This Is What the Reviews Are Saying About Song of Horror in Each Country!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
Song of Horror is getting more and more reviews each day, and we are very excited about the buzz and praise the game is generating in the media, especially during so many game announcements which is certainly difficult. That's why we wanted to share with you some of our favorite reviews and quotes from all over the world, so you can take a look at what the gaming sites are saying about Song of Horror in different countries.
USA/UK
"Song of Horror is one of the best indie horror games out there. Taking the key aspects of genre classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, and combining these with an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre in other media, Song of Horror really gets under your skin and, just like The Presence, will haunt the dark corners of your mind." The Sixth Axis - 9/10
"Song of Horror is an ode to classic survival horror that taps into what makes the genre resonate. [...] a heart-pounding experience." Game Informer - 8/10
"From moment one of diving into the game, you can clearly see that Song of Horror is a work of passion (one might definitely hope so with those six years of development) that’s highly detailed in its environmental design. There’s so much to see that’s it almost a shame there’s no first-person mode available." 3rd Strike - 9/10
"...A perfectly engrossing horror game [...]As first releases go, however, they don’t come much smarter or classier than this. Protocol is a developer to keep an eye on – preferably from a distance." Edge - 7/10
GERMANY
"The game builds a terrifying atmosphere in a really short time. The lighting effects, the music, and the constant fear of being attacked by a monster at any moment are captivating. Sometimes, the game experience was so stressful I forgot I was playing in the middle of an open office." PCGames - 8/10
"The horror is dark and knows how to keep tension. And the ending is simply malicious, the second part can already go into production, I'm eagerly waiting." MDEGaming - 80.8/100
"Song of Horror can compete with a James Wan film in terms of atmosphere." GameStar
SPAIN
"The new horror game that won't let you sleep. [...] A notable homage to classic survival horror that knows how to contribute very clever ideas." HobbyConsolas - 81/100
"Brings back the best of classic survival horrors. [...] Without a doubt, this is one of the nicest surprises we've had this year, leaving me with a great impression." 3DJuegos
"The first great horror game of the decade." Softonic
ITALY
"...A solid horror adventure that will please fans of the genre and beyond, and that deserves to be experienced to the end." Multiplayer It - 8/10
"Song of Horror is a title with a strong soul, albeit visibly influenced by a certain type of horror literature. The plot is well written and will catch your attention until the spectacular finale while the gameplay draws fully from the cornerstones of the genre proposing a very personal and enjoyable interpretation." Eurogamer - 8/10
"The fifth and final episode of Song of Horror did not disappoint our expectations and, thanks to an excellent narrative interweaving between present and past, manages to give the worthy conclusion to the whole experience." Game Legends - 8.8/10
OTHERS
"The Presence in Song of Horror is an evil, invisible entity that never ceases to surprise the player. [...] As a result, Song of Horror manages to preserve a horrible aura from the beginning until the very end." Jeuxvideo - 13/20
"So if you are looking for a horror game in which atmosphere is all-important, puzzling is a thing and backtracking is a must...then Song of Horror is an absolute must." Gamersnet - 8/10
"Song of Horror can be safely put on par with the best horror games." Cubiq - 7.5/10
What do you like the most about Song of Horror? Leave a comment down below with your opinion!
As you know, we are always tweaking and adding new stuff to the game based on your feedback, like the ETA Hoffmann mode or the photograph puzzle changes, and the best way to contribute is by leaving a review on the review section or by writing on the Steam forums!
Do not forget to always listen to doors.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
"I don't feel like staying in an empty house after everything that's gone on."
Check Out This New Song of Horror Jumpscares Compilation!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
With the launch of Song of Horror as a whole, there are many new players facing The Presence for the first time. We LOVE watching you react to its different manifestations and attacks, and that's why we have compiled some of our favorite moments in a Jumpscares Compilation. Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
You can check the video right here:
[previewyoutube="XMOyURAdzDs;full"]
We would love it if you could write a review of Song of Horror! Each review helps us to reach more players and to have more reactions like these!
Thanks for being a part of this community.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams
"Oh, God... What the hell just happened? What was pushing that door?"
The 1st Post-Launch Update is Here! Check Out Update 1.21
Dear Song of Horror fans,
Although the game is already out, we are still working hard on Song of Horror. Today, we introduce the first of several post-launch updates. This one focuses on general tweaks to the whole title, which include bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and important changes to the photograph puzzle in Episode 5, making it more accessible and easier to solve.
Here's everything Update 1.21 adds to Song of Horror:
EPISODE 2
Removed some locations where The Silence could get stuck.
You should no longer get stuck when watching through Erica’s peephole.
EPISODE 3
Fixed a bug which could cause you to not be able to obtain the slides if you used the power adapter before obtaining them.
