The Exit 8 Review – A Mini but Magnificent Dive into Liminal Horror - Game Reviews

Overview & Release Timeline

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Aug 29, 2025 – features improved performance, higher resolution, and brand-new anomalies. Existing Switch owners can upgrade for $1, while the new anomalies are included as a free update on all platforms.

Windows (Steam): Nov 29, 2023

Nintendo Switch: Apr 17, 2024 (also runs on Switch 2 via backward compatibility)

PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5: Aug 8, 2024

Xbox Series X|S: Jan 9, 2025

Android (and iOS): Mar 31, 2025

Gameplay & Atmosphere

You find yourself in a sterile, endlessly looping Japanese subway corridor. Your task is deceptively simple: to reach “Exit 8” by correctly identifying anomalies. Miss one—or mistake the absence of one—and you’re reset to the beginning.

This minimalist “spot-the-difference” mechanic builds an uncanny, paranoid atmosphere. The environment shifts subtly: signs change, figures glitch, lights flicker—creating a tense, disorienting experience.

As the loop continues, what’s familiar becomes unsettling—capturing that eerie, liminal vibe so few games pull off well.

Reception & Longevity

Critics praised the game’s originality and atmosphere:
- “Incredibly unique and massively memorable,” said GodIsAGeek.
- Cubed3 noted how it captures paranoia and uncanny valley vibes.
- NicheGamer scored it 6/10, citing clever design but shallow gameplay.
- Siliconera highlighted how cozy yet unsettling the experience feels on Switch.
Players responded positively:
- Metacritic user score: ~7.8 (Generally Favorable).
- Steam reviews: “Very Positive” (≈7,900+ user reviews).
- Sold 30,000+ copies in the first 24 hours.
- On Reddit, players described it as creepier for its minimalism—especially when played at night.

Platform-Specific Highlights

Nintendo Switch: Runs smoothly in handheld mode with crisp visuals, though some loading stutters exist.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Adds improved resolution, smoother frame rate, and new anomalies. At $4.99 (or $1 upgrade for Switch owners), this is the definitive portable version. The free anomaly update also comes to PC, PS, Xbox, and Android.
PC / Steam: Flexible settings, supports high refresh rates, and best suited for players who want to hunt every anomaly.
PlayStation (PS4 & PS5) and Xbox Series X|S: Identical performance across systems, optimized for smooth 60 FPS. Priced affordably (~$3.99).
Android (and iOS): Simple, atmospheric on-the-go play with solid ratings (~4.1/5).

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows 10 64bit
    Processor: intel Core i7 4770
    Memory: 8GB RAM MB RAM
    Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
    DirectX: Version 11
    Storage: 2 GB available space

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system