The BrokenLore series has returned with the 5th instalment, BrokenLore: DON’T LIE, and it is a welcome return as far as I am concerned. BrokenLore is a Japanese psychological horror series that shows trauma as physical and mental projections in each character’s psyche, and the more you play, the more connected each game becomes. Where will it all end up? I don’t know, but I cannot wait to see (you’ll get that pun if you know the games).
I am a huge fan of horror games that make you think and keep you guessing long after you play, but will BrokenLore: DON’T LIE keep the tradition going? Let’s find out.
ℹ️ Reviewed on Xbox Series X | Review code provided by PR/publisher, this review is the personal opinion of the writer.
| Developer | Serafini Productions |
| Publisher | Serafini Productions, Wired Productions |
Things I liked!
- Story | I can’t really delve too deep into the story of Junko here, as it would spoil a lot of the game. Basically, Junko is what is known as a ‘hikikomori’, which is basically someone who has isolated themselves from the outside world for one reason or another and has become a shut-in. But because of her isolation, she has begun to blur reality, memories and hallucinations together, resulting in a paranoid horrorfest that will keep you gripped from start to finish. But are they really hallucinations?
Therein lies the questions you will need to ask yourself as you put yourself in Junko’s shoes: what is real, who can you trust and just why is your neighbour wearing that bunny mask?
- Graphics | The BrokenLore series has always been an amazing-looking series, with almost realistic but not quite aesthetic aesthetics which keep the unreality of what you are seeing in that uncanny valley. DON’T LIE sure looks gorgeous, from Junko’s apartment to the liminal areas of her psychosis.
There is also a new element included in this chapter, which is the Fantasy Boy mini-game you play from time to time. It’s a fun little platformer which I personally think deserves its own full release. But aside from that, the game itself leaks into the real world too, with the 2D monsters becoming 3D constructs and somehow never seeming out of place. Every wall, every eyeball and every ripple of water is realised beautifully, giving this game a gorgeous look to it.
- Sounds | Hooray for another game with real voice actors; even the AI construct (don’t ask) is voiced by a real person, so kudos to the game’s developers for that. DON’T LIE features a really amazing soundscape, with the sounds in the real world matching what you would expect, and then in the liminal world they become more otherworldly and glitched. The music keeps the atmosphere in a state of steady dread, with even the cute tunes from the Fantasy Boy game giving just a hint of wrongness. I would recommend playing with headphones on, as it really helps with the immersion.
Mixed & disliked!
- Mini Game | The Fantasy Boy mini-game is a lot of fun, but it left me wanting more. You collect letters as you play, but you never ever get to finish a level, so it is a little bit frustrating. I know it is to keep the main game flowing, but it just feels like something is left unsaid in the game, or perhaps that’s the point… In any case, Serafini Productions, please release a full version of Fantasy Boy as a DLC!!
- Length | My one major gripe about the BrokenLore games is that they need to be a bit longer; they just get started, and then it’s over, and for anyone who hasn’t played previous titles, you might get a bit lost at the sudden endings. I would have actually enjoyed a lot more content in this game, as I feel the story could have lasted a lot longer and some more explanations could have been made, but then again, would that have maybe ruined the experience? Should some things be left to the imagination? I’m sure Serafini Productions have an overall plan for this series, and honestly I am looking forward to it all.
- How long did I play the review before publishing? 2 and a half hours
- How long to beat the story? 2 Hours
- How many Achievements did I earn before publishing? 14/18 OR 650/1000G
- How long to get 100%? | 3 hours
- You’ll love this game if you like these | Lorelai, KARMA: The Dark World, Still Wakes the Deep
Score: 86/100
The story behind the BrokenLore series has been fascinating so far, and it continues to be so in DON’T LIE, with a few ties to some of the other games and new lore to discover. It’s one that will keep you invested in the series as a long-time fan or make you want to see more if you are new to the series. Either way, you are in for one hell of a ride with this one.
I’m just a tall bearded bald Scotsman who loves games of every type. I’m a voice actor as well and have been for a few years now. I have an odd sense of humour.
