroom is sitting at his desk, when suddenly his wall paper peels off. This reveals a hidden passage. He goes in and descends a ladder. A massive and creepy mansion is under his room. Upon entering a house, he finds a strange world of moving paintings, bird people and creatures running about. The player must make their way through solving puzzles, dodging enemies and determining if the bird people are friends or foe.
Creaks’ gameplay consists of puzzle- platforming. The game offers various crafty and creative obstacles. The puzzles can sometimes really require the player to think outside the box. With some thought and effort put in by the player, it’s thoroughly satisfying. Interactive paintings and secret rooms also play a huge role. These rooms and paintings are very odd and charming, encouraging the player to find all of them.
The art style is one of the biggest selling points. It has a Tim Burton-esque, German expressionist fairy tale book thing going on. The game features a variety of colorful characters. The aforementioned bird people, evil robot bulldogs, shadow monsters, floating jellyfish and a giant wooden monstrosity. The player will be on the edge of their seat, thinking what crazy creature will we see next? It’s good to see that there are developers who want to create something outside the box. Especially in an industry where many protagonists and settings are virtually indistinguishable.
Creaks is an unconventional title. A game that shines in its presentation and gameplay. Any lover of puzzle-platformers, dark aesthetics and Eurocentric tales will find themselves engaged. Creaks is a game that the industry needs more than ever. We need games that are not afraid to look different. A game that unapologetically does its own thing and runs with it. In short, the industry needs to not be afraid and take risks. Descend down the ladder and take a stroll in the dark world that lays beneath.
Much obliged,
Fil Zahnko
Verdict: 9/10