Psychological puzzle horror game for PC
Carbon Steel is a free adventure game made by indie developer Mike Klubnika for PC. It is a first-person horror title wherein players take on the role of a hapless scientist who accepts a lucrative job at a mysterious lab in some unknown location. However, things are not as clear-cut as they seem.
Similar to The Smiling Man and Bloodwash, Carbon Steel takes inspiration from classic PS1 games with its low-poly graphics and design. It features a dark and atmospheric presentation that helps tell its disturbing and psychological story and present its twisted puzzles for players to solve.
Unholy experiments
In Carbon Steel, you play a hapless scientist who unwittingly accepts a job at a private research organization. Pressed for cash, a year’s worth of salary for three days’ work deal was too good to pass up. However, you arrive at a shoddily built facility and come to realize the work you took on involves some unethical practices and the business of bringing fiendish organisms to life.
From the get-go, you are left to your own devices and have to figure out how to familiarize yourself with how to operate and maintain over 10 pieces of equipment and your personal Apple Lisa 2 computer. A steel vessel created by long-dead engineers serves as your workstation of sorts, as well as protection from the ungodly “things” howling and banging from the outside.
Attention to detail is of the utmost importance in this game, for a simple mistake like forgetting to inject anesthesia could mean the difference between life and death. How events will unfold from here will depend on your actions. Bear in mind that this is a short game, with a playthrough lasting under half an hour. It does boast multiple endings that add to the playtime and replayability.
A deal with the devil
If you like psychological horror games, then Carbon Steel will be right up your alley. Boasting a look and feel reminiscent of PS1 games of decades past, it serves up a disturbing and wicked experience that is a must-play for any fan of the genre. A shame that it’s far too short, but the multiple endings should tie you over and your want for more.
