Netflix's latest foray into interactive entertainment, the horror game Unhinged, aims to deepen player immersion by requiring the use of a smartphone, a departure from traditional controllers or mouse and keyboard inputs. Developed by Zach Cregger and David Fincher, the game tasks players with using their phone as the in-game device for protagonist Ava, allowing for interactions like calling for help and using the phone's flashlight. This approach offers moments of genuine immersion, such as texting a friend for guidance or navigating dark environments illuminated by the phone's light after a hurricane disrupts power.
However, this innovative control scheme also presents significant drawbacks. The game frequently uses the phone for non-diegetic purposes, such as constant calls from the character Claire, which can pull players out of the horror. The lack of a 'do not disturb' function on Ava's phone, which players might instinctively wish to activate, further exacerbates this issue. The game's short, approximately 30-minute, runtime is almost entirely filled with these disruptive calls.
The point-and-click mechanics, also controlled via the phone, prove temperamental. While the intention is to simulate the player navigating a dark building with only their phone, the accuracy required for quick-time events, such as escaping danger or defending against the game's antagonist, is difficult to master. This can detract from the intended suspense and immersion.
Despite these control scheme issues, Unhinged offers a pleasant, albeit brief, point-and-click horror experience. The game's setting is described as suitably creepy, and while deep suspense is not a hallmark, it aligns with expectations for a game of its short duration. The standout element of Unhinged is its voice acting. Performances from Zoë Kravitz as the protagonist, Sadie Sink as her friend Claire, and Troy Baker as the killer are lauded as exceptional, effectively immersing players in the narrative far more than the unique control method.
Ultimately, Unhinged is recommended for those with a Netflix subscription seeking a short horror experience. The game's ambition to integrate mobile devices for immersion is commendable, but its execution is hampered by a flawed control system and a lack of polish. Had the game offered a longer runtime and a more conventional control option alongside its phone integration, its praise might have been higher. Nevertheless, it stands as a competent horror game within its given constraints.