Shiver Games‘ Lucius (2012) is a great horror puzzle game, with a variety of creative and “fun” kills that’ll keep you hooked for this 4-5 hour journey. It’s short and sweet, but has a total of 18 chapters. And now it’s time to rank the best, so are you ready? I present to you the 5 best chapters from the Lucius video game!
Please keep in mind that this list is based on Lucius chapters, and not the list for the “best moments”. That’s a top list for another day.
Honorable Mention: (Ch.1) Cold as Hell
What a way to start off the game, right? It’s not always the introductory mission (tutorial) is fun and worth playing, but in Lucius it’s one of the best chapters. While it’s very short, it’s equally sweet, and sets up the story in a decent way. In turn, I felt forced to include it, only to show some love for this underappreciated chapter.
When it comes to the fatality in Cold as Hell, it’s the classic “trapped in an ice-cold freezer”. It’s simply, yet smart. But perfect for the tutorial.
5. (Ch.10) Betrayal
From the very beginning, I was interested in Fabius, as it was obvious that he performed the ritual that “created” Lucius. In one way or another, his inclusion and involvement made the story interesting, and in Betrayal, many questions were answered. While it wasn’t done in the best way, considering that the betrayal didn’t make logical sense, but it was undoubtedly impactful.
Not only are you strapping a reporter (journalist) to the table, you’re also trying lure your own grandfather in for a cheeky back-stab, literally. It’s simple, but well-structured. Plus, I like the fact that the “secret room” was actually included in one of the chapters.
4. (Ch.7) Fatal Affair
When you consider how detached some chapters are from the overall storyline, Fatal Affair sticks out like a sore thumb for actually including multiple characters. It was at this point that I felt the game take a turn for the better, as the first 5 chapters were admittedly mediocre at best. But Fatal Affair? It’s the turning point.
What about the kill? It’s literally an assisted suicide by falling, and it was jaw-dropping, as I did’nt see it coming. While it’s not the most gruesome kill, it’s one of the most twisted ones, as you literally air some “dirty laundry”, and force a distressed woman to take her own life. While it’s a video game, it somehow made a pretty big impact on me, simply for it being an assisted suicide. So it’s not for the faint of heart. This chapter is twisted.
3. (Ch.6) Holy Day Slip
My favorite holiday is Christmas, which means that I’m a sucker for anything related to that magical time of the year, and I’m surely not alone? Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly enjoyed playing Holy Day Slip, and it still stands out to me among the 18 chapters. But why? Is it just because of the Christmas theme? No, not just that. In-fact, it’s one of the first chapters where you actually have to use your brain and figure things out, without proper explanation. Thus, it’s one of the more puzzle-ly puzzle chapters of Lucius.
What about Alastair’s demise? It’s pretty simplistic in essence, as you turn off the Christmas lights and make the butler slip, then pierce his brain with some ice! While it sounds nice for a horror game, it’s definitely nothing crazy. But I have to admit, I liked the process of getting to that point, and therefore, the ending was that much more enjoyable.
2. (Ch.16) American Schizophrenic
There’s something to be said about this one, isn’t there? But I can’t find the words to describe how disturbing American Schizophrenic is, especially considering that it involves the main character’s mother and father. It’s just so messed up, but so damn good at the same time. But what makes it so good? Is it the relationship? Maybe it’s the calm and relaxing nature of how it all unfolds? I’d say its all of the above!
When a horror game involves family relationship, it’s almost always impactful and shocking, as it makes everything much more disturbing. While this chapter isn’t very long, it’s actually pretty difficult to figure out. But when you put all the pieces together and force the father to use the nailgun on his wife, your mother, it’s jaw-droppingly difficult to watch. However, it’s a horror game, so you have to appreciate the commitment for twistedness.
1. (Ch.18) The End Is Here
Believe it or not, the ending of Lucius is actually one of the best parts of the game, but isn’t that surprising? Considering that there are 18 chapters with creative kills, the developers still saved something for the ending. In-fact, in The End Is Here is where you’ll finally get to “fight” people; the two priests and your father, Charles Wagner. In turn, it’s a refreshing way to wrap things up, as you’re actually doing something new in Chapter 18.
The End Is Here concludes with a choice between “Action” and “Puzzle”, which will dictate how you will approach and finish the game. While it seems somewhat unnecessary, it’s one of the main reasons the last chapter feels a bit “fresh”, you know? It’s the first time we actually get to make a game-changing decision, and it feels good. But whichever one you pick, you’ll most likely enjoy the last mission. I chose “Action”, and I downright loved burning the entire Dante Manor to a crisp. It was a beautifully sickening ending to a twisted and fun puzzle game.
For more gaming lists, click here!
