Bendy and the Dark Revival is a fantastic, worthy sequel that improves upon its predecessor's visuals and mechanics, expands its narrative, and delivers an eerie, engaging first-person horror experience. Produced by Joey Drew Studios, Bendy and the Dark Revival is a sequel to Bendy and the Ink Machine. Dampened somewhat by muddled narrative beats, under-utilized characters, and a handful of awkward sequences, Bendy and the Dark Revival nevertheless does right by the series' promising concept and compelling aesthetic.
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Similar to horror game franchises Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy's, Bendy and the Dark Revival tells the story of Audrey, an animator working late who finds herself within a strange, twisted version of the now-defunct Joey Drew Studios. The ink-filled labyrinth is populated by a variety of creatures, including the infamous ink demon Bendy, a malformed, malevolent version of his cheery cartoon counterpart. Partially transformed by the ink, Audrey must navigate the treacherous, dilapidated studio in search of an exit. Audrey's ink-infested state allows her to acquire new abilities, and throughout her journey, she makes allies and discovers shocking truths about her past.
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Bendy and the Dark Revival's soundtrack is fantastic, comparable to some of the best horror video game scores. In tune with the mood, bombastic tunes fade into dim notes, frantic chords flutter to life, and simple melodies combine to form a triumphant suite. The Dark Revival's sound design is equally impressive. The dilapidated studio is alive with the squishing footsteps of ink creatures, eerie metallic clangs, and haunting shrieks. The Ink Demon is brought to life with an impressive performance by Sean Crisden, whose voice occasionally gurgles as if he's speaking with liquid in his mouth. This touch heightens immersion, and when coupled with the game's masterful score and sound design, creates a haunting, fantastically frightening experience.
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Bendy and the Dark Revival's graphics are also gorgeous, complementing its excellent audio design. Although Audrey is a character who hardly appears in the game, her design is absolutely gorgeous. Partially claimed by the ink, her glowing eyes and sole black limb give her an ethereal, haunting appearance. The once-grand studio Audrey explores is a crumbling, dilapidated mess oozing with glistening ink. The Dark Revival offers players the opportunity to explore various locations, including a dim city street, an eerie laboratory, and an inky sewer system adorned with odd flora. Animations of Audrey using her abilities, succumbing to enemies, and interacting with her environment feel natural.
Bendy And The Dark Revival Isn't Perfect But Remains A Worthy Successor
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Based on one of the most memorable viral horror games, Bendy and the Dark Revival's primary weakness is its narrative. Although the game is compelling to play through, its events lose their luster upon completion. Critical plot elements are not properly supported by the rest of the game's narrative. Populated with familiar and new faces alike, the Dark Revival underutilizes its cast. When onscreen, interactions with characters are memorable and engaging, but there simply aren't enough of them to form meaningful relationships. Although returning fans will rejoice at seeing old friends, the Dark Revival gives players little reason to feel connected to these characters, which makes certain events feel hollow.
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Additionally, while Bendy and the Dark Revival is impressive for an indie horror game, it doesn't compare to AAA titles. Enemy models lack variety, it's possible to become stuck at particular puzzles or sequences, and the game's final challenge feels half-baked. Some of the Dark Revival's scare mechanics, like the Ink Demon's random appearances, lose their impact after the first hour of gameplay. Combined with smaller bumps and glitches, it's clear the Dark Revival was produced by a team that hasn't quite outgrown its spots.
Despite its weaknesses, Bendy and the Dark Revival remains a worthy sequel to Bendy and the Ink Machine, and is a contender that can likely stand up to some of 2022's best horror games. Better still, at $29.99 USD, the game is very fairly priced. Sure to appeal to new and returning players alike, Bendy and the Dark Revival is a compelling, well-crafted game that's worth playing for horror fans.
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Bendy and the Dark Revival is available for Windows PC via Steam, with Xbox and Playstation releases coming soon. Screen Rant was provided with a Steam code for the purposes of this review.
8/10
