Game is still fresh, needs some polish, not well optimized, need more graphical and gameplay setting options.
***Can't increase mouse sensitivity,
I can barely play, stutters constantly from 5 FPS to 60 FPS, give it some time, the devs will fix it.

When I heard there was a game about The Cecil I knew I was in for a ride! Nothing could prepare me for what was waiting for me within the doors of this haunted hotel. Game-play is down right amazing with graphics that are next level! Everything runs smoothly and I've not ran into any problems other than The Cecil trying to keep me inside!! If you love horror games and enjoy paranormal aspects then this game is for you! Should be noted that this game is based off the real life Cecil Hotel. 10/10 recommend to all horror lovers and to anyone looking for a puzzle type game with endless hallways filled new mysteries around every corner.

This pains me.. As someone who loves horror games, I was very much looking forward to playing this but got soft locked at the very start. In the opening area (the cell) I was unable to interact with my inventory plunger to solve the puzzle. I could not use it no matter what. I slammed all the keys on my keyboard, clicked all around but it would not let me use it.

I thought that maybe I was simply doing something wrong or something out of order, so I went to watch a Youtube walkthrough of the game only find out that I was indeed glitched/locked. Every other gameplay video I saw gave the user the prompt to use the plunger but that did not show up on my screen/game. I restarted the game twice to make sure that it wasn't a one off glitch and this issue still persisted. At one point, I even clipped out of the wall and started zooming around the map while still being stuck in the opening area. This was all on stream as well so there were a good handful of people who saw my efforts to try and play this game.

Very unfortunate, needs some updates and bug fixes. I am willing to give this game another shot in the future, but right now, it is broken.

Graphics especially textures could have been better, but overall I was enjoying my first couple hours & was planning to leave a positive review. But after taking a break from the game and trying to pick up where I left off the game won't load. It gets stuck on the "loading" screen forever and doesn't work. Now, if I select new game it works but I don't feel like starting from scratch after getting as far as I did. Now I'm too far in to refund. Can't recommend in this current state. If this gets fixed, I will change my review.

From the moment The Cecil: The Journey Begins boots up, it sinks its claws into you with an atmosphere that’s equal parts eerie and mesmerising. The graphics are unsettling in all the right ways—creepy, twisted, and deliberately off-putting. It’s got that uncanny valley vibe, where everything looks almost real, but just distorted enough to make your skin crawl. Think Silent Hill meets INSIDE, with a touch of Little Nightmares sprinkled in for extra dread.

The environments are bleak and oppressive, filled with flickering shadows and grotesque silhouettes lurking just out of sight. Every corner of the game feels handcrafted to keep you on edge, and the sound design only amplifies that discomfort, with whispers, distant footsteps, and sudden sharp noises that'll have you jumping even if nothing's there.

But it’s not all just visual horror—the gameplay is buttery smooth and deeply engaging. Movement feels fluid, responsive, and intuitive. There's a strong emphasis on exploration, light puzzle-solving, and surviving the psychological terror that follows Cecil throughout his journey. The pacing is spot-on, pulling you deeper and deeper into the mystery without ever feeling slow or repetitive.

What really sets The Cecil: The Journey Begins apart is its ability to combine horror and emotion. You’re not just scared—you care. Cecil’s story unfolds gradually, hinting at trauma, loss, and something far darker beneath the surface. It's captivating in a way that keeps you glued to the screen, eager (and terrified) to see what’s coming next.

If you're into games like Amnesia, Oxenfree, or The Medium, this one will absolutely be your jam. The Cecil is creepy, stylish, and narratively rich—a psychological horror ride that’s hard to put down.

Verdict: 9/10 – A hauntingly beautiful nightmare that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

Hands down the best horror puzzle game i've played in THE LAST YEAR!!! The puzzles are complex and sophisticated without being overwhelming or impossible. The story line is intense and keeps you guessing where it's going to go, throwing you curve balls as you go. CLAMMY IS TERRIFYING AND ZIMMERS TRIES TO STEAL YOUR SOUL!!! I am obsessed with this game and CANNOT WAIT for the added content coming with the future DLCS!!!!! When i played the demo a year and a half ago (time is weird soup?) i had really high expectations for this game upon its release and it met them and then some!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Clammy sent me on the best nightmare adventure!!!

I may be bias but Clammy steals the show!

Given the game is still very new, there were definitely a few things that can be adjusted. Overall, I think the story has been very fun with some great jumpscare moments. There are several moments where bits of lore are included for various characters, which really brings you into the story. The voice acting from John (the main character) is phenomenal and very immersive. It is kept very grounded and realistic. The mechanics are straightforward and easy to learn. I have been having fun with the game and I can't wait to play more!

Excellent game with incredible jump scares and wonderfully masterful puzzles. Story is solid. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Clammy is the best character in the whole game. <3

First and foremost, this game is amazing, simply because it was created entirely by ONE PERSON!

The environments are beautiful, and the puzzles are quite challenging. The combat is a little bit clunky and awkward, but I could easily see that as being a creative choice due to the main character not having any combat experience.

My only real complaint is that the savegame load times can be really really long depending on your progress in the game, but it makes up for that fact with having zero in-game loading screens, so all it really requires is a little bit of patience.

I hear controller support is coming, which is exciting as well.

Overall, tremendous job by this solo dev, really creative story, excellent environments, and some really quality jumpscares and horror moments! Would highly recommend, especially for the $20 price.