CalypsoLair Chronicles

I don’t play horror games often (says the person who plays DBD with their bestfriend), but Dead Take has it’s appeal the moment I saw its trailer. And finally, after finishing the game two weeks later, I’m still thinking about it.

Dead Take, a first-person psychological horror game by Surgent Studios, doesn’t rely on the usual tropes of infection or chaos. Instead, it builds something quieter and more…unnerving.

You play as Chase Lowry, an actor, searching for your close friend and rising star, Vinny Monroe. The search leads you to a party you were never invited to, inside the mansion that you were never welcomed in the first place. From there, the game unfolds as a puzzle-driven experience, unveiling the story piece by piece, the deeper you explore the place.

The Atmospheric Silence and Its Subtle Dread

What I think Dead Take does best is its atmosphere.

It knows when to hold back and let the silence breathe. And in that silence, it builds tension in a way that feels gradually pressing rather than overwhelming. As a scaredy-cat who gets easily spooked, I appreciated that the jumpscares didn’t rely on shock alone or appear often like the usual horror games. Whenever it happens, it is intentional, present, and it tries not to be disruptive with your gaming experience.

The puzzle-solving aspect of the game was also enjoyable, though not without challenges. There were moments that I found myself stuck —particularly navigating the maze in the second part of the game— but it never felt unfair. It just… is difficult for someone like me who gets rattled easily when their vision is obscured by smoke. Although it still matched the tone of the game.

Behind the Lens

If you look deeper, there’s more to it than just fear.

This game explores the struggles of being an artist — the ambition, quiet desperation, and how one can easily blur the lines between passion and self-destruction. It also touches the darker side of the entertainment industry, where toxicity can hide behind a label of being a “visionary”, and where abuse can simply be reframed as dedication.

That theme stayed with me more as the real horror.

The Grounding Performance

Another aspect that I enjoyed in this game is its use of FMV (Full Motion Video) in splices.

The performances from actors like Neil Newborn, Ben Starr, Laura Bailey, Alanah Pierce, Travis Willingham, and Sam Lake felt natural and immersive, provided that most of them have experience as voice actors already. With Neil and Ben being on the center stage, their performances were palpable as they fit into their characters seamlessly. The usage of FMV added a level of realism that made the story feel more grounded, even when things are slowly becoming more surreal as it progresses.

The Cracks in Between

That said, the game isn’t without its flaws.

Reaching the latter part of the story, I found myself confused about the areas that should have been clarified. Just like the surprise video at the end of the game, it made me feel a bit disconnected when it should have been tying up loose ends.

Though the ending in particular felt open to interpretation, it may have been done a little too much. It presented several possibilities, whether it’s an intentional misdirection or a reflection of the character’s state, it doesn’t seem to fully commit to providing an explanation.

In fact, I was even left with more questions on top of the ones I already had midway through the game. Though it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s also not…completely satisfying as a gamer.

Verdict

Would I play it again?

Maybe. A part of me wants to revisit it with a different perspective now that I have finished playing it, just to see if I missed something.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, but on the condition that you enjoy slow-burn psychological horror, puzzle-heavy exploration, and stories that leave room for interpretation, Dead Take is worth experiencing.

However, if you prefer a faster-paced game or clearer narrative, this may not be for you.

Pros:

✅ Strong, atmospheric tension using silences

✅ FMV adds realism and immersion

✅ Intentional, undisruptive jumpscare

Cons:

❌ Slow pacing at the start

❌ Some puzzles can feel frustrating

❌ Story becomes unclear towards the end

Rating: 7.5/10

Final Take:

Dead Take is a quiet kind of horror that lingers. It gives you an unsettling experience and leaves you searching for answers you may never fully find.