Item: Lethe
Rating: 88
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

I miss when horror games were about atmosphere rather than how many zombies they could shove in your face. Lethe feels like a throwback to the more methodical psychological horror titles of the mid-2000s. The environmental storytelling is top-notch; walking through the decaying industrial ruins actually feels oppressive and frightening. The sound design carries half the weight, with every metallic groan making you second-guess if you're alone.

However, the psychokinesis mechanic feels undercooked. It’s mostly used for moving boxes to stand on or clearing debris—it never quite reaches its full potential as a gameplay pillar. Also, the checkpoints are infuriating. There’s nothing more immersion-breaking than having to repeat five minutes of slow walking because a physics glitch killed you. It’s a respectable effort for an indie horror title, but it lacks the polish to truly stand with the giants of the genre.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Oppressive and masterfully crafted atmosphere
Deep environmental storytelling through notes and design
Avoids cheap jump scares in favor of tension

Inconsistent checkpoint system
Psychokinesis mechanics feel underutilized
Slow pacing may frustrate some players

Technical Report

Performance: Can be demanding on mobile hardware; frame rate dips are common in larger cavern areas.

Accessibility:

Subtitles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy atmospheric, story-driven horror games like Amnesia or Penumbra.

Skip if: You want fast-paced action, combat, or a horror game with clear objectives.

Similar Games:

Amnesia: The Dark Descent
SOMA
Penumbra

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
Hardware: iPad Pro
Playtime: 5 hours
Status: Finished Episode One

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1166097026

$0.99 4+★3.8 13 reviews

Author : Changyou.com HK Limited

Pubish Date : Thu Dec 22 2016

Last Update Date : Tue Jul 11 2017

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.7.8Tue Jul 11 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
1. Add a new music
2. Sets the interface size to write changes
"This game has the best artistic quality and effects
I've ever seen."- Japanese music master Onoken.
"A brand new game experience. It will change music games forever!"- Taiwan's top musician Vanros Kloud.
Lethe is a theatrical music game designed with beautifully artistic scenes, sand painting scrolls, and high quality music. Players can discover the lost memories of the "Lethe" continent by gathering elven energy and solving puzzles. The pictorial operations help you release the mysteries and riddles that bind and separate Taya and Omari.
---Game Features---
Brand new gameplay where you open a musical scroll and dive into a unique world of magic and sound. As you journey through this world, more and more music will be unlocked and an immersive world of adventure will open up to be discovered.
Play to the tunes of original musicians from around the world, such as Onoken, Vanros Kloud, Sakuzyo, and celebrated newcomer Kage.
Rise above traditional visual experiences through a perfectly developed Unity 3D integrated game system.
Grants you a real sense of music performance. Every scene of this game is hand painted and fuelled by the mystical power of music and emotion.
You will become immersed in an epic fantasy drama set in the style of a timeless fairy tale.
---Awards---
Indieplay Best Music Sound Effects
Jinyuan Best Music Sound Effects
Jinyuan Best Art Design
CGDA Best Mobile Game Design & Innovation Award
TIGA Best Game Nominations
Very Big Indie Pitch - The Fourth Best Game (The only Asian product nominated)
IMGA Highest Award Nomination
IMGA Most Anticipated Game Award
IMGA Best Audio Award
Taipei Game Show Best Art Award
Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
"This game has the best artistic quality and effects
I've ever seen."- Japanese music master Onoken.
"A brand new game experience. It will change music games forever!"- Taiwan's top musician Vanros Kloud.
Lethe is a theatrical music game designed with beautifully artistic scenes, sand painting scrolls, and high quality music. Players can discover the lost memories of the "Lethe" continent by gathering elven energy and solving puzzles. The pictorial operations help you release the mysteries and riddles that bind and separate Taya and Omari.
---Game Features---
Brand new gameplay where you open a musical scroll and dive into a unique world of magic and sound. As you journey through this world, more and more music will be unlocked and an immersive world of adventure will open up to be discovered.
Play to the tunes of original musicians from around the world, such as Onoken, Vanros Kloud, Sakuzyo, and celebrated newcomer Kage.
Rise above traditional visual experiences through a perfectly developed Unity 3D integrated game system.
Grants you a real sense of music performance. Every scene of this game is hand painted and fuelled by the mystical power of music and emotion.
You will become immersed in an epic fantasy drama set in the style of a timeless fairy tale.
---Awards---
Indieplay Best Music Sound Effects
Jinyuan Best Music Sound Effects
Jinyuan Best Art Design
CGDA Best Mobile Game Design & Innovation Award
TIGA Best Game Nominations
Very Big Indie Pitch - The Fourth Best Game (The only Asian product nominated)
IMGA Highest Award Nomination
IMGA Most Anticipated Game Award
IMGA Best Audio Award
Taipei Game Show Best Art Award

Ratings & Reviews

3.8 out of 5 with 13 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Lethe is a theatrical music game that blends beautiful artistic scenes, sand painting scrolls, and high-quality music. Players discover the lost memories of the 'Lethe' continent by gathering elven energy and solving rhythmic puzzles to uncover the story of Taya and Omari. Featuring original music from celebrated artists like Onoken and Vanros Kloud, Lethe offers an immersive 3D experience fueled by emotion and timeless fairy-tale aesthetics. This award-winning title redefines the music game genre.