A Parasite Eve Style Game From FuRyu

Following the success of the Resident Evil 2 remake, we have seen a renaissance in traditional survival horror that aims to recapture the spirit of the classics while offering a fresh experience. These titles allow fans to enjoy a new batch of traditional horror games while allowing new gamers to enjoy an old-school experience. Yet one type of game has been absent from this renaissance: JRPG-style survival horror influenced by Parasite Eve. Earlier this year, I looked at three indie studios that are working on their games inspired by the cult classic. While none of the titles I examined have come to fruition, one game has emerged that tries to create an experience like Parasite Eve. That game is ANOMALITH by FuRyu Corporation.

ANOMALITH is a new RPG survival horror and FuRyu Corporation’s first foray into the genre. While the studio is well known for its JRPGs and ARPGs, a survival horror with third-person shooting combat mechanics is something completely different for the team. The result is one of the few RPG horror games that provide a unique experience while influenced by the cult classic, specifically in this case, Parasite Eve 2.

Into the Anomaly Zone

In the distant future, Anomaly Zones have started appearing across Japan. Little is known about them, but when they emerge, they unleash unspeakable horrors in the area. To understand and contain them, the government establishes the Anomaly Zone Countermeasures Office. When an Anomaly Zone appears, the agency deploys a team of Divers to go in, neutralize the threat, and study what is happening inside. The story follows Reona Minazuki, a rookie Diver who joined after her best friend, Arisa Kato, went missing during an Anomalization. During her first mission, a mysterious power awakens within her. Using her newfound ability, she is tasked with venturing deep into the zones while working to find Arisa.

From a narrative perspective, ANOMALITH harks back to the numerous sci-fi RPGs and survival horror games that were not Resident Evil or Silent Hill. Its story is on par with something you would expect from a sci-fi horror game from the late 90s to mid-2000s, but I say that as a positive. You do not get such experiences nowadays, so it is welcoming for a team to tap into a source of inspiration outside the usual lore. At the same time, the story does a solid job of getting players invested in the characters and what is happening around them.

Gear Up for a Dive

ANOMALITH gameplay is a mix of traditional survival horror with elements of an RPG. The game is played in third person with an over the shoulder camera angle. When players embark on a dive, they can only take a limited number of resources and survive on what they can find. That means health items and ammo are scarce, requiring players to be resourceful or tactical. Some moments require you to fight enemies to progress; thus, it is best not to be lacking the resources when this happens. Weapons range from the standard pistol to submachine guns, shotguns, and assault rifles. The RPG elements come from Minazuki’s mutation that gives her special abilities, skill boosts, and attacks.

During a dive, players will need to manage both their Humanity Points (HP) and their Mutation Points (MP). HP is the standard health point, but it can be enhanced with the right upgrades and gear. MP allows players to use their mutation during a dive, and it will deplete when used. Partial mutations do happen after a set number of HP have been depleted, and this will give an edge depending on the moment. Portals scattered throughout the zone act as both an item box and a save point. However, it is a one-way service, so once something is left in the portal, you do not get it back until after the dive.

The Anomaly Zone Countermeasures Office serves as the players’ hub where they get debriefed on their next task, heal, and load up. This is also where Minazuki can upgrade her abilities or her gear while also acquiring new weapons along with additional ammo and health items. Weapon upgrades include boosting their stats and adding attachments to give you an edge. Unlocking the upgrades and gear also comes down to what can be recovered from an Anomaly Zone, as certain items are required. Tasks aren’t limited to the main story as players are also encouraged to do side missions for extra rewards that will help them later on.

Anomaly Hunter

As I said at the start, ANOMALITH got my attention because of how much its setup feels like Parasite Eve. With an emphasis on survival horror and RPG elements, the game is an experience we rarely see. And for good reason, as Parasite Eve, along with horror games like it such as Galerians, were cult hits that, while moderately successful, did not generate the same success as Resident Evil or Silent Hill. Thus, the sub-genre has been absent during this horror renaissance, while mostly relegated to the indie scene. But even then, not much has truly been born out of this momentum; thus, when a game like ANOMALITH comes out, it is actually welcoming and, hopefully, a boost to others that there is hope for this niche concept.

The game itself takes the best aspects of survival horror and RPG to create an experience like no other. Each Anomaly Zone that can be explored is different in its own way while also having a sense of unease as you traverse an area warped by an otherworldly entity. They are all rich in not just danger but secrets that are rewarding should players be focused on exploring instead of escaping. Yet do not forget this is a survival horror, and resources are going to be limited. That is why players must utilize the RPG elements, not just Minazuki’s abilities but also the clothing she wears and remembering to upgrade her skills. All of this works in tandem, ensuring that one aspect does not dominate the other.

Dive Failed

Being FuRyu Corporation’s first foray into survival horror and a game with shooting gameplay is impressive, as it has exceeded my expectations. For a studio doing something outside of what they are used to, they have done a great job. However, the mistakes and errors made also show their lack of experience with both genres, and that is what holds them back. That is because, during my playthrough, I encountered a number of issues, and they all fall under this lack of experience.

I will start with the survival horror elements. There really is not a strong balance when it comes to being vulnerable, as ammo can be too plentiful at times, undermining the need for resource management. At the same time, attacks by foes can either be very weak or two hits and you are dead. The auto item management is one of the dumbest I have ever used in a horror game, as when there are space-efficient ways to store items, it does the very opposite, forcing you to do it yourself. Next are the RPG elements, as they are essential to the game but do not feel fully fleshed out in a way that would have added more value to the overall experience, while in their current state, they feel limited to a few basic styles. Finally, we come to the gun combat. It does the job, but it has some polishing issues, while the aim assist is abysmal and fails to properly lock on to either the target or where you want to shoot. That is why, after some time, I just turned this option off.

For a team doing something for the first time, the quality is impressive, but it also shows they are doing this for the first time. Overall, the issues here are less something that ruins the overall flow and more of a lesson to be learned when it comes time for a sequel or another such game. At the same time, it feels like a turn-based combat system could have worked, given FuRyu’s history with JRPGs.

Mysteries of the Zone

For gamers who have been yearning for a Parasite Eve style horror game, ANOMALITH has been the closest we have gotten. For a team that has decided to dabble outside their comfort zone, the results have been impressive. The game is a balance between survival horror and an RPG while creating a classic experience. But being their first time also means mistakes will be made, and it shows, but they are more of a learning experience for next time. Plus, despite these shortcomings, it is still a fun game at its core.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review of ANOMALITH is the critique of one gamer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

ANOMALITH (PC)

7

Good

7.0/10

Pros

• Solid experience from a team dabbeling in the horror survial genre for the first time.
• It’s a horror survial with RPG elements like Parasite Eve.
• Good story that is similar to classic RPGs and horror games from the late 90s to mid 2000s.
• RPG elements and horror survival aspects work great together.

Cons

• Shortcomings are from the team’s lack of experience with the genre.