An Instant Survival Horror Classic | SIGNALIS Review

SIGNALIS is one of the best titles I've played to come out in recent years.
The last few years have blessed us with quality survival horror titles from indie developers. Alisa and Tormented Souls were two recent examples.
Signalis continues this trend. With a vast majority of the work done by two individuals, Signalis is a masterstroke in survival horror. Elden Ring and Dad of War are going to dominate discussions for game of the year. I hope Signalis gets its due in those discussions, as it's earned it.
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NOTE: Review is mostly spoiler-free.
Signalis is also getting a release in a busy timeframe for new releases, both horror, and other genres. The last thing I want to see happen is Signalis getting lost in the shuffle. It's coming out for every major platform, and game pass. I'm giving Signalis a "must-play" recommendation if you're a fan of what I cover on the channel.
From its excellent usage of survival horror mechanics to a story that pulls you in but leaves many aspects up to you to piece together, Signalis is one of the best titles released in the last few years.
Thanks to the studio Rose-Engine for an early review copy!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Prelude
01:12 - Presentation of Signalis
02:04 - Gameplay of Signalis
08:43 - Story of Signalis
10:44 - In Conclusion
Additional Footage:
• Alisa
• Conscript
• Resident Evil (2002)
• Resident Evil 2 (2019)
• Tormented Souls
#signalis #signalisreview #boulderpunch

[@BoulderPunch]

Support the channel on Patreon: • www.patreon.com/boulderpunch Get featured in the credits, get access to videos early, and receive updates of what I'm working on.

[@SarpSpeaksSometimes]

Since a lot of AAA survival horror franchises have changed their styles in the recent years for the modern audience, it's cool to see the classic approach (in terms of camera, controls and even atmosphere) live on with these indie titles. You can see how much passion go into these. Absolute respect.

[@tyso5146]

Yup!

[@CabezasDePescado]

On mainstream horror games there has been only two styles for a long time: action horror behind the shoulder third person (re4 ripoffs) or stealth horror first person (amnesia ripoffs). I swear that is basically the only two kinds of horror games we have seen the last 15 years.

[@karenamyx2205]

@@CabezasDePescado Tbf, I like alot of the games in those two styles.. even love some of them. But it does make you wonder.. why did ALL of them abandon the style that garnered their fanbase in the first place? Its same with castlevania.. the new ones, whether you like em or not, departed completely from SOTN metroidvania style.. you gotta turn to indie there too. The guy who MADE SOTN even made an indie one since AAA refused to.

[@Tman2bard]

@@karenamyx2205 the issue with Castlevania is it's had way more than just the SOTN style. That's the outlier compared to the rest of the series.

[@Tman2bard]

@@CabezasDePescado the funniest part is I know a modder decided to give Signalis the 3rd person and 1st person treatment, and the game still plays well with the shifts to the other styles. To me, that proves that Signalis must be doing something completely right if it works no matter the style

[@uzen]

What a beautiful iteration on the visual style put forward with Zone of the Enders and MGS1. It really feels like a timeless aesthetic to a degree, even if its close to PS2-era limitations. I think just the crispness and clean colors are very pleasing, its got the sharpness of pixel art pulled into 3D.

[@NuudleEXE]

I mean I would bring back to the OG and say Evangelion New Genesis which inspired both. But I'm still with you ;P.

[@uzen]

@@NuudleEXE Posting at the top of my head will cause errors yea.

[@ichora8011]

I don't think I've ever felt so viscerally emotional about a game like... Ever. It's so fucking good.

[@jimijenkins2548]

It gives a similar feel to SOMA. Definitely check that game out if you haven't.

[@NEMESISISDEAD]

are you serious?

[@shellyzzz6440]

I played it man it wasn’t THAT Visceral

[@k-ondoomer]

@@shellyzzz6440 nah it was, this game is one of a kind

[@max7971]

@@k-ondoomer what did you like about it? Soma wanted to say something about the role body plays in defining what is and isn’t human, and it made several different points and gave you multiple decisions in regard to that theme. What do you signal is wanted to say? Genuinely curious.

