Supermassive Games may have been in business since 2008, but its first big hit came in the form of Until Dawn in 2015. That game was a story-focused, choice-based affair that took inspiration from teen slasher movies from decades past. The Quarry attempts to do something similar, with a handful of characters who can each meet their end through the main campaign in a number of different ways. It has many similarities with Until Dawn and both, as well as a handful of other titles, are prime examples of how the slasher genre can work beautifully for the video game medium.
In truth, The Quarry doesn't offer many new elements from both a story and gameplay perspective. Its narrative is so closely linked to other properties like Friday 13th, Scream, and The Thing, so it's hard to be surprised by the game's many twists and turns. On a gameplay level, it takes cues from Until Dawn and the developer's Dark Pictures Anthology games, which is to say that it works well enough to carry the main story forward but doesn't offer any real innovation. It does, however, take advantage of the increasing interest in the slasher genre in games, and is further proof that gaming is the best place for it.
The Rise of Slasher Games
Not unlike the films that inspire them, slasher games have quickly gained traction over just a few short years. With a heavy emphasis on character development and a liberal approach to gore, it's a genre that has amassed a sizable audience, and so many of its key components make it suitable for gaming. Full of iconic tropes, slasher films often utilize tense music to maximum effect, presents a diverse range of personalities, and always seem to provide moments of action, horror, and excitement. Each of these components can be elevated when players assume the role of one of the characters as it's their decision that will have an impact on the story, and potentially their fate.
Slashers are often as cheesy as they are scary, and the self-awareness in most typical slasher films and games makes it perfect for non-horror fans. The Quarry takes this philosophy and runs with it, as do titles like Until Dawn, Man of Medan, Dead By Daylight, and Friday 13th: The Game. The latter two are particularly interesting as they show that the genre works not just for story-driven games, but also for competitive multiplayer offerings by taking advantage of the strategy needed to either outrun the killer or be the most effective at hunting down the other players.
How The Quarry Moves the Genre Forward
The Quarry may not be anything new, but it is further proof that different stories, locations, characters, and situations can be used to forge something tense, dramatic, and high-budget. It keeps the player's attention thanks to its presentation and performance and streamlines some of the quality inconsistencies that plagued Until Dawn when it was released. It's a step-up in so many ways, and while it differs greatly from titles like Friday 13th and Dead By Daylight, it is as important in proving that the slasher genre can fit seamlessly into the realm of video games.
The characters of The Quarry may take center stage throughout its ~10-hour story, and the same can be said of most slasher properties, but what The Quarry achieves on a larger scale eclipses the handful of familiar faces and their stereotypes. It's a game that further shows that the increase in slasher games over the last few years is more than justified in its popularity as it can be diverse in game design and if executed well, it can provide moments of genuine tension. Supermassive Games carved out a niche for itself through the PS4/Xbox One generation, and has only strengthened it on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S by continuing to provide intriguing, if a little derivative experiences that continue to impress, and more importantly, scare.
The Quarry is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.