Syed Imran Haider 
If you are a fan of horror games, Supernormal is likely going to be on your list, which is heavily influenced by Hideo Kojima’s PT that actually redefined the genre. Even though this game does not have the same inspirations or impact, it makes a considerable amount of effort.
The story
Similar to PT, this game takes place in one location i.e. Mr. Sakamoto’s Japanese home and it is quite a stylish one. You take the role of Wyatt, an investigator who has to uncover what happened to Sophia, Mr. Sakamoto’s daughter. Even though the home itself is orderly and neat, there are lots of signs that something is wrong. The downstairs bathroom has blood spattered all over the walls, as does the piano.
The laundry room has a pile of unwashed clothing surrounded by flies and there is also a pistol lying right next to the washing machine. You have to become familiar with Sakamoto’s home and you gradually discover the true horror, as you move around the house and follow the ominous blood trails and sounds.
The scares
Even though there is nothing particularly unique about what Supernormal does, but the scares are undoubtedly beautifully done. This is particularly true if you play it with headphones on and in a dark game, which is how a horror game should be enjoyed. The first time you realize that the lingering spirit in the house is trying to communicate with you, it will bring great excitement.
The playtime lasts for 90 minutes and it involves you looking for clues, all the while encountering spooky interactions that will leave you feeling unsettled. It is the random events that feel more terrifying rather than the scripted ones. For instance, the ghost crawls up the wall like a cockroach, or stomps around the kitchen, just a few feet away from where you are sitting and using the laptop.
The features
One of the most intriguing features of Supernormal is the voice recognition system. Theoretically, you can use a mic live to ask the ghost where it is, or if it is able to see you. But, it is not a mandatory feature. The good news is that you do not have to do things repeatedly, as the spirit will decide whether you will make out of a sequence alive or not.
Otherwise, Supernormal sounds and also looks great. The visual style and lighting of the Sakamoto home is well-designed, even though the game has taken a lot of ideas from PT. The story may be clumsy, but you will be able to move through it quite smoothly for the most part. The game does fall back on some stereotypes, which should be dealt with.
As far as the game’s replay-ability is concerned, it will not bring many changes. Sure, the scares are random and there may be some new encounters, but they are nothing major.
The Verdict
Even though the story is predictable and the start is a bit uneven, there is no doubt that Supernormal can offer some genuinely spooky scares to those who love horror games.
