She Was 98

Developer: N4bA / Notex

Publisher: Notex / N4bA

Available On: PC (Steam)

As someone who cares for older relatives, there's a spark of empathy to this short horror game. Fortunately, none of my family members lives in a dilapidated old building such as the one in this game. It's compact, run-down and utterly terrifying, almost a character in itself.

You're an indistinctly aged grandchild, dispatched off to granny's to help her as she combats advanced age and dementia. She also doesn't like lighting. Does no one ever have any spare light bulbs in these games?

There are some authentically disturbing moments throughout its short running time, highlighted by a tense trip to the basement and a grim discovery in the bathroom. There's no combat (and indeed no enemies as such), making it another of those horror walking simulators, albeit one that's exceptionally crafted.

She Was 98's slowly teases out its mystery, leaving the player questioning not only what's occurring, but also their own motives and desires. It's fascinating playing a character who, for once, is conflicted and very far from innocent. To say more would spoil, and Granny wouldn't like that, would she?