We Love It's Guide to…
An ex-patient with strange visions explores a decaying mental institute, investigates its past, and solves first-person puzzles.
Released 13 Mar 2025
Explore a Mental Institute
Investigate Patient Records
Question Asylum Staff
An epic supernatural horror adventure and the spiritual successor to cult classic Scratches set in a massive, decaying mental institute. Inspired by H. P. Lovecraft, Hammer Films and twisted Euro Horror from the 80s.
Developed by Senscape · Published by Senscape
You play as an ex-patient experiencing strange visions who returns to the sprawling Hanwell Mental Institute. As you explore its decaying rooms and corridors, you investigate the building’s history and search for answers about your own past.
The game is a first-person point-and-click adventure: move between viewpoints, look around, inspect objects, and speak with people in the institute. Documents, notes, and conversations provide clues about the place and its inhabitants.
Progress by solving puzzles and using objects and information to open new routes through the institute. The focus is on exploration and investigation rather than combat, with a slow-moving horror story unfolding as you delve further into the building.
Players who enjoyed ASYLUM often highlight its oppressive atmosphere, detailed hospital setting, and old-school point-and-click style. Some found the story and investigation compelling, and praised the music and puzzles; others felt the puzzles were too simple or the narrative’s ending unsatisfying. The slower pace and backtracking also worked for some players but frustrated others.
From the creators of cult sleeper hit Scratches and the haunting Serena, comes a chilling journey into the darkest depths of your mind.
ASYLUM is an ambitious first-person horror adventure casting you into the hallucinatory setting of the Hanwell Mental Institute. As an ex-patient suffering bizarre visions, you must explore the intricate layout of the building, research its past history, and march towards a shocking conclusion.
With influences ranging from Peter Cushing to Lucio Fulci, ASYLUM has been meticulously crafted with a strong focus on storytelling and atmosphere. Visit countless tenebrous environments, make your way through a towering, lifelike mental hospital, and solve compelling puzzles to find the answers you seek.
We poured our heart and soul into creating an involving and endlessly rewarding adventure. If you love the kind of slow-burning horror with an old-school sensibility that creeps upon you, ASYLUM will be an unforgettable experience.
A mind-bending original storyline that we somehow managed to keep secret during 15 years of production.
Around 10 hours of gameplay — and that's without learning all the dark secrets!
An atmosphere so engrossing you will almost smell the stench of decrepitude and putrefaction around you.
Exciting challenges rewarding your wit and observation.
Memorable soundtrack inspired by 80s horror films and quite a bit of John Carpenter.
No jump scares! OK, maybe just a frightening handful that will hit you when you least expect them.
Diegetic interface and other buzz words.
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 19 |
| Age ratings |
|
| Controller support | Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 1 listed on Steam |
| Content notices |
|
| Metacritic | 66/100 View on Metacritic |
| Website | Official website |
