ANOMALITH Review (Nintendo Switch 2)

Survival horror has always thrived on making the familiar feel unsettling, and ANOMALITH leans heavily into that idea. Rather than relying solely on jump scares or grotesque monsters, FuRyu's latest title drops players into a series of reality-warping "Otherworlds" filled with impossible architecture, unnerving liminal spaces, and mysteries that constantly pull you deeper into the unknown.

Set in a near-future Japan, ANOMALITH follows Reona Minazuki, a 17-year-old investigator searching for her missing friend after strange "Anomaly Zones" begin appearing throughout the country. During her first mission, everything goes wrong. Reona emerges as the sole survivor and discovers she has developed unique powers tied to the very anomalies she's investigating. The story quickly becomes a mix of personal drama, government conspiracies, and supernatural horror as Reona attempts to uncover the truth behind the Otherworlds and her newfound abilities.

The narrative starts strong, presenting an intriguing mystery and a protagonist who is easy to root for. While some of the story's bigger reveals don't always land with the impact they deserve, the central premise remains compelling enough to keep pushing forward.

At its core, ANOMALITH is a third-person survival shooter that balances action with careful resource management. Every expedition into an Anomaly Zone feels dangerous, forcing players to monitor ammunition, healing supplies, and inventory space while fighting off bizarre creatures lurking within the distorted environments.

Combat is satisfying thanks to a healthy selection of firearms and the ability to customise them with various attachments. Different weapons excel in different situations, encouraging experimentation rather than sticking with a single favourite gun throughout the game. The survival aspect ensures that every bullet counts, creating tension even during routine encounters.

What separates ANOMALITH from many of its genre peers is the Anomalization system. Reona gains access to twelve unique abilities that can dramatically alter how encounters play out. Some provide offensive advantages while others offer defensive utility, adding another strategic layer to both exploration and combat. These powers often become the deciding factor between survival and another failed expedition.

The standout feature of ANOMALITH is unquestionably its environmental design. The game constantly presents locations that seem ripped straight from a fever dream. Apartment complexes with inverted gravity, endless shopping streets, and twisting corridors that seem alive create a sense of dread that few modern horror games achieve.

These strange locations aren't just visually impressive. They also reinforce the game's unsettling atmosphere, making exploration feel genuinely unpredictable. Even when combat takes a back seat, simply moving through these spaces remains engaging because you're never quite sure what impossible sight awaits around the next corner.

Back at base, ANOMALITH introduces a satisfying progression loop. Weapons can be upgraded and customised, powerful Artifacts can be equipped for stat bonuses, and a surprisingly deep outfit system allows players to alter both Reona's appearance and attributes. The ability to separate cosmetic choices from stat bonuses is particularly welcome, letting players create their preferred look without sacrificing effectiveness.

There is also plenty of optional content for those interested in the game's lore. Dive Reports, side missions, and character interactions gradually reveal more about the world and the strange phenomena affecting it.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version handles the game's ambitious environments surprisingly well. The bizarre architecture, detailed anomaly effects, and large explorative spaces maintain their atmosphere without significantly compromising the horror experience. While it may not match high-end PC hardware, the Switch 2 delivers a solid portable way to experience the game's eerie world.

Pros

• Fantastic liminal-space environments

• Strong atmosphere throughout

• Engaging survival mechanics

• Deep weapon and character customisation

• Unique anomaly-based abilities

Cons

• Story pacing can feel uneven

• Some supporting characters lack development

• Certain gameplay systems can occasionally clash with the horror atmosphere

• Resource management may frustrate action-focused players

ANOMALITH is an ambitious blend of survival horror, third-person shooting, and anomaly-driven science fiction. Its strongest asset is its unforgettable world design, which consistently delivers some of the most creative and unsettling environments the genre has seen in recent years. While parts of the narrative and character development occasionally struggle to fully capitalise on their intriguing setup, the satisfying combat, meaningful progression systems, and oppressive atmosphere make it easy to overlook those shortcomings.

For players who enjoy survival horror experiences like Resident Evil but want something stranger, weirder, and far more surreal, ANOMALITH is well worth investigating.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

ANOMALITH is available now!