A review of the game "One-Eyed Evil" – a horror game about an archetypal fairy tale in the spirit of Eggers

Contents:

• Don’t wake up Likho…
• …while it is quiet

Odysseus once encountered the Cyclops Polyphemus, who began devouring his crew one by one. Using cunning, the hero got the giant drunk and then gouged out his only eye. The survivors managed to escape the Cyclops's lair by disguising themselves as sheep. This ancient legend evokes interesting parallels with other myths, such as the tale recorded by Afanasyev about Likho the One-Eyed, which also features a giant who loses his sight, and his victims escape under the skins of sheep. No less interesting are the stories of Hula-Maly from the Kazym Khanty and the giant Deu, who is part of Kazakh folklore. Also worth mentioning are Tinin Visag from Chechen and Ingush legends and the adventures of Sinbad, which also feature elements of struggle with powerful creatures. These myths and legends emphasize universal themes of struggle, cunning, and salvation that unite different cultures and peoples.

Whether myths are universal or migrating stories remains an open question. Nevertheless, the one-eyed giant appears in legends across various cultures. Typically, the hero blinds this creature and, taking the form of a beast, finds a way to escape. In doing so, he often makes a sacrifice before leaving the dangerous place. This archetype symbolizes the struggle of man with the monster and the internal transformations that occur on the path to liberation. Such stories emphasize the importance of sacrifice and cunning in overcoming difficulties.

"The One-Eyed Likho" is not just a horror film based on a folk tale; it is a profound exploration of archetypal myths. The game stands out for its original visual style, rich imagery, and a carefully crafted plot. Users can enjoy engaging gameplay that combines elements of fear and tension. This project not only entertains but also offers the opportunity to reflect on deep cultural symbols and their meaning in the modern world.

Don't Wake Likho

In the fairy tale "The Blacksmith," the protagonist, after drinking too much, sets out to find Likho, as his life is full of joy and he has not encountered grief. Although this motivation seems unconvincing, the game offers alternative options: the Blacksmith can be unaware of grief, the light of God, or the truth. While the choice does not affect the main plot, a deeper existential goal makes the search for Likho more meaningful than simply a desire for entertainment. In either case, the Blacksmith will face grief and immerse himself in it fully.

The Blacksmith will go through stages typical of fairy tales, as described by researcher Vladimir Propp. His journey will include a transition from the world of the living to the world of the dead, which is accompanied by a hut and burial. He will encounter a dark forest, gain a magical assistant, undergo trials, experience rebirth, and witness a feast. Here, Likho plays the role of Yaga, and Yaga becomes one of Likho's many names. Each of these stages not only enriches the plot but also deepens understanding of the hero's internal struggle, making the story more multifaceted and engaging for the reader.

The authors explore the numerous intersections of myths and tales from various cultures associated with the image of the one-eyed giant and integrate them into the narrative of the Blacksmith. This interpretation is compelling: the character of Yaga in many fairy tales exhibits the traits of the villain that Likho originally represents. Despite this, Yaga also provides the heroes with magical helpers and subjects them to trials, after which they can be reborn. Similar characteristics are also observed in other mythological figures, such as the giant Polyphemus. Exploring these parallels allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts and symbolism embedded in the tales.

The finale of "Mortyoshka" presents a profound and powerful conclusion about the nature of Likho. I will not reveal the details, as it is better to discover this for yourself. Although there won't be any shocking moments, the plot takes on a surprising scale, forcing you to rethink what's happening.

This story gradually evolves into a fairy tale. After many oral retellings, it becomes the story of Likho the Blacksmith, who searched and, to his regret, found. Perhaps the Blacksmith is following the path of another hero, who in turn followed yet another, and so the chain continues. Each new generation adds its own details, enriching the plot and giving it a new meaning. The tale of Likho the Blacksmith becomes a symbol of the never-ending search and inevitable consequences, making it relevant for anyone who strives for something more.