Added new cutscenes to the Interlude.
EPISODE 5
The infamous photograph puzzle now registers when it gets correctly assembled and gives you the photograph plus the information paper as a document.
Added several clues to the information document in the photograph puzzle.
You can now access the completed photograph (if you have it) when inside the keypad puzzle.
Fixed a puzzle icon appearing on the map when it shouldn’t.
Fixed a bug where sometimes your character wouldn’t use the stethoscope when listening at doors.
Fixed a rare instance of The Presence interfering with The First Dream’s starting cutscene.
Fixed a bug where sometimes you could get stuck after obtaining the flare box.
Fixed a bug which could cause the security panel buttons to disappear.
Fixed several translation bugs.
FINALE
Fixed Ariadne glowing in the dark when you approached her with your flashlight off (reminded us of this scene).
Fixed the music box reappearing once you return from There.
Fixed several interaction bugs with puzzles in Husher and Berenice’s nightmares.
GENERAL
Fixed a bug that caused resolution to not stick properly.
Fixed some VR devices from automatically launching upon Song of Horror being run (The Presence was trying to escape to other mediums!!!)
Fixed a controller issue where using the controller stick to change between “Yes” and “No” options upon selecting Daniel or an Episode 5 character would cause your chosen personal and collectible items to also change.
Removed some UI leftovers from the character selection screen.
Fixed a setting in the “Ultra” effects configuration that would cause an undue performance impact.
Added missing sound effects and fixed some existing ones.
Fixed some bugs with the characters’ in-game voice lines.
THE ABYSS
Fixed the arm grab icons sometimes staying after the event had been successfully completed.
We encourage you to participate in our lively community by sharing your thoughts and comments about the game on the Steam forums, or by leaving a review of Song of Horror!
Here are some of the most heartwarming comments you've left us in the last few weeks!
"Thank you, devs, for this amazing game. This came at a time when I really needed something in my life to bring joy, to make me smile, to make me scared of turning the next corner. So once again, thank you devs. P.S. Erica is best girl, no dispute."
Console Player
"Devs, nurses from Alchemilla hospital asked me to tell you that they are proud of you."
mahorin a.v.
"I love you for the game AND for this great implementation (E.T.A. Hoffmann)! I love the challenge, but it was always a bit frustrating for my stream and also for my viewers to have to see the spots over and over again after a certain time. I'm happy to finish the last episode <3"
North_Station
Keep on keeping on.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
There's no turning back. I have to push forward. I need to know...
The Future of Song of Horror: 3 New Updates Coming Soon!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
It's been a week since the launch of the last Episode, and we could not be more grateful! Experiencing the end of the story with all of you, after all these years of development, has been very emotional for us.
However, this is not the end! We are working on three different updates to tweak Episode 5 and add new features to Song of Horror as a whole. Here's everything we are introducing to the game during the following weeks:
1st Post-Launch Update: Second Week of June
General tweaks, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes on all the Episodes
Changes to the photograph puzzle: We noticed that this puzzle was too cryptic and difficult for many of you. That's why we left a post on the Steam forums with tips and tricks to help you solve it. In this patch, we will introduce some in-game adjustments to help you figure it out, like being able to take the picture with you or adding more tips to the enigma.
2nd Post-Launch Update: Third Week of June
New unique events for Episode 5! The Presence will have more tricks under its sleeve to scare you during the last moments of your adventure. You won't see it coming!
3rd Post-Launch Update: End of June
Erica joins Episode 5: You missed reaching the conclusion of Song of Horror with Färber's nerdy daughter, so we are accommodating "The Horror and the Song" to let you play as Erica!
New H. P. Lovecraft Difficulty: The toughest challenge you can find in Song of Horror! Will you be able to survive with all the characters against the full might of The Presence?
These patches would not be possible without your feedback. Thanks for being so vocal and participative on the Steam forums!
We encourage you to leave a review of Song of Horror in the review section! Each review contributes to spread the word about the game and helps us to keep improving it.
Stay strong. The Presence is still out there.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
"Bloody hell, what happened here? Was someone hurt? Dad...?"
Episode 5 Launch Update: Check All the New Tweaks and Features Here!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
We are introducing a new update to Song of Horror, just in time for the launch of Episode 5! This patch is designed to introduce a couple of new (and highly requested!) features, as well as several quality-of-life adjustments.
Here's everything we are featuring in Song of Horror today with Update 1.2:
GENERAL
E.T.A. Hoffmann mode is now available! E.T.A. Hoffmann is a new difficulty level that maintains the same general difficulty as M.R. James but, whenever you lose a character, you’ll be able to choose to load a previous checkpoint instead of succumbing to permanent death.
