Creaks v1.0.9 stands out as an enchanting experience, blending captivating art, atmospheric soundscapes, and challenging puzzles into an unforgettable journey. Developed by Amanita Design, the studio known for surreal and artistically-driven games like Machinarium and Botanicula, Creaks pushes its eerie storytelling and intricate design to create a rich and surreal adventure. Released in July 2020, it has garnered praise for its unique hand-drawn art style, ingenious puzzles, and immersive atmosphere. Let’s dive into what makes Creaks a memorable game for PC players. Creaks begins with the protagonist, a nameless character, discovering a hidden door within the walls of his room. The door leads to an eerie, subterranean mansion inhabited by peculiar mechanical creatures called “creaks” and strange bird-like inhabitants. As you venture deeper, the mansion itself becomes a character—its hallways and rooms exude a palpable sense of mystery, each one with its own story to tell. The environment and creatures interact in unexpected ways, and the world seems alive with its strange and peculiar inhabitants.
Art and Visuals: A Handcrafted Dreamscape
Amanita Design is renowned for its distinct visual art style, and Creaks continues this tradition with breathtaking, hand-drawn animations and a dreamlike color palette. Every room is a piece of art, inspired by surrealism and blending fantastical elements with an almost Victorian horror aesthetic. The mansion’s detailed backgrounds, eerie lighting, and mechanical structures set an ominous yet inviting tone, while the creaks (robotic creatures that can only move in the dark) provide a creepy yet oddly charming contrast. Each creature and character is painstakingly detailed, and subtle animations breathe life into this dark, claustrophobic world. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the game, from the rusted pipes and intricate machinery to the weathered walls. The visuals make the player feel as if they are exploring a painting that’s constantly shifting, giving a surreal and immersive experience that’s both beautiful and haunting.
Gameplay: Puzzles That Challenge and Delight
Creaks is fundamentally a puzzle-platformer, requiring players to solve environmental puzzles to progress through the mansion. The creaks creatures are central to the gameplay, each with unique behaviors. For instance, certain creaks chase the player if approached, while others stand in place or move along set paths. Light and shadow play an essential role in the puzzles, as players must use light to freeze creatures or transform them into harmless furniture when illuminated. This mechanic is both clever and intuitive, adding layers of complexity as players advance through the game. The puzzles become increasingly challenging, requiring players to think strategically about timing, positioning, and using the environment to their advantage. Despite the escalating difficulty, Creaks is forgiving; the game has no lives or penalties for failure, allowing players to retry puzzles at their own pace. The game encourages experimentation, and each solution feels rewarding.