Carrion (video game)
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Developer(s) | Phobia Game Studio |
Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
Designer(s) |
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Composer(s) | Cris Velasco |
Engine | MonoGame |
Platform(s) | |
Release |
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Genre(s) | Horror |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Carrion (/kɛər.iː.ɪn/) is a horror video game developed by Phobia Game Studio and published by Devolver Digital. Described as a "reverse-horror game",[1][2][3] the game allows players to control a tentacled monster whose objective is to make its way through a facility, stalking and killing humans in its path.[1]
Carrion was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One on July 23, 2020.[2][4] A PlayStation 4 version of the game is set to be released in 2021.[5]
Gameplay[]
Players control a red, amorphous, tentacled monster of unknown origin. The monster must make its way through a facility, crawling through vents and killing scientists and soldiers. As the game progresses, players can obtain upgrades such as the ability to dash—which can be used to break through wooden barricades and access otherwise unreachable areas—and to grow in size.[1]
Plot[]
An amorphous entity known only as “The Creature” is held in a containment unit within a research facility owned by a company called Relith Science. The creature breaks out and progresses through the facility in order to find an exit. As the organism progresses through the facility, it fights and devours its way through the facility's staff and security forces. Along the way, the creature discovers pieces of its genetic code removed by the scientists for study and containment, which allow it to evolve, allowing for greater size and more means of both defense and offense.
The Creature also encounters material analyzers which, upon entering, trigger flashbacks revealing its origins. The Creature was originally found within an egg-like sack by three scientists, and upon awakening, proceeded to kill two and possess the third. However, Relith security forces arrived and executed the remaining scientist, forcing the creature out into the open and allowing Relith to capture and contain it. Eventually, the creature returns to its initial containment area and absorbs the last piece of its stolen genetic code, allowing it to reconstitute a human form, which takes the appearance of the scientist it originally infected. The disguised creature then escapes the facility into what appears to be a partially quarantined Seattle.[citation needed]
Development[]
Carrion was developed by Phobia Game Studio, an indie game developer based in Warsaw, Poland.[6] According to tweets by developer Sebastian Krośkiewicz, development on Carrion began at least as early as October 2017.[6] Gameplay from Carrion was first shown publicly at the 2018 Game Developers Conference.[7][8] An official reveal trailer for the game was uploaded to YouTube by Devolver Digital on June 9, 2019.[9] Devolver Digital promoted the game during their press conference at E3 2019.[10][11]
Music[]
The soundtrack by Cris Velasco was released by video game label Materia Collective on July 23, 2020.[12] The official vinyl pressing, done in collaboration with Devolver Digital, featured an injection of red hygroscopic liquid to resemble blood splatters.[13]
Release[]
Phobia Game Studio released a demo version of the game on Steam in October 2019.[14]
The game was released on desktop platforms (Windows, Linux and MacOS), Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One on July 23, 2020.[2][4] Prior to the announcement of the July 23 release date, the game was reported to have a PlayStation 4 release planned,[2] but no PlayStation 4 release date has been announced.[15] In August 2021, it was announced that a PlayStation 4 version of the game is set to be released in 2021.[5][16]
Reception[]
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by . (November 2020) |
Aggregator | Score |
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Metacritic | NS: 76/100[17] PC: 75/100[18] XONE: 76/100[19] |
Publication | Score |
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Destructoid | 8/10[20] |
Easy Allies | 6/10[21] |
Game Informer | 7.25/10[22] |
GameSpot | 7/10[23] |
Hardcore Gamer | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
IGN | 7/10[25] |
Nintendo Life | 8/10[28] |
Nintendo World Report | 9/10[27] |
PC Gamer (US) | 72/100[26] |
Carrion received generally favourable reviews on Nintendo Switch, PC and Xbox One according to the review aggregator Metacritic.[17][18][19] It was nominated for Best Debut Game and Best Indie at The Game Awards 2020.[29]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c King, Andrew (December 18, 2019). "[Hands-on Preview] Become 'The Blob' in Reverse Horror Game 'Carrion'". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Wilson, Mike (June 16, 2020). "'Carrion' Slithering Onto The Switch This Summer Alongside Xbox One And PC". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Barbosa, Alessandro (June 17, 2020). "Gory Reverse-Horror Game Carrion Is Coming To Nintendo Switch". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Skrebels, Joe (July 11, 2020). "Carrion Gets July Release Date". IGN. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Carrion coming to PS4 in 2021". Gematsu. August 5, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Kane, Alex (June 9, 2019). "E3 2019 Trailer: 'Carrion'". Variety. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Mahardy, Mike (March 22, 2018). "This Horror Game Lets You Play The Monster". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ O'Connor, James (November 11, 2019). "Reverse-Horror Monster Game Carrion Is Coming To Xbox One As Well As PC Next Year". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Carrion - Reveal Trailer. Devolver Digital on YouTube. June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ FULL Devolver Digital E3 2019 Press Conference. IGN on YouTube. June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Gelmini, David (June 13, 2019). "E3 2019: The Monster From Carrion Stole The Show During Devolver Digital's Press Conference". Dread Central. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (July 17, 2020). "[Exclusive] Hear The Main Theme to Upcoming Reverse-Horror Game 'Carrion'". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
- ^ "Carrion (Original Game Soundtrack) - 2xLP Limited-Edition Blood-filled Vinyl". Materia Collective Store. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (October 27, 2019). "Devolver Digital Unleashes Demo For 'Carrion' on Steam". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ Dedmon, Tanner (July 11, 2020). "Monster Horror Game Carrion Gets a Release Date". ComicBook.com. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "Reverse-horror experience Carrion bursts onto PS4 later this year". PlayStation Blog. August 5, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Carrion for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Carrion for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Carrion for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Devore, Jordan (July 26, 2020). "Review: Carrion". Destructoid. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Huber, Michael. "Review: Carrion". Easy Allies. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Reiner, Andrew (July 23, 2020). "Carrion Review – All Tentacles And Repetition". Game Informer. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Barbosa, Alessandro (August 3, 2020). "Carrion Review - GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Helm, Jordan (July 22, 2020). "Review: Carrion - Hardcore Gamer". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Saltzman, Mitchell (July 28, 2020). "Carrion Review - IGN". IGN. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Khan, Imran (July 30, 2020). "Carrion Review". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Hilhorst, Willem (22 July 2020). "Carrion (Switch) Review". . Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ Gipp, Stuart (29 July 2020). "Carrion Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ Tassi, Paul (2020-12-11). "Here's The Game Awards 2020 Winners List With A Near-Total 'Last Of Us' Sweep". Forbes.
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