Difficulty can now be changed up and down anytime during the game, with no restrictions, except one notable exception: changing difficulty in the middle of an ongoing dangerous event will not affect said event. Certain achievements still require a specific difficulty level to be maintained throughout the entirety of a given episode (or the entire game!) to be unlocked.
Lots of minor bugs, graphical glitches, and subtitle errors have been fixed.
THE DARKNESS
Shortened The Darkness’ duration to more appropriate levels. Now it won't take too long to know whether you survived... or you perished!
Fixed a bug causing The Darkness to sometimes be harder than expected.
Changed The Darkness’ feedback icon: now, the icon will become filled with white starting from the edge all the way to the center before receding again. Success will come by pressing the appropriate key/gamepad button when the icon is completely filled with white.
Both the heartbeat sounds and the event’s tutorial (accessible from the “Tutorials” section in the Pause Menu) have been updated to reflect these changes.
THE SILENCE
Updated the breathing icon to be more accurate. Now, you’ll have clearer feedback on whether you’re doing good or not.
EPISODE 1
The final hallway has been remade to better reflect where you’re going.
Fixed an uncommon bug that could cause interactable items to randomly swap with each other causing abnormal behaviors. A notable example was the entrance of the house, which could be blocked. If this bug affects you, all you need to do is restart the episode to have it fixed.
EPISODE 4
Fixed a bug that could cause you to get stuck when you lose a character in the Basilica or in adjacent areas by blocking the well and preventing you from picking up the victim’s items.
Fixed a bug that could cause you to be able to finish the episode without gathering the four ornate keys.
The mausoleum door leading to the Prior’s confession has been given greatly increased chances of opening (it opens randomly).
Fixed a bug with the Tarot deck causing it to not work as intended.
Fixed a bug that could cause Etienne to appear in the ending sequence despite having been lost.
As always, we encourage you to leave your feedback, thoughts, and opinions on the Steam forums. We listen to each and every one of you, and we always take your comments into consideration.
To finish this update off, here are some of the lovely answers you have left us during the last days!
"No words guys. Greatly done with a lot of love. Thank you!" mahorin.a.v.
In relation to the references found inside the game: "I am sorry, the Presence is watching me and I cant notice those due to fear." Hyrenapth
"Take the time you need to make this Episode as good as the rest, congratulations for this game we were missing innovative, chilling horror, the one you don't know where it's coming from. If you read me, I hope that after this game you bring us more things as polished and made with so much love, cheers, and great work." Shockpunk
Stay Strong.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
Hello? Is that... music? I better take a look.
Song of Horror - Episode 5, The Horror and The Song, Is Out Now!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
The time has come. After 6 years of development, and 4 episodes later, the last episode of Song of Horror, The Horror and The Song, is finally live!
There are two ways of getting this final Episode: - With the Complete Edition, which will be automatically updated with Episode 5. - With the Episodes 2-5 Bundle, if you have the first Episode or more.
We encourage you to recommend Song of Horror to your family and friends, and share it on social media!
The former patients of Jeremy Hartwood Psychiatric Hospital now haunt its eerie hallways, enthralled by The Presence's pull. Find the answers you are looking for before this unknown entity hunts you down!
Dive into the mind of the only person that listened to the song and survived to live another day through the unsettling memories of her doctor! Travel to the past and discover the horrible truth behind the cursed melody.
Lidia properly joins the adventure! She is Daniel’s guardian angel and responsible for helping him overcome his alcoholism. Her selfless drive pushes her to help Daniel once again, this time with a different kind of problem.
Witness the conclusion of your favorite characters and greet unexpected guests from the past. Their survival depends on your final actions in the story!
A bone-chilling epilogue that changes everything. Song of Horror's last verse holds the final key to the story. How and why are The Presence and The Song connected? Will The Presence prevail over your characters.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. We cannot wait to see your reactions to the end of the story.
Fear The Presence.
The Protocol & Raiser Games teams.
I have to escape this nightmare... I have to get us all out of this madness, whatever the cost...
Song of Horror - Episode 5 Launches Tomorrow at 7 pm CET/10 am PT!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
This is it. Tomorrow, at 7 pm CET/10 am PT, you will experience the final episode of Song of Horror.
There are two ways of getting this final Episode: - With the Complete Edition, which will be automatically updated with Episode 5. - With the Episodes 2-5 Bundle, if you have the first Episode or more. We will update the bundle tomorrow at launch, so you can visit the page and get the final episode for a special price.
The mental hospital Jeremy Hartwood holds your last chance to get rid of the cursed song. Build a bridge into the past to change the dooming future that awaits you, unraveling the origins of the eldritch entity that won’t let you go.
The Presence, in all its glorious horror, awaits to reveal an unfathomable truth.