Fairy tales are eternal, and their heroes endlessly repeat the same path. Although the details change, the main path remains unchanged. These deeper meanings are sometimes misleading, but they are what create the vivid impressions that "One-Eyed Likho" gives. This story immerses the reader in a world where traditions and new interpretations intertwine, leaving an unforgettable mark on the mind.

…while it's quiet

The Tale of the Blacksmith is indeed short and doesn't quite fit the 5-6 hour horror format. However, the game's main events, with the exception of a few details, remain faithful to the original. In the tale, the Blacksmith doesn't travel to the Far Far Away Kingdom, but meets Evil in his hut. However, to create a more engaging plot in the game "One-Eyed Evil," the Blacksmith must go through an interesting and eventful journey. This path is inspired by other fairy tales and myths, which adds depth and variety to the gameplay.

The company's hero is assisted by a magical assistant, who is not a typical fairytale character—he will only acquire a fairytale appearance as the story is passed from one storyteller to the next. The dialogue with the assistant is well-written and perfectly breaks up the sequence of simple but engaging puzzles. Encounters with Likh are also puzzles: instead of hiding, as in Amnesia, it is important to simply avoid his gaze and perform actions in the correct sequence.

One of the game's few drawbacks is the underdeveloped pursuit element. This has more to do with my expectations than with the game itself. Unlike the Tyrant from the Resident Evil 2 remake, who effectively pursues the hero through labyrinthine corridors, this game implements this aspect much more simply.

The game doesn't evoke fear, as it doesn't create a sense of real danger. However, it appeals with its unique atmosphere of a creepy fairy tale, the kind a child might imagine snuggled under a blanket with a flashlight and a scary book. This game immerses you in a world of fantasy and adventure, allowing you to experience exciting moments while preserving childish innocence and imagination.

Matches are used as a light source in the game. Although they are endless, they quickly go out in your hands, creating interesting mechanics. Setting objects on fire with matches is a key element of the gameplay, which forms the basis of various puzzles. These puzzles are varied but not too difficult, so it's unlikely you'll get stuck on any of them. This is especially important, as the game maintains an excellent pace, and it's advisable not to disrupt it. "One-Eyed Evil" always offers new experiences, and the narrative never loses its momentum and engagement.

One-Eyed Fear draws attention with its aesthetics and visual design. While it may have technical shortcomings, the execution style makes up for it. The main source of inspiration here is the cinema of Robert Eggers, especially his film The Lighthouse. This influence is evident in the black-and-white graphics, which harmoniously fit the atmosphere of the game, as well as in the use of a 4:3 format and numerous visual metaphors in cutscenes. The game offers a unique experience that combines elements of cinema and interactive storytelling, making it attractive to lovers of deep stories and expressive graphics.

The similarities extend beyond style: "One-Eyed Evil" is saturated with surreal imagery and absurd events, making it a striking example of the fairy tale genre, where anything is possible. The local Far Far Away Kingdom and other locations explored by Kuznets are at times so phantasmagorical that they resemble a captivating yet twisted dream. After such a dream, there is a desire to capture it on paper, but finding the right words is not easy.

"One-Eyed Evil" isn't just a dark story; it also contains humor, including dark humor, which feels unexpectedly appropriate in this surreal narrative. Toward the end, the creators intensify the comedic moments, achieving a surprising effect on players—they don't know whether to laugh or be horrified. This is one of the most memorable and effective scenes in modern games, which stands in stark contrast to the otherwise tense atmosphere. It's definitely worth checking out.

"One-Eyed Evil" stands out for its high quality in many aspects. All elements that aren't perfect are executed with good taste and attention to detail. It's surprising that this work, with its profound meaning and diverse artistic techniques, was born out of burnout. After creating "Black Book," the studio sought to develop something simpler, but the final result exceeded expectations and became a true work of art.

In an interview, studio head Vladimir Beletsky discussed the difficulties of finding a publisher, mentioning that there are many first-person horror projects that players are looking forward to. However, I disagree: such projects are actually few and far between. If you weren't expecting this game or didn't even know about it, congratulations—you have the opportunity to discover Likho. Don't be afraid to wake him up, you'll like what happens next.