Broken Lore Low

The games developed by Serafini Productions have been a mystery for years. Confusion with studios that were constantly embroiled in scandals and repeatedly delayed release dates did not bode well for the launch of the Broken Lore series, which tells a core story with small, short stories marked by self-discovery and guilt.

Broken Lore Low takes us to the small town of Kirisame Mura, where aspiring singer Naomi is trying her luck in the music industry. She is accompanied by her boyfriend, the music producer, and, of course, the competition she has to beat. But it quickly becomes clear that something is not right here.

The game focuses less on jump scares and animations, and much more on telling the story and providing background information through lighting, atmosphere, and tone. Although the content seems very minimalistic, with only two to three hours of gameplay, the game (and its sequels) manages to convey a lot while showing very little. Most of the story is told through what is not shown or visualized.

At first glance, the scenes and graphic changes are very confusing, but nevertheless very coherent. This is evident, for example, in the rough pixel retro graphics. These elements tell of leaps in time, backgrounds, and further lore that fundamentally differ from the basic game. What is unexpected is that mini-games can be skipped to avoid frustration and focus on the story. 

When searching for new horror games, it's difficult to find something new that captivates you. However, Serafini Productions presents a different, simple concept that offers low barriers to entry but has a lasting impact. Easy to play, easy to consume, but with long-lasting appeal—that's how Broken Lore Low can be summed up for those who are looking for games that stimulate thought and don't focus on action and fear.