The Designer's Curse Thumbnail

The Designer's Curse similar games & best alternatives

The Designer's Curse

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2019

Related articles

Quick resume

Chapter 2 is OUT NOW! The first chapter of an unforgettable survival horror experience. Solve puzzles and work your way through this terrifying place. You may be more familiar with it than you initially think.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Indie, Free To Play

Pros

  • Excellent atmosphere and sound design
  • Engaging story and lore
  • Effective horror and jump scares
  • Creative note-taking mechanic
  • Free to play with potential for future chapters

Cons

  • Short length of current chapter
  • Some clunky controls (door and lever interactions)
  • Monster ai randomness causing frustration
  • Limited originality, strong resemblance to amnesia
  • Minor bugs and clipping issues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have control over their actions such as exploration, puzzle solving, note-taking, and stealth mechanics, but within a structured narrative and environment."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in puzzle solving, stealth, and trial-and-error learning to avoid monsters and progress, providing a sense of skill and mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Game is single-player focused with no mention of competitive elements or comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players express desire to continue with future chapters and replay for scares, though the current chapter is short."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can create their own notes to solve puzzles, adding a creative element, though gameplay follows established horror mechanics."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control over others; focus is on survival and escape."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong psychological horror atmosphere and immersive story provide escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no obligation or pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players experiment with hiding, puzzle solutions, and stealth tactics, though within a defined gameplay loop."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of eerie environments and discovery of notes and secrets is a core part of gameplay."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; focus is on narrative and atmosphere rather than avatar or environment personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game features imaginative horror creatures and a fictional narrative set in a mysterious underground prison and mansion."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community gameplay elements; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills in stealth, puzzle solving, and understanding monster behavior."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of first-person horror games; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention due to tense atmosphere and stealth mechanics; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship-building elements present."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management mechanics; single-player experience."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through chapters, puzzle completion, and story advancement; unlocking extras after completion."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Atmosphere is tense and suspenseful, with moments of stress and fear rather than relaxation."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through eerie music, sound design, lighting effects, and jump scares."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on individual experience."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging narrative with mystery and lore is a key motivation for players."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players must plan stealth routes, puzzle solutions, and monster avoidance tactics."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Game delivers suspense, jump scares, and adrenaline-inducing chase sequences."

  • Value
    4

    "Highly praised free game with quality content and atmosphere, seen as good value for time."

  • Violence
    3

    "Includes combat avoidance and monster encounters with implied violence, but no direct combat mechanics."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay involves avoiding death by monsters and managing limited resources like light and health."

Similar games

    Last update: 06/03/2026