Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Arcen Games, LLC
Publishers: Arcen Games, LLC

Shattered Haven: A Lovecraftian Survival Horror Masterpiece

Introduction

Shattered Haven is a 2013 survival horror game developed by Canadian studio Cheerdealers and published by Reverb Publishing. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been ravaged by a mysterious plague that transforms animals into twisted, violent creatures. Players take control of Darrell and Mary Williams, a couple who have managed to build a secure haven for themselves and their young daughter in the countryside. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when they take in a young boy who is the sole survivor of a nearby attack.

Gameplay

Shattered Haven is a third-person survival horror game that emphasizes stealth, exploration, and resource management. Players must scavenge for food, water, and other supplies in order to survive. They must also be careful to avoid the Grays, the zombie-like creatures that roam the land. The game features a variety of weapons, including firearms, melee weapons, and traps. Players must use these weapons wisely in order to defend themselves from the Grays and other threats.

In addition to the main story campaign, Shattered Haven also features a number of side quests and challenges. These side quests can provide players with additional resources and experience points. Challenges are timed events that test players’ skills and abilities.

Setting

Shattered Haven is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a mysterious plague. The plague transforms animals into twisted, violent creatures called Grays. The Grays are relentless and deadly, and they pose a constant threat to the survivors.

The game’s world is dark and oppressive, with a constant sense of dread and danger. The environment is littered with the ruins of civilization, and the air is thick with the smell of decay. The Grays are everywhere, and they are always hungry.

Characters

The player characters in Shattered Haven are Darrell and Mary Williams, a couple who have managed to build a secure haven for themselves and their young daughter in the countryside. Darrell is a former soldier, and he is skilled in combat. Mary is a doctor, and she is responsible for keeping the family healthy.

The other major character in the game is Ethan, a young boy who is the sole survivor of a nearby attack. Ethan is traumatized by the events that he has witnessed, and he is struggling to come to terms with the new reality of the world.

Story

The story of Shattered Haven begins nine years after the plague first struck. Darrell and Mary have managed to build a secure haven for themselves and their daughter, but they know that their safety is always at risk. When they take in Ethan, they unwittingly bring a new threat into their home.

Ethan is being hunted by a group of Grays who are led by a powerful creature known as the Matriarch. The Matriarch is determined to capture Ethan, and she will stop at nothing to get him.

Darrell, Mary, and Ethan must band together to survive the onslaught of the Grays. They must also find a way to stop the Matriarch and her followers. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Themes

Shattered Haven explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, including the nature of evil, the fragility of human life, and the power of hope. The game’s world is a place where the forces of darkness are constantly at war with the forces of light. The player characters must find a way to survive in this world, even as they are surrounded by death and destruction.

Reception

Shattered Haven received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its atmosphere, story, and gameplay. Many critics compared the game to the classic survival horror games Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Shattered Haven was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game has been ported to a number of platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Legacy

Shattered Haven is considered to be one of the best survival horror games of all time. The game’s unique setting, story, and gameplay have set it apart from other games in the genre. Shattered Haven has also been praised for its dark and disturbing themes, which have resonated with players around the world.

The game’s success has led to the development of a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most recent installment in the series, Shattered Haven: The Aftermath, was released in 2020.

Conclusion

Shattered Haven is a masterpiece of survival horror. The game’s dark and oppressive atmosphere, its gripping story, and its challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Shattered Haven is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.