izigame.me

As someone who has fond memories of playing the accessible version of Ib about ten years ago, I was over the moon once I heard it was released on Steam. This horror visual novel about Ib, a little girl caught in the illusion of a museum alongside Garry, surprised me with its engaging storyline and appealing characters.
The game conjures an exciting world that one would very much like to explore, to unlock the said world's mysteries, and also to understand its history. Ib, Garry, and Mary themselves bring layers to the story, making each interaction meaningful and every session of solving the different puzzles satisfying. Even though the puzzles might prove somewhat problematic, they continue to balance not being too challenging to complete and allowing a good gameplay experience.
"Ib" is a game that is going subtle on horror: no sudden scares, no overpowering gore. Instead, it builds up that feeling of unease and fear as the story progresses. Creepy encounters with disturbing artwork and the strangeness of the museum keep players on edge without giving away cheap thrills.
The Steam version of "Ib" is updated with several enhancements that make the overall gameplay experience better. With better graphics and dialogue screens, up to the ability to talk to the game's companions whenever you like, these editions help make the game more immersive and further aid one in building a stronger bond with the characters in the game. Sometimes, the puzzles change; generally, the changes favor better game mechanics, yet some classics may upset die-hard enthusiasts.
This is a vital aspect of the game that raises feelings while it raises introspection. I had an episode of depression at that time, which brought many thoughts to the fore concerning love, loneliness, and time. The moving soundtrack, which I still listen to for inspiration, further added the depth of emotional experience while playing the game.
In the end, "Ib" is more an artwork than a horror game; it resonates profoundly and stays beautifully created for the ones who get to partake in its enigma. Be you picking it back up again after years or new to the experience, this is a journey well worth taking, one that will stay with you long after you finish playing.
Also, it might be a bit controversial, but I totally loved Mary as a character and the 'Together Forever' ending is definitely my favorite one <3