Summary

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Adventure
Platforms: Wii
Developers: Hudson Soft
Publishers: Hudson Soft, Konami

Calling: A Haunting Journey Between Life and Death

Released in 2009, Calling is a unique and terrifying horror experience that takes place in a strange void between life and death. Players take on the role of four characters who have all been drawn to a mysterious website called “The Black Page.” After entering a chatroom on the site, they are soon transported to the Mnemonic Abyss, a realm that manifests the memories of the dead.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and players use their cell phones to navigate the Mnemonic Abyss and interact with the environment. The cell phones can also be used to take pictures of ghosts and other supernatural beings, which can then be used to solve puzzles and progress through the game.

Calling is a slow-paced and atmospheric game that relies on psychological horror to create a sense of dread and unease. The game’s environments are dark and oppressive, and the sound design is full of eerie noises and whispers. The player is constantly on edge, never knowing what is lurking around the next corner.

The game’s story is also well-written and engaging. The four characters are all well-developed and relatable, and their personal stories are interwoven in a way that creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The game’s ending is also ambiguous and open to interpretation, which leaves players thinking about the game long after they have finished playing it.

Gameplay

Calling is played from a first-person perspective, and players use their cell phones to navigate the Mnemonic Abyss and interact with the environment. The cell phones can also be used to take pictures of ghosts and other supernatural beings, which can then be used to solve puzzles and progress through the game.

The game is divided into several chapters, each of which takes place in a different area of the Mnemonic Abyss. The player must explore each area, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies in order to progress. The puzzles in the game are mostly logic-based, and they require the player to use their cell phones to take pictures of specific objects or to interact with the environment in a certain way.

The enemies in the game are all ghosts and other supernatural beings. The player can defeat these enemies by taking pictures of them with their cell phones. However, some enemies are more powerful than others, and the player must use their wits and strategy to defeat them.

Characters

The player takes on the role of four different characters in Calling:

Rin Kagura: A young woman who is drawn to “The Black Page” because she made a promise to a little girl in the hospital six years ago.
Shin Suzutani: A young man who loves anime and the supernatural.
Chiyo Kishibe: An elderly woman who is drawn to “The Black Page” by rumors that she might be able to meet her late husband.
Makoto Shirae: A newspaper editor who is drawn to “The Black Page” after his friend dies under mysterious circumstances.

Each of the four characters has their own unique backstory and motivations for entering the Mnemonic Abyss. As the player progresses through the game, they will learn more about each character’s past and their reasons for being there.

Themes

Calling explores a number of themes, including death, loss, and regret. The game’s characters are all dealing with the loss of someone they loved, and they are all trying to find a way to come to terms with their grief. The game also explores the theme of regret, as the characters are all forced to confront the choices they have made in their lives.

Reception

Calling received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique and terrifying atmosphere, its well-written story, and its innovative use of gameplay mechanics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Calling is considered to be one of the best horror games of the 2000s. The game’s unique and terrifying atmosphere, its well-written story, and its innovative use of gameplay mechanics have all been praised by critics and players alike. The game has also been cited as an influence on a number of other horror games, including Silent Hill: Downpour and The Evil Within.

Conclusion

Calling is a unique and terrifying horror experience that will stay with you long after you have finished playing it. The game’s dark and oppressive atmosphere, its well-written story, and its innovative use of gameplay mechanics all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. If you are a fan of horror games, then Calling is definitely worth checking out.