[@Road_to_Dawn]

I randomly went onto Game Pass on a whim last night and found it there, thought it looked interesting. 4 to 5 hours later, I just finished the hospital section and the Mynah boss fight, and am freaking LOVING the game so far. Amazing sci-fi horror with heavy early Resident Evil inspirations. It also reminds me of the fantastic side-scrolling 2D pixel game from several years back called Lone Survivor, which I like to say is basically if Silent Hill had come out on the SNES.

[@Mexicola1998]

Thanks for highlighting this game, it would have gone completely under my radar. The use of german in some of the text on screen has me intrigued.

[@MrBrunogiachetti]

The more I play this game, the more references and inspirations I find, it has such a nostalgic yet fresh vibe, such an unexpectedly great gem of a game.

[@AvalancheReviews]

Editing my Signalis video as I listen to this! Let's see how much we agree on.

[@psycake]

Already looking forward to your video. I hope we have a survival horror masterpiece like Tormented Souls on our hands here.

[@BoulderPunch]

Look forward to seeing yours.

[@Andriej69]

Amazing how an intelligent and eloquent person can express themself within 11 minutes, while *some* people need almost an hour to do the same...

[@piotr78]

@@Andriej69 Passive aggressive is the worst a person can behave.

[@Andriej69]

@@piotr78 Worst? No, not by a long shot

[@hihosilver1234]

Just finished this game today after playing it all day yesterday. Loved it! I'm definitely keeping my eye on what Rose Engine does next.

[@aaronatkinson177]

Me to ❤

[@andreysolzhenitsyn6084]

Great video! The radio thansmissions remind me of The Swedish Rhapsody. From wiki (Swedish Rhapsody was a Polish numbers station, operated by the Ministry of Public Security (later Office of State Protection and Foreign Intelligence Agency) that used AM broadcasting and operated between the late 1950s and 2007. It was used to send coded messages to intelligence agents in the Western Bloc. It is notorious for its use of what was once believed to be the voice of a young girl speaking in German, only revealed to be that of a special machine used by the East German State Security Service known as the "Sprach-Morse-Generator".)

[@nacarelix5945]

@andrey solzhenitsyn That comment deserves so many more views !!! Thanks for the history drop 🧐👍

[@Michformer]

Just wanted to take the time to thank you for uploading this glowing video review of SIGNALIS. It compelled me to take a whack at it and I'm glad to have done so since it does storytelling and atmosphere remarkably well. Even went as far as to whip up and publish an article on its use of lore to inform its cosmic horrors.

[@criticalcoffee]

Literally one of the best games I've every played. I was incredibly captivated by the story.

[@aweigh1010]

it's just a dumb resetera sjw lesbian story. super pretentious and predictable.

[@lolagagginw812lol7]

@@aweigh1010 Who hurt you?

[@Ivy_TSG]

@@lolagagginw812lol7 Lesbians, apparently

[@NEMESISISDEAD]

​@@aweigh1010lamest game i ever played im wondering did i get the wrong copy that all these people keepyl hyping it up so much

[@SnarkyLesbian]

So I got this game based on your recommendation, and I have to thank you for it. In the 20 odd years since Silent Hill 3 (which is stronger than SH2), there has been much good Horror that really gripped me. Gripped me in a way where I cannot sleep, not because scary ooga booba monsters but because my empathy and understanding of the characters and their fates won't let me sleep. It did that for me just like the suffering, the unfulfilled dreams and the shrieking insanity did by Silent Hill. To have a calm horror, a melancholic one, is truly beautiful AND horrifying. Nothing in the game scared me too much to continue playing WHILE I was playing. But its sounds, the motives, the symbols, the implications, the atmosphere, wouldn't let me sleep. My mind is now obsessed with Ariane. Thank you so much, for helping find another truly amazing Horror Game, one that will stay with me for years to come.

