Enemy within

Devolver Digital’s stable of games really needs no introduction. From 2019’s jazz-fusion-jailbreak Ape Out to previous gems such as Hotline Miami and OlliOlli, over the years the Devolver name has become synonymous with original, unique content.

Their latest offering is CARRION, a horror game played out in reverse where the player takes control of a creepy, red, bio-organism with an appetite for human flesh and bones. The creature spreads panic throughout the science facility the player is tasked of breaking out of. CARRION has a similarly satisfactory feel to Ape Out – the player getsto unleash violence upon the human scientists who’ve apparently kept this red blob trapped in the lab as a science experiment.

MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: PC (reviewed), XB1, Switch

Blood bath.

CARRION’s focus is on evolution. Rather than a frantic race to the finish, players must learn new skills which allows the creature to morph and explore the sprawling facility layout. However, the creature must consume humans to grow, so players will also work to devour every living being that gets in the way. It’s pretty fun.

DNA can be discovered and absorbed to learn new skills, such as shooting a cobweb which can reach across gaps to flick a switch and unlock a new area. It also means the player can impale humans in new and creative ways, too.

Alas, it doesn’t take the humans long to work out that something has gone horribly awry. They also adapt, by shielding themselves and throwing more firepower the player’s way. The cowering, unarmed scientists – such easy prey – are later joined by more aggressive foes, who will actively try to shoot the creature. Or, even worse, burn it with flamethrowers.

Nevertheless, stalking enemies is fun. Early in the game the creature can unleash a sinister roar to scare the humans nearby. They’ll cower as the creature approaches them, before screaming as huge red tentacles grab them.Later, players will unlock a skill that allows them to take control of a nearby human, using their own weapons against them.Controlling the creature is incredibly fun – everything is fluid, smooth, and tactile. Wiping out humans in CARRION is an extremely enjoyable experience.

Level up.

The facility itself is like a maze – switches must be flicked to open new pathways, doors unlocked, barricades broken down. As the creature grows and develops new abilities, the player must work out how to access new areas and progress.The level design is really well done. CARRION looks and feels like a classic 16-bit action-platformer; but with a modern flourish that runs very smoothly.

It isn’t possible to freely swap between all offensive and defensive abilities – skills at the player’s disposal are dependent on whether the creature is at full strength or not. This isn’t restrictive for the sake of it.Instead, it adds a clever wrinkle to the level design – the cobweb can’t be used to hit far away switches when the creature is at full size; and the creature also can’t use its strength to smash through barricades when it’s much smaller. However, at certain times the creature can deposit excess biomass,which allows the player to switch between the two and figure out how to progress through a particular level puzzle accordingly.

CARRION’s art style is the classic pixel – it’s not a look this reviewer is particularly in love with, but it works well here. CARRION is imbued with dark colours that neatly contrast with the vibrant red of the creature itself. Later biomes are more exotic, and overall, there is a good amount of diversity among different areas that stops things feeling too stale or repetitive.
Drain the swamp.

Devolver Digital should have another hit on their hands with CARRION. As ahomage to classic b-movie horror, it hits all the right notes. The game comes with a warning that states “CARRION contains frequent graphic violence and gore,” and the content is delightfully as advertised.

Easy to pick up and play, CARRION is original, absorbing and entertaining.It also has an excellent soundtrack – it’s cinematic horror vibe is the perfect accompaniment for the bloodbath that ensues.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.