The White Door

Surrealism has found a new home in the video game industry in the recent years, becoming one of the main and most innovative ways to present these amazing and mesmerizing works of art. The White Door is an atmospheric first-person horror adventure game set in a surreal and unsettling world. In the game, players take on the role of a mysterious protagonist who awakens with no memory in a strange forest overlooking a twin peak. The only clues to the protagonist's identity and purpose are cryptic notes left behind by an unknown figure referred to as the Architect. So, let’s dig deeper into the world of The White Door!

About the game

The White Door is a thought-provoking game that will appeal to those who prefer puzzles that subvert logic and atmospheric horror over visceral scares. It creates a sense of profound unease by distorting reality itself rather than merely placing players in frightening circumstances. The empty, echoing hallways and uncertain dangers that lurk unseen keep players on edge in new and unsettling ways.

The White Door’s storyline is one of its strongest points. The game’s narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, with the player piecing together Robert’s past through a series of flashbacks. The story is told through a series of dream-like sequences that take place in a variety of locations, including Robert’s childhood home and the White Door facility. The game explores themes of mental health, memory, and identity in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

While the narrative is nonlinear, subtle environmental cues and clues left by the Architect guide players through the puzzling world. However, the clues are open to interpretation, leaving many elements of the plot ambiguous or uncertain. Meaning is left obscure, mirroring the protagonist's own struggle to understand their situation and purpose.

Surrealism to the core

The visual design of The White Door is hauntingly beautiful yet disturbing. Strange alien geometries, impossible architecture, and surreal landscapes fill the game world. There are hints that something has gone terribly awry with reality itself. Puzzles are twisted, forcing players to think outside the box in disorienting ways.

The game is played at a slow, deliberate pace that fosters a creeping sense of dread and paranoia. Jump scares are minimal, forcing players to remain on edge due to the atmosphere and twisting narrative. The protagonist can only carry one weapon at a time, rendering players vulnerable most of the time. This emphasis on avoidance and evasion rather than combat keeps players in a constant state of anxiety.

Review: 8/10

Overall, The White Door deserves a score of 8 out of 10. Its surreal environments, unsettling tone, and twisted puzzles make for a haunting and unforgettable experience, though the obscure narrative may frustrate some players.

Pros:

• Unique narrative exploring mental health, memory, and identity
• Beautiful art style with a dream-like atmosphere
• Challenging puzzles that are not overly frustrating

Cons:

• Relatively short length
• Simple gameplay may not be appealing to players looking for a more complex experience