Foglight Online

Foglight Online is an asymmetrical multiplayer survival horror game set in a fantasy world. One player takes on the role of Farberto, a beast with a keen sense of smell, while 2-6 players control humans trying to escape. Humans must use items like flashbangs and traps to evade or fight Farberto, who can destroy environments and track players through scent, while also having health regeneration. The game features teamwork, strategy, and intense chase mechanics.

Foglight Online: A Masterclass in Asymmetrical Horror

Introduction

Foglight Online, developed by DangerousBob Studio LLC, is a standout entry in the asymmetrical multiplayer horror genre. Released on February 28, 2021, this game pits one player against two to six others in a tense battle of wits and survival. The game’s unique premise, where one player takes on the role of the monstrous Farberto while others play as vulnerable humans, creates a dynamic and thrilling experience. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

Studio and Vision

DangerousBob Studio LLC, a small but ambitious indie developer, crafted Foglight Online as a standalone companion to the original Foglight. The studio aimed to capture the essence of asymmetrical multiplayer games like Evolve and Dead by Daylight, but with a unique twist centered around scent-based tracking and environmental interaction. The vision was to create a game where both hunters and prey had meaningful tools and strategies, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience.

Technological Constraints and Era

Released in 2021, Foglight Online benefited from the advancements in Unreal Engine 4, which provided robust tools for creating immersive environments and realistic physics. The game’s use of PhysX allowed for dynamic interactions with the environment, adding to the tension and realism of the horror experience. However, the studio faced challenges in optimizing the game for a variety of hardware configurations, as evidenced by later updates that reduced the game’s file size and improved performance.

Gaming Landscape

The early 2020s saw a surge in asymmetrical multiplayer games, with titles like Dead by Daylight and Evolve setting the standard. Foglight Online entered this competitive space with a fresh perspective, focusing on scent-based mechanics and environmental storytelling. The game’s release coincided with a growing interest in indie horror titles, positioning it as a niche but potentially impactful entry in the genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Foglight Online’s narrative revolves around the legend of Farberto, a hibernating creature that awakens to feast on humans. The humans, in turn, must work together to escape or defeat Farberto. The game’s lore is minimal but effectively sets the stage for a high-stakes survival experience. Farberto is portrayed as a formidable and nearly invincible foe, with regenerative health and a keen sense of smell.

Dialogue and Themes

The game’s dialogue is sparse, focusing more on atmospheric storytelling through environmental details and item descriptions. Themes of survival, teamwork, and the primal fear of being hunted are central to the experience. The game’s horror elements are amplified by the tension of being chased and the need for strategic planning, making it a deeply immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Foglight Online features a 1v2-6 asymmetrical multiplayer format. One player controls Farberto, who uses his heightened sense of smell to track and hunt human players. The humans must work together to activate breaker boxes, open exit gates, and ultimately escape. The game’s core loop revolves around this cat-and-mouse dynamic, with humans using items like flashbangs, bear traps, and urine bottles to distract or trap Farberto.

Combat and Progression

Combat is minimal for humans, who rely on environmental tools and teamwork rather than direct confrontation. Farberto, on the other hand, can destroy light structures and use a shockwave ability to stun and damage humans. The game’s progression is tied to achievements, such as winning a certain number of rounds as either humans or Farberto.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is straightforward, with minimal distractions to maintain immersion. The scent-based tracking system is a standout feature, allowing Farberto to “smell” players and track their movements. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and tension, as humans must manage their scent trails and use decoys to mislead Farberto.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Foglight Online’s maps are designed to be claustrophobic and filled with hiding spots, enhancing the horror experience. Maps like the Hospital and Graveyard are particularly effective in creating a sense of dread and isolation. The game’s use of fog and limited visibility adds to the tension, making every corner a potential threat.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual style is dark and gritty, with a focus on creating a believable horror environment. The use of Unreal Engine 4 allows for detailed textures and realistic lighting, which are crucial for creating an immersive atmosphere. The game’s art direction is consistent, with each map offering a unique but cohesive aesthetic.

Sound Design

Sound plays a crucial role in Foglight Online, with ambient noises and music heightening the tension. Farberto’s footsteps and growls serve as auditory cues for humans, while the eerie music that plays when he is nearby adds to the sense of impending doom. The sound design is a key component of the game’s horror elements, making it a memorable and terrifying experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Foglight Online received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising its unique mechanics and atmosphere but criticizing its lack of content and occasional technical issues. The game’s player score on Steam is 50/100, indicating a divided audience. However, the game’s active community and frequent updates helped it gain a dedicated following.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Foglight Online’s scent-based tracking and asymmetrical gameplay have influenced other titles in the horror genre. Its focus on environmental interaction and teamwork has set a precedent for future asymmetrical multiplayer games, demonstrating the potential for innovative mechanics in the genre.

Conclusion

Foglight Online is a noteworthy entry in the asymmetrical multiplayer horror genre, offering a unique and tense experience. Its scent-based tracking system, immersive world-building, and strategic gameplay make it a standout title. While it may not have achieved widespread acclaim, its influence on the genre and its dedicated community ensure its place in video game history. For fans of horror and asymmetrical multiplayer games, Foglight Online is a must-play experience that pushes the boundaries of the genre.