LBR received an Xbox review code from Reverb to review the 10th anniversary update of Slender: The Arrival.
Slender: The Arrival, the memorable survival horror streaming staple from Blue Isle Studios, received an extensive overhaul in its 2023 update. In addition to improved visuals, there is an extra playable chapter that expands on familiar lore. However, you can still switch between the new and original versions.
In Slender: The Arrival, players must search and explore a variety of creepy areas, collecting clues while avoiding the titular enemy that lurks around every corner. Each clue gives more context about the broader mythology, location, and characters.
Slender: The Arrival launched its 10th anniversary update on October 18th, 2023. It’s available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. You can watch the update’s launch trailer on the Blue Isle Studios YouTube channel:
Slender: The Arrival remains a nostalgic and important piece of horror gaming history, thanks to its imposing imagery and unforgiving attitude. It may feature many simple jump scares, but they were always executed well.
The new update’s visuals are undeniably stunning, with crisp details that make flickering and sudden figures easier to detect. I am definitely impressed with the improved lighting and textures, which clean things up while maintaining a sense of unease.
However, the gritty underground novelty of the original game may be lost a bit, for some. I partly liken it to Texas Chain Saw and its ’03 remake. These Slender versions feel and play quite differently, though both can have their benefits.
The 10th anniversary may not feel quite as grimy or shocking, but its polished state is fitting for a game that thrives on smaller details. It will also meet the standards of modern gaming, where most have left the creepypasta itself behind.
The update is also a bit tamer, which is friendlier for newcomers that are more intrigued with investigating the mythology. But skilled, longtime fans might find that the game can sometimes amount to a walking simulator. The basic gameplay itself has not been altered much, which maintains fidelity in exchange for surprise.
The new chapter is more of an interactive horror cinematic with no survival aspects, which may disappoint some. But it is effectively immersive, psychological, and explores familiar lore in new ways. I connected with this protagonist.
The new chapter’s claustrophobia could have been very challenging and disturbing if you needed to flee at any point, since the interiors are a delightful maze of filth. I also appreciated the tighter plotting.
Final Thoughts
Without any close, personal nostalgia for the original game, I see promise in Slender: The Arrival. The 10th anniversary update delivers a solid visual rework featuring pretty graphics. This game could use a fresh direction as visionary as the original, but Slender’s update does have me interested in plans for its future.
Score: 7.5 / 10
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