The Occultist - Deluxe Edition is a first-person narrative thriller available on PS5. Players control paranormal investigator Alan Rebels as he arrives on the abandoned British island of Godstone to search for his missing father amid signs of supernatural activity.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration of self-contained locations combined with puzzle solving and light survival elements. Alan carries a mystic pendulum that reveals hidden clues, reverses time on certain objects to alter their state, and summons ethereal creatures for assistance in specific situations. Progress requires careful observation, deduction from found notes and environmental details, and use of the pendulum to interact with the unseen. Health management matters because direct confrontation is not an option; threats must be avoided through positioning and timing. The experience emphasizes atmosphere through tense pacing and first-person perspective rather than action sequences.
Game Modes
The game offers a singleplayer narrative campaign. Players advance through a linear sequence of areas by completing investigations and puzzles that tie into the central mystery. No separate multiplayer options or additional modes exist beyond the main story path.
Narrative and Setting
The story unfolds on Godstone, an isolated island marked by past events involving occult practices. Alan uses his notebook alongside the pendulum to piece together what happened to his father and the island's former residents. Voice performance and environmental storytelling convey the psychological tone, with each location presenting new layers of the overarching plot through documents, audio logs, and visual clues. The narrative builds around themes of consequence and hidden truths without branching choices or multiple endings confirmed in available details.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception highlights strong writing, voice acting, and atmospheric tension as standout elements that keep players engaged through the investigation. Puzzles range from straightforward item use to more involved sequences that test observation and logic, though some report occasional frustration with responsiveness. The modest length suits those seeking a focused story experience rather than extended play sessions. This title fits players who prefer narrative-driven adventures with puzzle mechanics and psychological horror over combat-heavy titles. Those drawn to detective-style progression and first-person exploration will find the most value here, while fans of intense action or frequent scares may find the pace slower than expected.
