A Love Letter to the Classics
Horror survival in the 90s was defined by experimentation and creativity due to technological limitations. This era produced many classic games that shaped the genre. You Will Die Here Tonight taps into the nostalgia of that era and pays homage to its defining titles.
You Will Die Here Tonight combines elements of Resident Evil and The House of the Dead, creating a unique and original experience. It strikes a balance between being a tribute to the classics and offering something new.
Welcome to the Breckenridge Estate
The elite ARIES Division is sent to the Breckenridge Estate to apprehend Jeff Monroe for murdering his family. When they arrive, a blinding light disorients the squad, and they wake up separated from each other in the mansion infested with zombies and monsters.
Players assume the roles of the ARIES Division members and must find a way to escape the Breckenridge Estate. Survival and resourcefulness are key, and Dr. Katherine Olsson suspects that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
You Will Die Here Tonight clearly draws inspiration from Resident Evil, featuring similar settings, characters, and even a boulder joke. However, it also pays homage to other horror games of the era, like House of the Dead. It captures the essence of classic horror survival and caters to genre fans.
Survive the Night
The gameplay in You Will Die Here Tonight is reminiscent of Resident Evil: Gaiden. Exploration is done from a top-down view, while combat takes place in a first-person perspective.
Players can play as each member of the ARIES Division, utilizing their unique skills to their advantage. However, permadeath adds a challenging layer, as being killed means starting over with a new operative.
Exploring the Breckenridge Estate is done in a pre-rendered 3D environment from a top-down perspective, providing a new take on the classic tank controls. However, players must be cautious, as some puzzles can be deadly traps.
Combat occurs in a first-person view, allowing players to aim at zombies and other threats. It’s important to conserve ammo and choose the right moments to engage enemies. Weapons available include handguns, a shotgun, and an SMG, with opportunities to upgrade them.
You Are Dead!
The transition from top-down exploration to first-person combat takes some getting used to, but the game incorporates user-friendly mechanics for combat and aiming. However, the switch can feel janky at times, especially during intense moments.
You Will Die Here Tonight is a love letter to classic Resident Evil games and other horror titles of the 90s. It strikes a balance between paying tribute to the classics and offering a unique experience.
You Will Die Here Tonight (PC)
Pros
- The overall game is a love letter to the classic Resident Evil series.
- Plenty of homages to other classic horror games of the 90s.
- Play as six characters with unique skills.
- Permadeath adds an intense layer to the challenge.
Cons
- The switch from top-down to first-person can be janky at times.
Uncover the Truth
You Will Die Here Tonight is a game that pays tribute to classic horror titles while also offering a unique and challenging experience for fans of the genre.
Note: This review is the opinion of one writer and does not reflect the views of other critics. For additional perspectives, please refer to OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet focused on the gaming community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
