The Quarry is the latest interactive horror game from Supermassive Games, the studio behind Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology. Designed as a love letter to classic horror movies, The Quarry offers a cinematic, choice-driven experience where every decision shapes the fate of its characters. But does it deliver on its promise of interactive terror, or is it just another horror flick in game form?
In this review, we break down The Quarry’s gameplay, writing, visuals, and audio, analyzing whether it successfully immerses players in its blood-soaked summer camp nightmare.
Gameplay – A True Interactive Horror Movie
Supermassive Games has perfected the interactive horror formula, and The Quarry is no exception. Like Until Dawn, the game is driven by player choices, quick-time events (QTEs), and environmental exploration. The goal? Survive the night at Hackett’s Quarry, a secluded summer camp, as nine teenage counselors face terrifying supernatural threats.
Choice-Based Storytelling with Real Consequences
One of The Quarry’s biggest strengths is its branching narrative. Every decision you make, from dialogue choices to major actions, influences character relationships, personality traits, and ultimately, their fate. Any of the nine protagonists can die, and unlike traditional games, there’s no “Game Over” screen. If a character dies, the story continues, adapting to the loss.
With 186 possible endings, the replay value is high. You won’t see every variation in one playthrough, making each decision feel weighty and rewarding.
Quick-Time Events & Tense Action
The game relies on QTEs for action sequences, requiring players to react quickly to survive. Supermassive adds fresh mechanics like “Don’t Breathe” moments, where players must hold a button to stay silent while a monster lurks nearby.
While combat is minimal, you’ll have brief opportunities to use weapons – usually in high-stakes situations where one missed shot can mean death. The tension is palpable, though some players may find the lack of direct combat limiting.
Exploration & Clue Hunting
Between action scenes, you’ll explore Hackett’s Quarry, searching for clues that reveal the game’s hidden lore. These collectibles not only deepen the story but can also influence endings, especially if you find key evidence.
However, movement is slow, and the fixed camera angles – while cinematic – can make navigation feel awkward at times.
Multiplayer & Movie Mode – A Social Horror Experience
Unlike Until Dawn, The Quarry introduces robust multiplayer options:
- Couch Co-Op (Movie Night Mode) – Up to 8 players can take turns controlling different characters, making it a perfect party game.
- Online Multiplayer – A host player streams the game while others vote on key choices, making The Quarry an interactive horror film experience.
Additionally, Movie Mode lets you watch the game like a full-length horror movie, selecting pre-determined outcomes or randomizing character behaviors.
Verdict: The Quarry nails its interactive horror mechanics, but its slow-paced movement and limited direct player agency might not appeal to everyone.
Story & Writing – A Love Letter to Horror Fans
Supermassive has crafted a self-aware, cinematic horror story that blends classic teen slasher tropes with supernatural mystery.
A Familiar But Engaging Premise
The game follows a group of summer camp counselors who decide to stay one extra night after the kids leave – only to find themselves hunted by violent locals and a mysterious creature in the woods. It’s Friday the 13th meets The Thing, with a mix of suspense, gore, and humor.
What makes The Quarry stand out is its writing and performances. The dialogue feels natural, with snappy banter and genre-aware humor. The characters start as classic horror stereotypes (the jock, the nerd, the influencer) but develop depth based on your choices.
Branching Story & Replayability
With a massive script and 186 possible story variations, The Quarry truly lets players shape the narrative. Major characters can have completely different arcs, live or die in different ways, and even change relationships based on interactions.
One downside? The early chapters are slow-paced, taking time to introduce characters before the horror kicks in. But once the action ramps up, the game becomes an intense, unpredictable ride.
Verdict: The writing is sharp, the cast is strong, and the game fully embraces its horror roots. Fans of narrative-driven games will love it, but some may find the pacing too slow.
Visuals – A Cinematic Masterpiece
Graphically, The Quarry is one of the best-looking interactive horror games to date. The facial animations are eerily realistic, thanks to advanced motion capture. Characters are modeled after their real-life actors, including David Arquette, Ted Raimi, and Lance Henriksen, making this feel like a Hollywood horror movie.
The lighting and environments are stunning, especially at night. Dense forests, foggy lakes, and flickering firelight create an immersive horror atmosphere. The cinematic camera work adds to the tension, though it can occasionally make movement feel restrictive.
For PC players, higher resolutions and unlocked frame rates make the visuals even more impressive. The game also includes fun filter packs, letting you apply 80s VHS, classic black-and-white, or indie horror film aesthetics for a unique look.
Verdict: One of the most visually polished horror games out there. The atmosphere is top-notch, but the fixed camera can feel limiting.
Audio – Immersive Sound Design & A-List Voice Acting
Sound is critical in a horror game, and The Quarry delivers with:
An all-star voice cast – The performances feel authentic, with actors delivering emotional and tense moments convincingly.
Dynamic horror sound design – Whispering wind, distant howls, and creaking floors make every moment unsettling.
A strong soundtrack – Featuring eerie orchestral scores, synth horror beats, and well-placed licensed songs.
The “Don’t Breathe” mechanic is enhanced by audio – when a monster approaches, the sound muffles, mimicking a character trying to stay silent. Playing with headphones is highly recommended for maximum immersion.
Verdict: The Quarry’s audio design is one of its strongest aspects. Between the voice acting, soundtrack, and sound effects, it creates an incredibly immersive horror experience.
Who Should Play It?
The Quarry is perfect for fans of interactive horror games like Until Dawn or The Dark Pictures Anthology. If you enjoy choice-driven storytelling, suspenseful horror, and cinematic gameplay, this is a must-play.
If you prefer fast-paced action or deep gameplay mechanics, you might find it too passive.
Final Thoughts
The Quarry is an engaging, well-crafted horror experience that successfully blends cinematic storytelling with tense decision-making. While it doesn’t drastically innovate the genre, it refines and perfects what Supermassive Games does best.
Whether you play it solo or with friends, it’s one of the best horror games of its kind – a thrilling, immersive ride that horror fans won’t want to miss.
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