Calling
6.3
10
17
17
This game just didn't work out...
When I played this game i expected it to be good, but as it turns out it isn't a good game. It's just OK. What I mean is, the game is a little stupid, and the ending is weird. Another problem is, that it isn't as scary as other horror games. And most of the time it gets really boring. Personally, I would not recommend anyone to buy it, but it would be fine to rent it. And, since it is sort of a short game it would be simple to finish within a couple days or less. So I'd have to give Calling a 6 out of 10 for the reasons I just explained. And if this was helpful clock the thumbs up next to my review.
5/4/12
You Might Cringe For Different Reasons
On a whim, I decided to buy this game while picking up my copy of Resident Evil. It looked creepy and reminiscent of Fatal Frame so I decided to give it a go. As a Uni student, that may not have been the wisest choice as the game did cost a pretty penny and I was not exactly pleased with the amount I ended up paying.
This game has all the elements to keep you creeped out, but perhaps the Wii was not the brightest choice to release this game on. The idea that you would be using the Wii remote as your flashlight is fun, but after you've begun the game, you'll find that it is also your only line of sight and can be incredibly frustrating. You need you flashlight in this game, the flashlight is your friend, and so is the impeccable 'B' button which allows you to run. You ARE taking on the paranormal, after all.
Before you get all worked up about not being able to fight these ghostly apparitions, I should suggest that you think of this game as a interactive Visual Novel. You run around, find objects, solve puzzles (not particularly hard ones, but puzzles nonetheless), and unwrap the plot. I played this game both alone and with two friends and we all agreed on one thing: it was different and painfully short.
I have given the gameplay a 7 point rating as it is well thought out and easy to control once you've got the hang of it, no "butt-frustration" here because you couldn't remember which button opens up your phone, the menu even comes with an area map! (Don't you dare complain that this game is hard.) Sound received 4 points since there was limited music, saved for "intense" conversation and plot twists, and you were limited to squeaky door hinges and the occasional random tappings as if someone were around you making sound- a good part of the game uses this tactic to keep you on edge, and in the beginning it will really work. Graphics received 6 points because, despite all odds, this game is GORGEOUS. The characters are lovely to look at, even ghosts make you want to stare. I know more than a few times I let myself get caught just so I could get a better look at the stained school uniform a ghost wore. The lasting appeal is a 6, this game definitely won't let you forget about it even if you've put it down for what seems to be "permanently". You'll find yourself coming back just to finish it and figure out what really happened.
I've given this game an overall rating of 5 out of 10 points. It is definitely fun, good for casual horror gamers and those that can really insert themselves in the plot. Otherwise, you're better off with Doom, Resident Evil, or Silent Hill, which have much more action and many more monsters including a variety of puzzles that are sure to drive you mad.
The only regrets I have over this game is not waiting for it to go on sale, and never getting around to completing it at 100% (you will find that even after you defeat the game there is more to it). If you're buying this game, I recommend switching the "phone" audio to speakers, sometimes the Wii remote does not do well in receiving the messages, and they end up too garbled to understand which ruins some of the fun in the game. This game is not exactly suited for a younger teen audience with such a heavy theme of death.
Play in the dark, play alone, and turn up the speakers. You may not scream, but the sounds and cut scenes are enough to make you jump.
