Dead Take is the second project from Surgent Studios, known for developing Tales of Kenzera: Zau. This game fits into the horror genre, highlighting ambition and the pursuit of fame as central themes. The experience of playing Dead Take is marked by its use of jump scares, a common tactic in horror games, but the emotional impact is reportedly found more in the performances of the actors than in the scare tactics themselves.
In the game, players assume the role of Chase Lowry, portrayed by Neil Newbon, a struggling actor searching for his friend Vinnie Monroe, another actor in a similarly difficult position. They explore a mysterious mansion owned by Duke Cain, a Hollywood producer played by Abubakar Salim. The gameplay combines the exploration and puzzle-solving elements typical of games like Resident Evil with a narrative presented through full motion video (FMV) cutscenes.
As players navigate the mansion, the primary objective is to uncover the fate of Vinnie through video snippets that the player must piece together. Utilizing an AI editor, players splice together these videos to obtain critical information for progressing in the game. This requirement adds a unique layer to the gameplay experience.
Vinnie’s desperation for a role in Cain’s upcoming film drives much of the conflict, culminating in a dramatic moment when he lashes out at Chase during an audition. The actors’ performances have been noted for their intensity, engaging players in a way that may exceed the usual interaction found in video games.
While there are lighter moments sprinkled in—such as appearances from characters played by actors like Sam Lake—Dead Take remains primarily focused on its horror elements. The use of FMV technology enhances the overall experience, distinguishing it from more conventional horror titles. Dead Take is now available on Steam.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/760213/dead-take-review-fmv-horror-game-ben-starr