In Floor 9, you find yourself trapped in a mysterious hotel known as "Hotel Liminal." To escape, you must identify anomalies on each floor. These anomalies can be anywhere - on the ground, in paintings, or even right in front of your eyes.
The game transports players into a deeply unsettling atmosphere within the "Hotel Liminal" setting. Reviewers consistently praise the eerie ambiance, describing it as psychologically thrilling and effective at triggering a sense of unease. The environment's liminal qualities captivate players, drawing them into the unsettling experience.
At the core of the gameplay, players must meticulously scan each hotel floor to identify subtle anomalies. Reviewers highlight that this mechanic requires close attention to detail, sharp observational skills, and patience, as the game cleverly hides these irregularities in paintings, on the floor, and throughout the environment. The challenge of spotting these concealed details is celebrated as engaging and rewarding.
Many reviewers praise the game's replayability, noting that the randomized nature of the anomalies compels players to explore each environment thoroughly, hunting for any changes or discrepancies. With each playthrough potentially presenting different hidden elements, players remain invested in revisiting the hotel to uncover new anomalies.
The game's nonlinear structure, where a single missed anomaly can send the player back to the beginning, is viewed as both a strength and a weakness. While this mechanic creates a palpable sense of tension and consequence, some reviewers find it frustrating, especially when pursuing a quick completion. Nevertheless, the choices and decision-making required are integral to the overall gameplay loop.
Reviewers consistently commend the game's atmospheric presentation, highlighting the eerie sound design, realistic graphics, and cinematic feel as key contributors to the immersive experience. The visuals, in particular, are noted for effectively capturing the unsettling ambiance of the liminal hotel setting, drawing players deeper into the unsettling experience.