The Flayed Man Review

By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

Synopsis:

The Flayed Man is a point-and-click horror game where gamers play as the Flayed Man, who awakes without memories (or skin) in a decayed, otherworldly house. They must uncover the sins of the past, pass judgment, and decide the Flayed Man’s fate in this macabre adventure.

Wow, where to start?

When it comes to design, The Flayed Man instantly draws you in with its bold red-on-black palette, offering a visually striking experience that perfectly complements the macabre and sinister tone. The art style doesn’t just set the atmosphere; it is the atmosphere – stark, haunting, and uniquely nightmarish. Textures and backgrounds are carefully crafted, with interactable objects clearly defined, ensuring players can focus on exploration and puzzle-solving without the frustration. The character designs are memorably grotesque in all the right ways, contributing to the bleak, hellish environment that enhances the game’s horror-laden tone from beginning to end.

The game sticks with classic point-and-click controls – simple yet satisfying. Players can point, click, combine, and explore at their own pace, which is essential in a game that leans heavily on mood and decision-making. The branching narrative is shaped by your dialogue choices, so it’s worth paying close attention to every line. These choices aren’t just cosmetic – they shape the ending, adding weight to your decisions. Puzzle design strikes a delicate balance: logical and engaging, without being overly obscure or hand-holdingly easy. The lack of a click-to-fast-travel option may seem limiting at first, but actually serves as a feature rather than a flaw – encouraging players to linger, take in the scenery, and become truly immersed in the unsettling world.

From a narrative standpoint, The Flayed Man offers surprising depth. Themes of mystery, guilt, reflection, and ultimately, forgiveness, are explored with care and maturity. While undeniably dark, the story is never gratuitous. It feels considered – meaningful rather than merely shocking. Despite the game’s short runtime – under an hour – it manages to pack in several thoughtful ideas, with strong writing and impactful dialogue. Multiple endings ensure there’s real incentive to replay and uncover all the narrative threads, and the characters you meet along the way are fleshed out with surprising nuance. It’s especially impressive given the game’s confined setting, proving that emotional depth doesn’t require sprawling worlds or lengthy exposition.

The Flayed Man is a thought-provoking, visually compelling, and deeply atmospheric horror-adventure that demonstrates just how effective a short-form narrative game can be. From its striking visual style and eerie sound design to its rich themes of judgment and redemption, every element works in harmony to create an unsettling yet unforgettable experience. The intuitive mechanics and weighty choices offer substance as well as style. The multiple endings and short runtime make it perfect for players who enjoy uncovering every layer of a story.

The Flayed Man is perfect for fans of psychological horror and narrative-driven games. Snoring Dog Games has delivered a chilling, cerebral experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Flayed Man is available for free, but we encourage players to support the studio by purchasing the supporter pack on Steam.