: It uses a PS1-style aesthetic. The sound design is often described as loud and startling, relying on "jumpscares" and unsettling ambient noise.
❌ : Clunky controls; some segments are much stronger than others; lack of hints can lead to frustration in certain puzzles.
The game features a frame story where you wake up after a party and find four mysterious VHS tapes. Each tape represents a different mini-horror game: ScaryTales.rar
: The game masterfully uses a "VHS" filter and retro graphics to create a sense of unease. Reviewers mention that as you finish each tape, the "real world" frame story in your apartment becomes increasingly disturbing.
Critics generally view this as a solid entry point for newcomers to the "Puppet Combo" style of retro, lo-fi horror. It is praised for its atmosphere and the "lost media" feeling it evokes, though it can feel tedious toward the end due to clunky movement. : It uses a PS1-style aesthetic
: Most of the games are first-person and relatively short. While the stories are compelling, some players find the movement sluggish and wish for better sensitivity or controller support. Pros & Cons
✅ : Unique anthology format; excellent lo-fi horror aesthetic; variety of different horror themes in one package. The game features a frame story where you
refers to the indie horror anthology Scary Tales Vol. 1 , a retro-inspired collection of four horror games published by Puppet Combo in 2019. Overall Rating: 7/10