Nintendo Switch Faith: The Unholy Trinity Review

Faith: The Unholy Trinity is a retro-style horror game developed by Airdorf Games and published by New Blood Interactive for the Nintendo Switch. This collection bundles together three episodes of the Faith series, offering players a chilling and atmospheric experience that harkens back to the early days of computer gaming.

Core Mechanics

• Exploration: Players navigate through pixelated environments, uncovering the dark narrative.
• Puzzle Solving: Various puzzles and obstacles must be overcome to progress.
• Exorcism: A unique mechanic where players must perform exorcisms to defeat demonic entities.

Controls

The game utilizes simple controls that fit well with its retro aesthetic. Movement is smooth, and actions are responsive, making the gameplay accessible yet challenging.

Visual Style

• Embraces a minimalist, monochromatic art style reminiscent of early PC games.
• Effective use of limited color palette to create a haunting atmosphere.
• Character and monster designs are simple yet unsettling.

Audio

• Eerie synthesizer soundtrack that enhances the creepy ambiance.
• Well-implemented sound effects that heighten tension and deliver scares.
• Innovative use of text-to-speech for character dialogue, adding to the unsettling tone.

Set in the 1980s, Faith: The Unholy Trinity weaves a tale of occult horror across its three episodes. Players take on the role of a young priest confronting demonic forces and uncovering dark secrets. The narrative is:

• Engaging and well-paced
• Rich in religious and occult themes
• Filled with multiple endings that encourage replay

• Runs smoothly with no noticeable frame rate issues.
• Load times are minimal, maintaining the game's pacing.
• Portable mode works well, with the game's simple graphics translating nicely to the smaller screen.

Pros

1. Unique and atmospheric retro horror experience
2. Engaging storyline with multiple endings
3. Effective use of minimal graphics and sound for maximum impact
4. Innovative gameplay mechanics, especially the exorcism system
5. Excellent value with three episodes in one package

Cons

1. The retro style might not appeal to all players
2. Some puzzles can be obtuse or frustrating
3. Short overall playtime, though replayability mitigates this

Faith: The Unholy Trinity successfully brings its unique brand of pixelated horror to the Nintendo Switch. It offers a refreshing take on the horror genre, proving that sometimes less is more when it comes to creating a truly unsettling experience.

The game's strength lies in its ability to create tension and fear with limited graphical capabilities, relying instead on clever design, sound, and storytelling. While its retro aesthetics might not be for everyone, those who appreciate the style or are looking for a different kind of horror game will find much to enjoy.

The inclusion of all three episodes provides good value, and the multiple endings encourage repeated playthroughs. However, the relatively short length of each episode might leave some players wanting more.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Faith: The Unholy Trinity is a must-play for horror fans and those who appreciate retro-styled games. It successfully translates its PC roots to the Nintendo Switch, offering a unique and memorable experience that stands out in the console's library.