Fear The Presence.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
Dear God... What is this hideous place?
We added a Game Mode Without Permadeath to Song of Horror!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
We have listened to your opinions about permadeath and, following our April's poll results, we have added a new game mode to Song of Horror!
Introducing E.T.A. Hoffmann
Named after the famous gothic author, E.T.A. Hoffmann is a new difficulty option where there is no permadeath. In this mode, players can choose another character or re-start from the last checkpoint when a character dies. The Presence will also have the same difficulty level as MR James.
Now that we are closer than ever to the Final Episode, we feel it's the perfect moment to enjoy Episodes 1 through 4 in E.T.A. Hoffmann, to make sure your favorite characters reach the end!
About Permadeath in Song of Horror
Song of Horror was designed to be a challenging, scary experience where permadeath is essential. We want you to feel the true fear and pressure of losing a character forever, that every action you take has a meaningful impact, that mistakes have real consequences... But also, that these consequences promote changing characters and experiencing Song of Horror from different perspectives.
However, we understand that every player is different. Some of you wanted to enjoy the story and gameplay of Song of Horror without permadeath getting in your way.
We recommend playing Song of Horror with permadeath for the first time... But, if the game was inaccessible to you due to this mechanic, we hope that the E.T.A Hoffmann difficulty will allow you to still enjoy it!
Stay safe everyone!
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
There is nothing more marvelous or madder than real life.
Discover all the Secret References Hidding in Song of Horror - Episode 4!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
Here come's another update on all the references and easter eggs we have placed in Song of Horror! You can check the previous update with the references to Episode 3 here.
We will also share with you the easter eggs in Episode 5... When the time is right.
And now, these are all the Easter Eggs you can find in Episode 4 and its Steam achievements, SPOILERS AHEAD:
- The sculptures of angels covering their eyes in the graveyard are a reference to the weeping angels of Dr. Who.
- The keys made of different materials are a nod to Resident Evil.
- The monk event is inspired by the main gameplay mechanic in Project Zero / Fatal Frame.
- The puzzle involving red plants is a reference to the Resident Evil franchise and their iconic curative herbs.
Steam Achievements in Episode 4
- The Unforgiven (finishing Episode 4 with Ernest – only in English): A reference to the Metallica song.
- One for All, All for One (finishing Episode 4 without losing any characters): A reference to The Three Musketeers (Alexandre Dumas).
- Through The Looking Glass (finishing Episode 4): A reference to the book by Lewis Carroll.
BONUS EASTER EGG!
Did you know that the images of the Steam achievements contain secrets as well? One tip: you need to know how to interpret sheet music to discover them!
How many of these references did you know? How many did you already find in Song of Horror? Let us know in the comments! We have also placed several more in the last episode, so make sure to look out for those and share them with us!
The end is near!
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
It's happened before, you know?
Discover all the Secret References Hidding in Song of Horror - Episode 3!
Dear Song of Horror fans,
We are continuing with the unveiling of all the references and easter eggs we have placed in Song of Horror! You can check the previous update with the references to Episode 2 here. This time, we are also including the references in the Steam achievements!
And now, these are all the Easter Eggs you can find in Episode 3 and the Steam achievements until this point, SPOILERS AHEAD:
• The security guard (Max) handing you things from a restroom that turns out to be empty is a nod to a similar event in Silent Hill 3.
• Max’s ring is a reference to his wedding with Chloe. This is a nod to Life is Strange (even though this is not a horror game, we just love Chloe!).
• The act of physically entering a slide (that is, interacting with visual media in real life) is inspired by The Ring.
• One of the professors involved in the puzzle that players must solve in the first area is Zachary Dunn, a reference to Zack Dunn, the artist who inspired the design of the manifestations that appear in the game.
Steam Achievements: Episodes 1 to 3
- The Fall of the House of Husher: A reference to the classic short story by Edgar Allan Poe.
- Hold The Door!: A nod to the Game of Thrones episode titled "The Door".
- Dying of the Light: A reference to the novel written by George R.R. Martin.
- Silence in Heaven: A reference to the main scenario in Silent Hill 2 called “Letter from Silent Heaven”.
- Homecoming (ending of Episode 2 with Erica): A nod to Silent Hill: Homecoming.
- Downpour (ending of Episode 2 with René): A nod to Silent Hill: Downpour.
- A Quiet Place (ending of the Silence tutorial): In reference to the movie of the same name.
- The Yellow Brick Road: A nod to The Wizard of Oz.
How many of these references did you already know? How many did you already find in Song of Horror? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned during the next days to discover the Easter Eggs in Episode 4!
Stay strong.
The Protocol & Raiser Games Teams.
What have I done? I can't believe this is happening...