[@TrueDiox]

Just trying this game now. 15hs in so far and feels like the best survival horror game I've played since Silent Hill 4. Mechanically, it's simple yet also beautiful, especially the different uses for the radio. Also, the new Notes feature on Steam is a godsend for this game in particular. Can't recommend it enough. Just do keep pen and paper handy if you're not playing on PC.

[@V_y-r_e]

This has been one of my most anticipated games for years, I’m so excited it’s coming out so soon.

[@The_Kristiane]

This game is great... Just so much efford on creative puzzles and captivating story. The gameplay is on the point and man... that ending...

[@aaronatkinson177]

Same of the earlier puzzles had me stubbed but once I got them I was like oh so that's how you do it

[@shadowslayer2232]

So glad i found this channel. I've been itching to play some survival horror games and yeah thank you for recommending these games. I'll be definitely checking this one out just after i'm done playing Alisa.

[@akavario]

This game has a tone & atmosphere that meets with my specific approval

[@aaronatkinson177]

Yes the dark tone of atmosphere had my approval to

[@birchmahogany2718]

3:51, the enemies coming up from the ground looks so cool. Definitely gonna get this. Perfect timing too because I just found out about it 5 minutes ago, lol.

[@tyso5146]

Same!

[@Andriej69]

I've seen the demo of this on YT earlier this year, can't believe I've missed the release! Amazing take as always!

[@DinnyForst]

An indie project I have been following in dev Twitter for a while, glad to hear it can deliver solid horror experience and survival aspect similar to classic titles.

[@conar-jaybenner1472]

Love your vids can’t wait for more they are a important part of my day!

[@MisterBolticus]

I've been thinking about this game since I played the demo during next fest, glad to hear it's genuinely fantastic, cannot wait to play it tomorrow!

[@linezgames3893]

simple, well structured, well laid out review... especially on length. I hate when people make 15+ min reviews saying the most useless shit, trying to be funny, serious, detail, and is basically not useful in anyway. great Job

[@PouresMaggie]

Can't wait to play this, been sitting on my wishlist for quite some time!

[@Roger-Bacon]

It's not often I do this , but I bought this game , after only finding it today on ps store , watched the short video right away and bought the game right away , it genuinely looks excellent , so impressive it made by such a small team , imagine what these guys could do with a massive budget 🤔

[@aaronatkinson177]

It's really embarrassing how such a small team of people who can make a game with more passion and love over big triple a studio who mostly makes games with greed and less fun

[@maximonamitzhian9064]

Cosmic Anime DDR Survival Horror. What a time to be alive.

[@Cam-pe3nd]

So glad I saw this. Was gonna overlook this addition to Game Pass until your video explained exactly what it is. I thought it was a visual novel or something from the screenshots.

[@hardbody2072]

You were right, what can I say...wasnt sold on this one but after beating it I have to say, A+ great game. Something about it just keeps you in it, the guns/enemies/ambiance/puzzles were great. Just needed more bosses. Though the ones it had were great, as you said.

[@NotSoMelancholy]

I love how they blend the UI into the game. It’s cohesive in and out of menus, and the menus are immersive while still retaining everything info-wise the player needs. I think it’s understated just how great that is and something I feel is a drawback in games like RE where you pause, or check your inventory and you’re giving a utilitarian screen that essentially snaps you out and reminds you it’s a game. Signalis through it’s presentation, through it’s art direction, environmental design, UI/UX design manages to deliver an incredibly engrossing experience for a fixed perspective game. I absolutely loved my time with this game, and even bought copies for my friends. I had some of the best times in recent memory hunting for secrets with the community and trying to piece together the story together. I can’t say I’d want them to do it a injustice and make a sequel but I look forward to whatever Rose Engine does next (and at risk of sounding hypocritical do hope they explore the universe some more even if it’d be fan service)

[@karnagefails333]

Nice review. This game looks awesome.

[@lucianofaria82]

I'm playing it and absolutely loving the art style and atmosphere of the game. And the puzzles are quite complex, some of them require me a lot of thinking! You really have to pay atention to documents and elements in the enviroment.

