Here are just a few reasons to go back into that house:

Story - So as to not spoil much of what makes this title so enjoyable, I will refrain from relaying any intense story details outside of hidden text throughout this writing. That being said, story mixed with the noted aesthetics is primarily what makes FAITH enticing as a cohesive experience. A formerly failed exorcism drives a spiritually bereft priest by the name of John Ward to return to the Martin household a year later to confront his grievous mistake. Notes hidden throughout the various areas of this title outline the seeping evils in the form of a cult and its summoned demons that lurk within the setting, as well as context that breeds paranoia in the player. This evil will engross the player’s character and further take hold of not just the young priest but the world itself through ritualistic summoning spurred by a practice known as “Second Death,” creating a growing danger. Though said notes are both lengthy and numerous, they are an essential component to this title that aids the visual and auditory aesthetics in breeding an eerie dread in the player.

Aesthetics - I do not wish to sound as though I am merely gushing, but few titles have had me sit down and simply experience them from start to finish like FAITH: The Unholy Trinity has. Although it only roughly spanned four and a half hours to finish the story a single time, the sparse sound design comprised of only a few audio channels and visuals that mix rotoscope animations with the barest pixel count evocative of titles from the 1980s engulf the player in a apprehension that preys on lingering anticipation. The condensed stylings of this title push the player to fill in the blanks of what FAITH wants said player to see and hear, and does so incredibly well.

Gameplay - This title can be played with either mouse and keyboard or via controller, with a controller being the primary way that I experienced FAITH. The layout is likely the most simplistic I have ever stated in my writings: a control stick moves the character and action buttons perform a variety of meanuevers such as revealing the character’s crucifix or later firing a gun. The way FAITH utilizes these uncomplicated commands may not be enticing to some players, but it creates an air of desperation in the player because it effectively limits what they are able to do; this does have minor flaws that both work toward the noted theming but may frustrate players, so take these with a grain of salt. The characters move fairly slowly, which aids in the said expression of helplessness but tends to drag the pacing of specific sections considerably. A majority of the puzzles are well-defined and hold a challenge that is gratifying when completed, though there are a minute amount of befuddlements to behold in later chapters. Overall the experience is cohesive and does not stray away from its core presentation.

Unlockables - Because the story is the dominant element of this title’s intrigue, various items such as filters and modes can be revealed to allow the player to return to the narrative without further impressions being hollow. Side banners, backgrounds, and filters alter the general presentation of FAITH without detracting from the core gameplay while various adjustments such as Flashlight Mode and Lantern Mode deviate how the player may interact with the world. There are also several endings that may be discovered through play, a reason for some players to complete the entirety of this title while others may only attempt it a single time to various degrees of satisfaction.

TL:DR - This title is admittedly not for everyone. FAITH: The Unholy Trinity lacks the high-octane romps of first-person shooters but makes up for its modest gameplay with an intense blend of shuddering anticipation and subtle auditory and visual cues. I highly recommend this title to fanatics of the horror genre and story-driven gameplay with straightforward controls. Thanks for reading.

Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.