Game: Dagon
Platform: PC
Style: directly based on Lovecraft’s work
Verdict: Recommended
Download: Steam
Dagon is a free game that retells H.P. Lovecraft’s story of the same name. Described by the developer as a “narrative experience,” it is just that, a presentation more comparable to a visual novel than any other genre.
Each scene presents you with the narration that tells the next part of the story. You have limited control over the camera, and must click the object of attention for that point in the story to proceed. Many scenes also have a hidden Elder Sign, which you can click for some trivia related to Lovecraft, “Dagon,” or historical context.
While the narrator’s approach is calm even for horrifying moments (almost making it relaxing to listen to), it works fine and conveys the impact of certain important lines especially well. The music, sound effects, and beautiful graphics help to further immerse you in the story.
It’s short, taking about 30 minutes to complete and a little longer if you seek out all the trivia. Each scene does its job to immerse you in the world through its graphics and audio.
Not much more can be said about Dagon. It is what it sounds like, a retelling of the story. If you’re looking for gameplay, that’s not what this is. However, if you like H.P. Lovecraft’s “Dagon” and want to see the story told in a new form, you’re sure to enjoy this, and if you’ve never read “Dagon” but want to experience a short horror story, it’s worth checking out.
Download: Steam