Saw: Genesis is an asymmetric horror game developed The game puts players in the shoes of the Judge, a precursor to Jigsaw's infamous killer, who must punish captive victims

The game's puzzles are complex and require quick thinking and strategy. However, this also means that the game has a high skill ceiling, making it challenging for new players to pick up. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Complex Puzzles and High Skill Ceiling

During my gameplay demo, I realized that I didn't have any perks equipped, which made me feel defenseless against the Judge's first set of traps and puzzles. This experience demonstrates the high mental load placed upon the player from the get-go.

The game's design adds pressure to the situation, leaving players always on their toes. However, this also makes it harder for new players to get invested in the experience.

Saw: Genesis feels like a PvPvE answer to Outlast Trials, but it lacks discipline and polish in its current state. The game has too much to do, making it hard to navigate.

A High Mental Load

The game is refreshing to have more to do than smash gens and loop a killer around a pallet. However, this also means that the game needs iteration to make its systems feel truly fluid.

Read More: Street Fighter Star Callina Liang's Intense Preparation for Iconic Role

Saw: Genesis is a challenging horror game that requires player engagement and teamwork. While it has complex puzzles and a high skill ceiling, it's not for the faint of heart. The developer's vision is clear, but the game needs polish and discipline to reach its full potential.

As part of the Features team, her duties include attending game previews and key international conferences such as Gamescom and Digital Dragons in between regular interviews, opinion pieces, and the occasional news or guides stint.

In her spare time, you'll likely find Jasmine thinking/talking about Resident Evil, purchasing another book she's unlikely to read, or complaining about the weather.

Saw: Genesis is not scary. Call it an occupational hazard, but few asymmetrical horror games are these days. Texas Chain Saw Massacre is probably the most terrifying, lore-accurate depiction of the source movie's tone and tension.

Meanwhile, Dead It's a simple structure, sometimes earning it accusations of being boring. But Saw: Genesis suffers the opposite problem.

The success of a horror asym is tied to how well a game can sustain player engagement, and this one in its current state proves why a simple onboarding process is the best way to ensnare a player's attention off the bat.