[@PeJota615]

So glad you think this game is a must play. I'm holding off on some of the bigger titles being released right now to play this first.

[@psycake]

So glad you went out of this game this positively. I think I won´t regret buying it. Thursday can´t come soon enough!

[@GugureSux]

Easily one of THE most underrated masterpieces of the last 20 years. People are not exaggerating when they try to describe Signalis with words like "It's like oldschool RE meets SH meets GitS meets Bakemonogatari meets...". The inspirations and outright references are BLATANT, but not only do I find that awesome, the game still has its very own vibe. And huge kudos to devs for that!

[@thegreatpoo2electricboogal318]

Had no idea this existed until today! Nice!

[@MisterPikol]

i've had high hopes for this, and i'm sooo glad it turned out great

[@erregibi2060]

this game is fantastic

[@GordonGordon]

Thanks for this detailed review. I won't get this game, but I'm glad i could make that decision after seeing this review. I'm not big on horror games... This one i can tell will creep me the heck out 😆

[@hauntedhotdog]

I installed this via Game Pass yesterday as I was curious and just wanted to see what it was about. It was instantly intriguing and captivating, with a cool PS1 visual style that seems like a strange mix of Metal Gear Solid, Persona, and Neon Genesis. I also got a very slight Overblood vibe, but don't hold that against it. I am currently replaying Resident Evil Village and then moving on to the new DLC, but I am also going to make time for Signalis. I think it's going to be special.

[@kevingower1268]

Overblood! I don’t see folks talking about that one. Like ever. Me and my bros as kids picked that one up on a whim. We played it pretty extensively and liked it quite a bit. We were always fans of sci-fi and horror.

[@batzgameguru]

It's funny how an indie game gets more love from fans than triple A games

[@aaronatkinson177]

I know right much more respect and support for those indie teams

[@HenningGu]

Man, I'm only an hour in but I have a personal rather "hmmm" point. The political entities are all German in some nature. I mean, yes, the developers are German but seeing so many German "things" in the game just felt kinda interesting. Also, I really like the world building where some kind of alliance between China and Germany happened. There's the Chinese in the menus and characters names using German first and Chinese last names. Again, it uniquely triggers something as I'm Chinese but born and raised in Germany.

[@_shivers]

Can't wait for this one.

[@TECTONICSMASH]

Seems to be a perfect mashup of all my favorite things!

[@CabezasDePescado]

It sounds really good, i hope i can play it one day since i dont have a computer anymore. When all the retro gaming thing exploded i was so hopeful that we would eventually get old school fps and survival horror games again, i guess it was just a matter of time and i would even do some of my own if i could. Love it.

[@sikevillian]

I loved Tormented Souls as it definitely caught my eye and was a blast to play. This game also looks really good & cannot wait try it.

[@Walamonga1313]

Just beat Tormented which was great, and now someone told me about Signalis. Not sure what to feel of this camera/perspective/artstyle but I'll probably give it a go next sale

[@sikevillian]

@@Walamonga1313 i also been playing & finishing up Signalis recently & can confirm it's a master class in survival horror. The perspective change feels a bit different but holds up very well in it's controls. Highly recommended my friend.

[@fmsyntheses]

I was really annoyed that I missed the demo of this while it was available. I'm all about it when it comes out.

[@Lord_Deimos]

The ps1 graphics, the old school survival horror gameplay, the setting... this is already one of my most anticipated games.

[@NapoleonBlownapartMMA]

I loved the demo, glad the full game gets the BP thumbs up!

[@nisnast]

This game got my attention with the demo, I was intrigued by the lore and plot and enamored by the art style, good to know that it offers more than just pretty characters, I'll definitely check it out!

