Nightdive Studios and The Dreamers Guild have breathed new life into the classic point-and-click adventure, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream, now available on PlayStation 5. Let’s explore what this reimagined release has to offer in our review.
Originally launched in 1995 for the PC, this game, crafted by Dreamers Guild and Cyberdreams, draws its eerie narrative from Harlan Ellison’s short story. Ellison himself even contributed to the game’s original development. Set within a dystopian future, the story centers around a malevolent AI named the Allied Mastercomputer, or AM, which has wiped out humanity—except for five unfortunate individuals.
These survivors find little solace, as they’re subjected to AM’s continuous torment, a grim reality they’ve endured for 109 years. AM exploits their weaknesses by creating psychological challenges, keeping them perpetually on edge. It’s a dark and twisted narrative, certainly not suitable for everyone!
The cast includes four men and one woman, each grappling with their demons. Gorrister has become a withdrawn, despondent figure yearning for an end to his suffering. Ellen, once an accomplished engineer, has an inexplicable hysteria triggered by the color yellow. Benny, AM’s favored victim, is a physically shattered individual enduring a host of ailments. Ted, ever the skeptic, is wracked by paranoia and constant nervousness. Lastly, Nimdok, an elderly man, shares a peculiar connection with AM.
In revisiting this near-three-decade-old game, players will engage in classic point-and-click mechanics, issuing a variety of commands from the screen’s bottom, such as Walk To, Look At, Take, and more. Using the left analog stick or D-Pad, you’ll maneuver a cursor to execute actions, forming sentences that guide your character through the story.
The 2025 iteration introduces improvements for better gameplay experience. For instance, hovering over an exit and pressing X triggers the Walk To command, streamlining navigation. Item interaction follows a similar system, with intuitive button mapping for swift commands such as Take, Look At, and Use.
Additionally, trophy hunters will enjoy the challenge of a full list, complete with a coveted Platinum trophy. Since it is a Cross-Buy title, you gain access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions, each boasting its own trophy list. Achievements are tied to playing as each survivor and completing diverse objectives, but your choices can influence the narrative, making attention to dialogue and actions crucial.
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream’s grim tale weaves a cautionary, psychological exploration. It’s enhanced with full voice acting, adding depth to each character. The main menu also offers Extras, featuring a digital manual and the game’s soundtrack, allowing you to immerse yourself further.
Available at $9.99, this Cross-Buy package includes both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions at no extra cost, making it a worthwhile addition to your game library for those who dare to confront its chilling world.
This review was conducted using a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nightdive Studios.
