Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is a horror game that is based in the same universe as Amnesia: The Dark Descent. So while you could call this a “sequel” it is actually its own game with a brand new story and characters so you do not need to have played The Dark Descent to get into this.
How to Download Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs
To download the game, click on the Download button located below this review. You will be able to choose between Windows, macos, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One versions of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.
The Game Review
The story of the game is fantastic and had me hooked from the very beginning. You play from the first-person point of view as Oswald Mandus. The game starts on New Year’s eve of 1899 and you have amnesia and are frantically looking for your lost sons. While there are jump scares here, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is more than just that when it comes to its horror.
This is a messed-up story that really does mess with your mind. Do not get me wrong, this horrific version of London has some horrible creatures and locations that will make your blood curl! However, it is more the psychological horror that kept me up at night. You are never 100 percent sure if what is happening is real or not. Even worse, you start to question the kind of person you are playing as which messes with your morality.
The presentation of the game is great. Everything is dark and moody when it needs to be and there are some places like this creepy as hell slaughterhouse for example that really did freak me out. The soundtrack also fits perfectly and it is the moments of calm that spooked me out. Even the voice acting is good, which helps get you more invested in the story.
So, we have established that this is a very scary game. I will say that you are best not knowing a great deal about the story before you jump in as it has a truly amazing and memorable twist. So, if this is a game that interests you, please do not read any spoilers.
Now, let’s get to the gameplay. If you played The Dark Descent, you will have an idea of what to expect here. Rather than build upon what its predecessor did, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs strips away some mechanics for a more streamlined kind of experience. You will be spending most of your time exploring. You can find things like audio logs and diary entries that greatly flesh out the story.
You will also have to solve some puzzles. These puzzles are rather simple and usually revolve around things like finding a fuse, moving a box and so on. None of the puzzles are all that difficult, but at the same time, they are not exactly rewarding when you do one. The gameplay I feel might be a tad too simple for some people. For me though, I liked how straightforward it was as I was so invested in the story.
I really enjoyed my time with Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. It is a very well-made horror game with a story that stuck with me for days after I had beaten it. There may not be a lot to it as an actual “game” if I am being honest. However, this is one of those gaming experiences that I will remember and talk about for a very long time.
