Morto Chapter 1: Nintendo Switch Game Review

*Trigger Warning*: Themes of death and suicide.

Game Title: Morto: Chapter 1

Game Style: 2D Sidescroller

Developer: MBastos Artes (AKA Matheus Bastos)

You would like this game if you liked...The first Luigi's Mansion.

Summary: Morto is a psychological 2D horror where you play an unknown character diving into his past. This game will be a series of Chapters, this just being the first introductory chapter.

Initial Thoughts

Morto Chapter 1 gives you the illusion of control with its straightforward gameplay, but quickly shatters that illusion as the game progresses. Almost immediately you realize that you're on the ride, but you're not the one who's driving.

The feeling of being out of control plays very well into the theme of depression and psychological horror that's carried throughout the game. The world is black, the landscape is bleak, and the echoing sounds of the music send a shrill up your spine.

You get the feeling you've made an irreversible decision and you're left to deal with the desolate aftermath.

My first emotion was confusion. You're not sure where you are, who you are, but most importantly...What you've done. After the initial confusion passes, you're met with utter dread as the story starts to unfold.

Features

One of the main focal points of this game is the art style. It's a black and white Cuphead-like rubberhose cartoon style, with a film grain laid over top. The style really drives home the hollowness of the main character.

Along with the style, this game will surely put a pit deep in your stomach. Whereas most horror games depict situations that are frightening but unrelatable, this one hits home. I mean come on, a government-made science experience gone wrong? Looking at you, Resident Evil.

Critiques

The beginning was a bit confusing for me, just because I wasn't sure how to move around and pick up objects in the world. In Chapter 2, it'd be nice to see some UI or a simple objective system. The story was very captivating, however, there were a lot of different jumping-off points introduced, and I'm not sure how they're going to come together. Horror is fine just for horror's sake, but for me, I hope there is an underlying story that will be weaved together.

The Verdict.

There's some indie "ruggedness" to this game, but the art style and creepy imagery more than make up for the initial confusion. This game truly gives you a pit in your stomach versus some horror games that scare you for cheap thrills. Very excited to see what comes in the next chapter!