[@lm1782]

The memory module at 6:05 literally used the same font as Pokémon black and white

[@sirmister1827]

I just finished signalis and got the “Memory” ending, and I realized something during the credits. It made me tear up Spoilers! As you might know, The last scene is where the player “Elster” stays besides Ariane “the white haired girl” And then Elster says that she wants to stay by Ariane’s side for a bit longer. If you play with a controller, you can actually feel the controller vibrates like a heartbeat. The heartbeats are active during credits, even during the results screen. I believe this is intentional. You the player are the one who decides to end her cycle, thus ending her life. To continue you must hold any button, they don’t want you to ACCIDENTALLY press a button and end the cycle. This made me feel so much guilt knowing that I’m the one who will end her cycle. So I turned off the game without skipping the RESULTS screen

[@AndyKazama2]

Added to my ps5 wishlist as yourself and Avalanche Reviews have recommended this.

[@eatsleepgame3467]

The number station with the Ice cream music in it sounds just like the one from the horror movie "The Banshee Chapter". Interesting...

[@ghoulish6125]

Sorry if I missed it, but do you have any info on completion time and the replayability that factors into that?

[@aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051]

I like the anime art style, i see no problem with it.

[@omegalynx1750]

I am extremely excited to pick this up later today! One question, though, how is the replay value? It's the most important part of a survival horror, in my opinion!

[@arictrusty8189]

there are 4 different endings you can get, 3 of them are solely based on your play behaviors and not by any actual actions! how many enemies u kill, how many convos with NPCs you have, how many rooms you check, what level your health stays at, even down to how many doors you check the locks on can all determine a different ending to the game. the 4th ending tho is where it’s at. crazy hard to get even when you know how. it has amazing replay value!

[@kevinramirez8284]

dope review, really love the game

[@habadasheryjones]

Everything about this game looks awesome and I knew nothing about it until a week ago. Its dropping on Game Pass too. Just in time for Halloween. This is what I'm playing before my copy of Bayo 3 arrives.

[@slothyone]

Can you share how long this game is and, without spoiling anything, if there's any unlocks to incentivize repeat playthroughs?

[@mcbill7352]

the story presentation of this game is so peak.

[@miller_de]

Thanks for covering this absolute gem. Super excited since I've first heard about it.

[@ztoogemcducc6360]

This might be my favorite old school style survival horror. I think I might like it even more than REmake. I really enjoyed the puzzles, the pacing of the game was always good. The map is open to explore but not so large it makes backtracking tedious. The ammo and health economy is brutal. The story is engaging and rich with subtext. Really the only complaints I can think of right now is that the lock picking puzzle at the start of the game is a little unclear on where you're supposed to line the pins up. And the final encounter I was confused on how to use the item needed to clear it.

[@SnarkyLesbian]

So I played through this mostly avoiding combat, which was a lot of fun too, but mostly because it seemed like Ammo was INCREDIBLY rare. I didn't even know there was a prod to attack them with. Man that would have helped.

[@Ner0mancer]

Would've been a cool idea to use the radio like in MGSV playing Moonshine sonata and other songs from the game while playing.

[@nnnneeeeuuuu]

idk why the visuals reminded me of Blame! a lot

[@rmguy1342]

This is probably Blame! if we take Gravitational Beam Emitter away from Killy

[@Bigpvnk]

i was looking for this comment, there's no way the devs didn't took inspiration from blame, the whole game has this aura on top of it.

[@surft]

My only complaint is that the 'best ending' can only be found out through a weird ARG element ( or using a guide) wish it was more something that can be clued in-game

[@Mankey619]

This game looks amazing and it’s a must play for all fans who’re into survival horror games like me. The presentation and cinematography looks amazing.

[@bloodyysweet]

U figured out what was in the safe locked in room 3 padlock safe ? I got the promise ending not sure how but I really enjoyed this game blend of Silen Hill resident evil deadspace

[@marcusclark1339]

nice surprise to see this game is gonna be good survival horror indies are doing good

[@MaledictusXCII]

Tormented Souls, Alisa and now Signalis. Indie developers are saving this genre

[@morkgin2459]

Endoparasitic as well

[@roiandrilx]

Lamentum

[@expat8460]

Is Alisa good?