4/26/12
its good under some scary circumstance
now this game is scary in some way. ill admit you would think a teenage boy within the age of 14-18 like me wouldnt jump to a scary moment. hee hee you'd be wrong, it has some moments in the game where even i would jump. and i dont get scared that eaisly to something fake and fictional. but going into gameplay, the games controls aren't very good it tends to be akward to control at times. the voice acting is kind of subpar as well as the story, which i won't spoil. overall its a modest game. and show what japanese horror is all about
4/22/12
Survival Horror at its best :D
Looking at this game, you're likely to think its not worth your time, but I promise any who love the Japanese Horror genre, you will adore it. While it is obviously a lower budget game, and has its moments of obsucrity or cheesy animation, it is overall a terrifying experience. The story is both creepy and heartfelt, at times overwhelming you with affection and sadness before you flee ghosts in terror. Despite its supernatural theme, there is a sense of realism to both the gameplay and the characters that makes it feel alive. From spooky dolls to abandoned schools and hospitals, the gamer is thrown into the cultural pool of Japan, left to fend for themselves amongst some very Grudge inspired apparitions. While some of the gameplay can be frustrating (and certainly searching for hidden items is a pain) Calling bears many similarities to Fatal Frame, while still making a name for itself. The game is orientated more on finding puzzle pieces, solving simple riddles, and hiding from the ghosts (for there is no normal means of escape, nor any weapon for survival) while you try and find a way out of the ghost inhabited world). It will remind those farmilar with other survival horror games of Clock Tower or Haunting Grounds (minus the alchemy and magic powers) as you find yourself creeping around ghosts. It also interestingly has both a japanese and english language option for those who perfer not to play the game dubbed. Overall, its a great game for those who love a good scare.
6/6/11
Not interesting, Poor game play
I am a major gammer of horror games and syfy games. And I was in search of a Fatal Frame since I had mine stolen. There was no luck in finding one but I came across this Calling. The Associate said the game play was similiar, uh No it didnt, the story line was horrible, the gameplay was horrible!!! I beat it in 30mins, and I did not like the whole cell phone thing!
5/23/11
Great horror game
This game is pretty good. It's pretty easy and not that scary. Now, there are some startling effects, like banging on walls, stuff dropping, and some ghosts that pop up and try to scare you. The ghosts aren't bloody or gorey at all. They are just whtte/blue negative type figures. This game can make you get confused. You have to find a certain room that is locked, try to unlock it, and try to get out of the place, all while a ghost is popping up everywhere trying to attack you. The black cat save icon is a pretty cool idea. Nice game.
1/18/11
Horror for the Wii, Amazing!
Looking at the game's case, Sure you may think its cheesy, Well think again! Calling is a game that tests your survival in the dark, And with.... A Cell Phone? Yes! With your trusty Wii-Mote, You guide yourself through the suburbs and creepy shadows from an unknown force... With a stranger calling every minute, You must use your wits to survive, Or die trying! Callings graphics are pretty good for the Wii, Replay Value is Just as good. The sound is accurate, And guaranteed to give you the chills!
Calling has earned Nine blocks, Out of Ten!
12/9/10
Ehh...
As a huge lover of the horror genre, I found this game to be a 6. It wasn't very scary. There were maybe a couple times when I jumped, moslty because of the sounds coming from the Wii remote...lol. I'll admit at first, I was ready to just trade this game in asap but curious to see where the storyline was going, I played it.
12/8/10
Not that great.
As a huge fan of horror games, I picked up Calling on a whim. It looked interesting from the box. An interesting, if not albeit typical-looking J-horror. Even the beginning showed such promise: interesting storyline, creepiness.... But then it just kind of went nowhere. Like I said, it started out quite good. I played many parts of it with groups of friends, and we all had some major jump moments. But then they began to rush the storyline. Before I knew it, it was over, with so many things skipped over. The main storyline seems to end too fast, and even the extra chapters don't help out that much. Everything comes together but there just could be more. Worth maybe a rental, or bought used. Definitely not worth $40. Nice for a scare, and that's it.
7/6/10
Very GOOD game
this is a good game overall, the graphics are well, you know, the graphics is not the wii strongest side but, this is a good one, the gameplay is very good, you can examine everything you see, and it's hard to get lost in the game, the best challenge of this game: the ghosts. the sound is excellent, in fact the sound is very important in this kind of games. the story at begining is a little rare, when you are in the middle of the game, the story will be exciting, I recently bought this game and I'm very satisfied, it could be a good start for a new kind of games in the future for the wii...the bad:the game is short.ghost sometimes are predictableConclusion:if you like very long games, this isn't for youif you like super-detailed graphics this isn't for youbut if you like a new way to play... buy this game.
4/12/10