The Ferry Review: A Haunting Ride Through Scotto Bay’s Dark Waters
The Ferry is a short horror experience that puts players in the shoes of a novice ferryman on a fateful night in Scotto Bay. As you step in for the injured regular operator during a major festival, the game immediately sets a tone of unease and responsibility. The premise is deceptively simple: load cars onto the ferry and transport them across the bay. However, the looming threat of an approaching storm and the eerie history of the area quickly transform this routine task into a tense race against time and unseen forces. This game was developed in just one week for the Scream Secrets Game Jam, where it achieved the remarkable feat of ranking #1 among all entries.
The gameplay unfolds through a series of ferry trips across the Scotto bay. Unlike many horror games that rely solely on jump scares, The Ferry builds tension through atmosphere and the growing sense of isolation. Your only companion is the disembodied voice of the regular ferryman crackling over an old radio, providing guidance and snippets of the area's dark history. As you progress, the line between the present and the tragic events of 200 years ago begins to blur. The game's key elements include managing the ferry's load and piecing together the mystery of the previously destroyed fishing village.
How would you react if thrust into a position of responsibility, with only your wits and determination to rely on? The Ferry explores this question, challenging players to remain calm and focused in the face of escalating danger and supernatural occurrences. As I played, I found myself deeply immersed in the role of the ferryman, feeling the weight of each decision and the growing dread with each crossing. The game serves as a poignant reminder of the thin line between order and chaos and how quickly ordinary situations can turn extraordinary.
For fans of atmospheric horror and narrative-driven experiences, I highly recommend you check out The Ferry. With its short duration of roughly thirty minutes, it's perfect for a single evening session, offering a concentrated dose of tension and mystery. Those who appreciate subtle horror that builds through suggestion and atmosphere rather than overt scares will find particular enjoyment in this title. The Ferry proves that sometimes the most chilling experiences are those that leave much to the imagination, inviting players to navigate the murky waters of a town's haunted past.
Available On: Windows
Controls: Mouse & Keyboard, Xbox Controller