[@roiandrilx]

@@expat8460yes

[@MaledictusXCII]

@@expat8460 yes, and the game got a new cool update

[@Fahrenheit38]

Is this getting a physical release on consoles?

[@HellGamingPlus]

Quick question, whereabouts would you put it in the "jumpscare-ometre" for cowards such as myself?

[@piotr78]

None!

[@muhnoodles]

No way they actually used Swedish Rhapsody in the game, that is so cool :D

[@emanuelarriaza3710]

Great game i love re 1 and remake also slient hills but this was a good balance

[@tyso5146]

I haven't truly enjoyed survival horror since RE4, so am on high alert for this.

[@electricgigolo]

How long is the game?

[@sebs-shenanigans]

Finally its out. Gotta get my hands on this, even though I am not much of a Surv horror fan. Fuck, maybe one day I'll make a dumb video about it...

[@ILLRICARDO]

They finally fixed the limited inventory space.

[@Imbrockleedammit]

Wishlisted. Thanks.

[@tywiroberts5973]

Not to take anything away from the folks who made this amazing game, but aren't those strange broadcasts part of the Conet Project? Particularly one of the recordings called 'Swedish Rhapsody'. Still an awesome idea to build a horror game around those tracks - they're so creepy and evocative already!

[@micheallantler5068]

Brilliant!

[@ManofOneGod]

This is like a science fiction Silent Hill.

[@Retr0Static]

Goty for me personally has got to be between tunic and signalis. Hope more people start catching on to signalis to spread awareness of it. It would be a shame if the game goes without a sequel or of the devs don't make another game. Clearly they have a knack for writing and creating engaging, unnerving Sci fi horror

[@sameerarolkar8186]

This is a masterpiece.I have played this game and finished it.Enjoyed it lots everything is just awesome, beautiful, deep and interesting about this game.The art is fanstastic, the survival horror experience is great, the the plot is amazing, the music is nice, the puzzles are good.Too bad this game did not get GOTY award.Also because this game is retro pixel styled it does not require lots of space plus can run even on older pc.

[@derAbsurde]

This number stations with the ballerina music is a real thing u can find it on youtube.... this are secret messages

[@axt2]

*realizes he has humble bundle* well there we go

[@YourFavoriteVampireSuccubus]

Just downloaded this game on game pass, not gonna watch spoilers so I can be pleasantly surprised

[@Eevolved32]

I love og resident evil , silent hill and this game man I wanted to love it but I just can't get into it even tho I know it is a great game but it makes me question after all these years am I a survival horror fan after all??

[@hgyuuuuhj098]

Yep. Personal GOTY, right here

[@Shamax0]

I really like the look of this game, although it's definitelly not for me, would be scared out of my gourd the whole time But might buy it on a sale just to support the devs

[@piotr78]

I love that sentiment ✌🏻

[@kaporal890]

My top five; Silent hill 2 signalis ( might be first , the more i play ) Silent hill 3 Resident Evil HD remake PT. ( not a full game , but still one HELL of an experience ) What's your's ?

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

You're missing alien isolation

[@sai-gammarell]

It reminds me a lot but a LOT of the manga called BLAME! of tsutomu nihei The atmosphere and even the mc

[@giorgikhutsishvili5044]

can anyone send me a save file of this game? i have a bug everytime on train episode i'll be very thankful,

[@sozaj]

I get some Sad Satan vibes at the beginning...😦

[@gt4666master]

Fear Effect definitely had some influence on this game. It had to.

[@danieldalton]

If you start your presentation praising Alisa and Tormented Souls I am literally going to play whatever you tell me to 🙏🏻

[@W1ndF4lc0n]

A review of Pathologic 2 is strangely missing from your channel.

[@swans184]

I'm baffled that no-one is talking about this game. It has to be because of the release window, because it's the best game I've played in years!

[@Ruhaez]

Signalis is the video game equivalent of Neon Genesis Evangelion