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About Zahmahrel
Zahmahrel is a first-person adventure game where you play as a YouTuber exploring a derelict facility plagued by supernatural activity. Developed by Farkas Interactive, it launched on PC in September 2025. The game centers on documenting eerie phenomena with your camera, which acts as both a tool for solving environmental puzzles and a means of surviving unseen threats. Set in a dimly lit, decaying research site, the story unfolds through scattered logs and cryptic symbols. Players who enjoy slow-burn horror and investigative gameplay will recognize its inspirations, but Zahmahrel carves its own niche with a focus on visual storytelling and tense exploration. The core loop is simple: document, survive, uncover.
Gameplay
Exploration in Zahmahrel is methodical. You use your camera to scan objects, which reveal hidden details or trigger scripted events. The device has limited battery, forcing you to balance filming with conserving power. Threats lurk in the periphery, sudden noises and flickering lights signal proximity to hostile entities. Most sessions involve backtracking to revisit areas with new tools, like a night-vision filter or a directional microphone. Puzzles often require aligning symbols or triggering environmental hazards (e.g., turning off security systems). Controls are intuitive but restrictive: you can’t sprint, attack, or carry items. The camera’s narrow field of view amplifies tension, as you constantly pivot to check for movement. Sessions last 45, 90 minutes, with a strong push toward a mid-game climax.
What Players Think
Zahmahrel holds an 82% positive rating on Steam, with 68% of players completing the full story. Average playtime is 4.5 hours, and 73% finish within 5 hours. Community moods skew anxious (61%) and curious (48%), with 12% calling it "overhyped." Critic scores average 88/100, praising atmosphere but critiquing repetitive set pieces. One user wrote, "The camera mechanic is clever but tiring after 2 hours." Another noted, "Feels like a longer YouTube video, just don’t let the battery die." Achievement completion is 78% overall, with the hardest (35/1000 points) requiring a 100% silent run. The game’s low price ($24.99) boosts accessibility, though some argue it undercuts content depth.
PlayPile's Take
Zahmahrel is a competent but narrow experience. It works best for fans of methodical horror who prioritize mood over action. The camera mechanic is inventive but becomes a chore in longer sessions. With 35 achievements and a 4.5-hour average playthrough, it’s a quick, affordable pick for PC owners. If you’ve enjoyed games like The Vanishing of Ethan Carter or Five Nights at Freddy’s, Zahmahrel’s vibe will feel familiar. However, its repetitive middle act and lack of multiplayer may deter casual players. At its price point, it’s worth a try, but don’t expect impressive gameplay.
Game Modes
Single player
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