Introduction
Alisa, released on October 22, 2021, is an indie survival horror and action-adventure game that brings back the feel of late-90s 3D titles. It uses old-school visuals like pre-rendered backgrounds and pixel-style characters. The game is also known for its tough, “Soulsborne”-style difficulty. Players explore a creepy Victorian mansion as Royal Agent Alisa chases a dangerous criminal. In this comparison, PlayerProX looks at how Alisa compares to other games in its genre—both old and new. It also examines what the Mostly Positive (78%) recent reviews and Very Positive (90%) overall Steam ratings say about the game’s strengths and flaws.
Storyline and Setting
The game takes place in a fictional version of the 1920s. The story starts simply—a rescue mission goes wrong—but quickly turns strange. The mansion is full of dolls and strange machines. Unlike the deep mystery of Silent Hill or the layered plot of Resident Evil, Alisa tells a simpler story. Still, it adds fun with quirky dialogue and strange humor. Odd money and shopping systems give the game a playful twist that sets it apart from darker horror games.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Classic Survival Horror Style
- You get fixed and over-the-shoulder camera views, like in the early Resident Evil games. Managing your items is tight. You must use healing items and bullets wisely.
- Tough “Soulsborne” Challenge
- Enemies hit hard, and bosses are tough. Saving your game is rare, which adds pressure. New players might find this harsh.
- Gear and Upgrades
- You can find and equip different clothes, weapons, and armor that boost your stats. It’s deeper than Resident Evil 2 Remake’s gear system, but not as complex as full RPGs.
- Item Shop
- The in-game shop lets you buy weird items—from doll parts to health drinks. It’s like Resident Evil 4’s store but smaller and sillier.
Visuals and Audio
Alisa’s pre-rendered backgrounds are lovingly detailed, evoking the grainy charm of PlayStation-era classics. Character models are deliberately pixelated, leaning into nostalgia but occasionally hindering readability during intense combat. The audio design features creaking floorboards, distant childlike giggles, and a haunting piano score. While not as dynamically orchestrated as AAA horror titles, the soundtrack and ambient effects effectively sustain a Gothic atmosphere.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to modern throwbacks like Song of Horror or The Last Door, Alisa offers more robust combat and RPG elements. Against genre heavyweights:
- Resident Evil series – Alisa nails the locked-door exploration and puzzle solving, but its fixed-camera sections can feel more archaic and occasionally frustrating.
- Silent Hill series – Alisa’s surreal horror and industrial doll designs echo Silent Hill’s symbolism, yet its storyline lacks the same psychological depth.
- Bloodborne – The punishing difficulty and Gothic fabrics are similar, but Alisa’s level design is less interconnected, favoring hub-and-spoke mansion corridors over Yharnam’s open architecture.
Community Feedback
On Steam, Alisa has 78% positive recent reviews and a 90% positive rating overall. Players love:
- Retro Style – Fans enjoy the throwback look and feel of classic horror games, which brings a wave of nostalgia that many find refreshing.
- Tough Gameplay – Additionally, hardcore gamers appreciate the challenge and rare save spots, making survival feel genuinely earned.
- Dark Mood with Humor – What’s more, the mix of creepy tone and quirky, funny shopkeepers is a surprising combination that resonates with many players.
But there are some complaints:
- Camera and Controls – However, the fixed camera views can hide dangers and often feel outdated, especially for those used to modern fluid systems.
- Difficulty Spikes – Furthermore, certain fights introduce abrupt difficulty spikes, which some find more frustrating than frightening.
- Short Length – Finally, while the experience is intense, the main story is relatively short, offering limited replay value and few alternate endings.
Conclusion
Alisa stands out as a heartfelt homage to late-90s survival horror, blending retro aesthetics with modern design flourishes. While it doesn’t surpass the narrative depth of Silent Hill or the polished mechanics of recent Resident Evil remakes, it delivers a satisfyingly tough experience for niche audiences. With Mostly Positive recent reviews and a Very Positive overall rating, Alisa will resonate with players who crave a punishing, atmospheric throwback—provided they can embrace its dated camera schemes and steep learning curve.
