The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
Oct 22, 2021 5 years ago
House of Ashes is the third installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of standalone cinematic horror games where your decisions determine the story and outcome. During the final days of the Iraq War, a Special Forces unit hunting for weapons of mass destruction discovers a buried Sumerian temple and the ancient horrors dwelling within it. Trapped underground, soldiers and their enemies must work together against creatures that threaten them all. Your choices throughout the game influence character relationships, available actions, and whether the group lives to see daylight.
What it’s like
House of Ashes delivers a high-octane cinematic horror experience rooted in the claustrophobic tension of underground survival. The narrative splits perspectives between US soldiers and Iraqi fighters who uncover ancient Sumerian horrors, creating a dynamic 'us vs. them' dynamic that evolves into forced cooperation. Visually stunning with photorealistic graphics and atmospheric sound design, the game prioritizes mood and immediate visceral thrills over deep lore or complex mechanics. Gameplay revolves around quick-time events and critical decision-making where every choice ripples through the branching narrative, determining who survives and how relationships form under pressure. The inclusion of asymmetric co-op allows friends to play together with different information, heightening the paranoia. While the character writing can feel thin for some, the relentless pacing and polished presentation ensure a gripping, adrenaline-fueled ride that feels like an interactive B-movie classic.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodPacingVisuals / ArtAudio / MusicCo-op / MultiplayerPolish / PerformanceProgression / ReplayabilityStory / Narrative
Keep in mind The narrative depth suffers for half the cast, leading to uneven emotional investment in certain characters. The ending can feel rushed or contrived, prioritizing spectacle over narrative cohesion.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, metacritic.com, gamesradar.com, destructoid.com, thereviewgeek.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 22, 20215 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 22, 20215 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 22, 20215 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 22, 20215 years ago |
| Xbox Series X|S | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 22, 20215 years ago |
