Iron Lung
Last updated: 2026-02-14
- Tense and claustrophobic atmosphere
- Excellent sound design
- Interesting lore and mechanics
- Game is too short
- Tedious and repetitive gameplay
- Disappointing ending
Emotions
Players are thrilled by the game's immersive atmosphere, cosmic horror elements, and engaging gameplay mechanics. The anticipation for the upcoming movie adaptation and the unique horror experience also contribute to this excitement. Additionally, the game's sound design, visuals, and lore create a fresh and memorable experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
The game effectively uses claustrophobic atmosphere, fear of the unknown, and terrifying sound design to create a sense of dread and tension. The horror elements, including jumpscares and the feeling of being watched, contribute to a deeply unsettling experience. Players report physical reactions to the fear, such as shaking and panic.
Players feel let down by the game's underwhelming ending, lack of depth in story and gameplay, and the use of cheap jumpscares. The game's short length and lack of replay value also contribute to this disappointment. Additionally, some players feel that the game did not live up to their high expectations.
Players are frustrated by the game's difficult navigation system, which involves complex math and coordinates. The lack of useful navigation tools and sensitivity settings adds to this frustration. Some players find the controls tedious and the gameplay confusing, leading to a lack of engagement.
The game builds tension through its eerie atmosphere, ambient sounds, and gameplay mechanics. The sense of claustrophobia and procedural gameplay keeps players on edge. The pressure to progress and the minimalist approach to horror contribute to a tense experience.
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 87% · Negative 13%. Score: 13 / 100
Verdict
Overpriced
Summary
The primary concern among users is that the game is overpriced relative to the content and gameplay experience it provides. This feedback indicates a significant issue with the game's pricing strategy, which could deter potential buyers and lead to dissatisfaction among current players. Score: 25 / 100
Top points
- Overpriced - High
Verdict
Positive with Minor External Dependency
Summary
The game has a great atmosphere and encourages exploration, often requiring players to use external resources like wikis to uncover secrets. While some users find the need to use external guides a bit intrusive, others appreciate the game's intuitiveness and the inclusion of an in-game wiki for lore. The overall design and atmosphere are well-received. Score: 50 / 100
Top points
- Need for External Resources - Medium
- Game Mechanics and Intuitiveness - Positive
- Game Atmosphere and Design - Positive
Verdict
Seamless
Summary
The game is highly compatible with Steam Deck, providing a seamless experience for users. While there are minor issues with controller support, the overall atmosphere and design of the game have been praised by users. Score: 10 / 100
Top points
- Steam Deck Compatibility - Positive
- Controller Support - Low
- Game Atmosphere and Design - Positive
Positives:
- The game excels in creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, with specific mentions of dread, fear, and uncertainty. The environment and set design contribute significantly to this experience, making it a standout feature.
- The game is widely praised as a great atmospheric short horror game, with many players finding it intriguing and well-executed. Its ability to create a tense and scary experience is frequently highlighted.
- Many players feel that the game is worth the money, offering a valuable experience for its price. This sentiment is echoed by several reviews, indicating a consensus on the game's value.
- The game is noted for its effective build-up to jump scares and the overall slow-burning build-up of fear. This aspect of the gameplay is well-received by players.
- The sound design is highlighted as a strong point, with players noting its effectiveness in creating an eerie atmosphere. The use of sound is frequently mentioned as a key contributor to the game's tension.
Negatives:
- Many players found the game to be very short with limited replay value. The short length was a common complaint, with some mentioning it could be completed quickly without much incentive to replay.
- The gameplay was described as tedious, frustrating, and repetitive. Some players also found the controls to be clunky, contributing to a less enjoyable experience.
- The ending of the game was widely criticized as cheap, predictable, and disappointing. Players felt let down by the conclusion of the game.
- Players noted that the game was not particularly scary. Despite some unsettling sounds, the horror elements wore off quickly and did not sustain a frightening atmosphere.
- The game was criticized for its lack of replayability. Players felt that it did not offer anything groundbreaking or interesting enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
Gameplay:
- The game heavily relies on using a map and coordinates for navigation. Players must navigate blindly using a grid map and directional movement buttons, often without direct visual aid.
- The game is a horror experience with tense atmosphere, jump scares, and psychological elements. It creates a sense of dread and claustrophobia, enhancing the horror atmosphere.
- Players explore from inside a submarine, moving through a cramped and claustrophobic underwater environment. The submarine is controlled using coordinates and a camera to see outside.
- The game features simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics. Despite its simplicity, the gameplay is interesting and requires coordination and focus.
- A key mechanic involves taking photographs at points of interest. Players use a camera to discover anomalies and photograph designated locations.
Performance:
- The game is verified on Steam Deck and functions perfectly, providing a good experience for users of this platform.
- Some players experienced a crash on the final screen of text, which can be frustrating after completing the game.
Recommendations:
- The game is frequently recommended by players for its unique experience and is often suggested to be played by everyone or at least tried out.
- Many players suggest watching the movie related to the game, either before or instead of playing the game itself.
- The game is particularly recommended for fans of horror games and those who enjoy a good scare.
- The game is recommended for those looking for a short horror experience, ideal for a few hours of gameplay, especially in the dark.
- The game is often recommended to be purchased only when it is on sale, indicating that it might not be worth the full price for some players.
Miscellaneous:
- The base game takes around 1 hour to complete, and achieving 100% completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
- The game is not translated into Spanish, which may limit accessibility for Spanish-speaking players.
