Favourite Horror Video Games 1 – The Quarry (2022)
The Quarry is an interactive horror video game developed by Supermassive Games and published by 2K Games. It was released in June 2022 and is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows. It is simply a masterpiece.
This article DOES NOT contain spoilers.
The game is set in an eerie summer camp and follows a group of nine teenage counselors who plan to spend one last night at the camp before it closes. However, their plans go awry when they encounter something sinister lurking in the woods. The gameplay revolves around making choices that affect the story’s outcome, with multiple endings based on the decisions made by the player.
The Quarry boasts impressive graphics and utilizes live-action performances captured through motion capture technology. The cast includes notable actoring talent such as David Arquette, Sam Raimi, Lance Henriksen, Lin Shaye, Ariel Winter, and Justice Smith, which adds to the cinematic experience and pedigree of the game.
One of the key features of The Quarry is its branching narrative structure. Players must navigate through complex moral dilemmas and make split-second decisions that can lead to life-or-death consequences for the characters. The game is cleverly designed so the result of any decision you make, no matter how rushed or pressured, never feels like it is ever just pure luck. This level of interactivity and consequence makes for a highly engaging and replayable game.
Trivia: The prologue cutscene camera movement speeding through the woods is identical to the iconic demon point of view made famous by Sam Raimi in The Evil Dead (1981).
In terms of gameplay mechanics, The Quarry employs quick-time events (QTEs) and exploration segments. During QTEs, players must press specific buttons within a limited time to perform actions successfully. Exploration allows players to discover clues and items that can help them in later stages of the game.
Trivia: The average page count for a movie script is between 90 and 120 pages but over 1000 pages of dialogue was written for The Quarry, with the players able to achieve a final tally of 186 unique endings.
The sound design and score also play a crucial role in building tension and atmosphere. The eerie soundtrack and ambient sounds contribute to a feeling of unease and anticipation as players navigate through the dark, foreboding environment.
Overall, The Quarry offers a unique blend of interactive storytelling and horror elements that make it stand out in the genre. It’s a game that encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover all possible outcomes and secrets hidden within its narrative.
The Quarry (2022)
Product details
Rated: Ages 18 and Over
Language: English
Release date: 10 Jun. 2022
Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam.
IMDb: The Quarry (Video Game 2022) – IMDb
Product Description
As the sun sets on the last day of summer camp, the teenage counselors of Hackett’s Quarry throw a party to celebrate. No kids. No adults. No rules. Things quickly take a turn for the worse. Hunted by blood-drenched locals and something far more sinister, the teens’ party plans unravel into an unpredictable night of horror. Friendly banter and flirtations give way to life-or-death decisions, as relationships build or break under the strain of unimaginable choices. Play as each of the nine camp counselors in a thrilling cinematic tale, where every decision shapes your unique story from a tangled web of possibilities.
Any character can be the star of the show—or die before daylight comes. How will your story unfold?
YOUR STORY, THEIR FATE Will you dare to check what’s behind that trap door? Will you investigate the screams echoing from within the forest? Will you save your friends or desperately run for your life? Every choice, big or small, shapes your story and determines who lives to tell the tale.
A STUNNING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE Cutting edge facial capture and filmic lighting techniques, combined with incredible performances from an iconic ensemble cast of Hollywood talent, bring the horrors of Hackett’s Quarry to life in a pulse-pounding, cinematic thrill ride.
ENJOY THE FRIGHT WITH FRIENDS Place your faith in up to 7 friends in online play, where invited players watch along and vote on key decisions, creating a story shaped by the whole group! Or, play together in a party horror couch co-op experience where each player picks a counselor and controls their actions.
CUSTOMISE YOUR EXPERIENCE Adjustable difficulty for all gameplay elements let players of any skill level enjoy the horror. And if you prefer to watch rather than play, Movie Mode lets you enjoy The Quarry as a binge-worthy cinematic thriller. Select how you want the story to unfold, kick back, and munch on some popcorn in between all the screams!
If you haven’t played this game yet, it’s highly recommended it for its quality, production values, cast, entertainment value and value for money through replayablity.
MOVIE RATING
© Colin Lawson Books