Papa Sangre Review
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Papa Sangre Review

Our Review by Chris Hall on January 4th, 2011
Rating: starstarstarstarstar :: SO SCARY
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Papa Sangre puts you in a world of darkness on a mission to save a lost soul. There are no graphics at all, only horrifying sounds to guide you. Play in the dark.


Developer: Somethin' Else
Price: $6.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.1

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar

Never did I think that a game without graphics would be fun, and I certainly didn't think that a game of the sort would be exciting. I'll admit, I was wrong.

Papa Sangre is a most peculiar game, using sound to guide you instead of sight. There are no graphics to speak of and no visual effects to dazzle your eye; just a weathered voice, the subtle sound of your footsteps, a few gleaming notes to find, and a terrifying dose of evil that you can't see.

Using binaural sounds, Papa Sangre takes you deep into a world with no sight, just sounds. The goal in each level is to certain objects without disturbing/being caught by the horrific monster that awaits. You have no visual sight of anything, so you have to walk towards sounds using the on-screen footstep pads and a compas for changing direction. The pads work for either foot, so a tap on the right pad means that you step with your right foot, left is your left foot, and so on. Your movement pace is all determined by the speed that you alternate your taps, but if you go too fast you'll trip and fall, usually with death right around the corner.

To guide you on your path is a fairytale-esque invisible sprite who talks to you in the most haunting voice possible. She explains to you where everything is, what is going on, and what monsters lurk between you and your target. While her voice is calm, she explains things in such a matter of fact way that your heart races when you hear it. In fact, every time you hear anything in Papa Sangre your heart races, even when it shouldn't. Babies crying, telephones ringing - it's all scary to me now.

Papa Sangre really is one of the most unique games out there on the App Store. It's clever use of binaural audio and Hollywood quality voice acting and sound makes it a game that I will show off again and again to my friends. With no visuals, it's certainly not a good game to play on your morning commute or if you are in a loud place, but if you can find a dimly lit, quiet room, you really are in for a treat.

iPhone Screenshots

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Papa Sangre screenshot 1 Papa Sangre screenshot 2 Papa Sangre screenshot 3 Papa Sangre screenshot 4

iPad Screenshots

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Papa Sangre screenshot 5 Papa Sangre screenshot 6 Papa Sangre screenshot 7 Papa Sangre screenshot 8
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