186 endings. One big flaw. The Quarry might just be the best and yet among the most frustrating cinematic horror games you’ll ever play. Read this The Quarry review to know if the game is worth your time… and your patience!
Released in 2022, developed by Supermassive Games and published by 2K Games, The Quarry stands as one of the studio’s most ambitious projects to date. Known for crafting deeply narrative, choice-driven experiences, Supermassive has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Like its earlier hit Until Dawn, which is one of the first well-known entries in interactive movie genre, this title also belongs to the rare category of interactive drama horror video games that blend movie-quality direction with branching gameplay. The Quarry takes that idea further, offering an emotionally charged and cinematic journey filled with unpredictable twists, moral dilemmas, and a staggering 186 possible endings. If you are looking for interactive movie games or the best horror games with multiple endings, The Quarry is a game you should definitely not miss out! Continue reading our review to know if the game is worth your time!
A Different Kind of Summer Camp Nightmares
The Quarry opens at a seemingly beautiful and normal summer camp where a group of counselors prepares to leave after the season ends. However, an unexpected event forces them to stay one more night. What starts as a night of harmless fun quickly turns into a series of chilling encounters involving mysterious locals, hidden family secrets, and something far darker lurking in the woods.
Unlike most horror titles that rely on monsters or gore, The Quarry game also leans heavily into atmosphere, pacing, and character development. Yes, at times, it feels more like watching a movie than playing a game, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Every camera angle, lighting cue, and sound design choice heightens tension in ways few games manage. The horror here isn’t constant screaming and running- it’s dread that slowly seeps in until you realize how deep the nightmare goes, and how a single choice you make can result in any of your characters dying brutally.
The Quarry Characters
The Quarry characters are easily one of the strongest aspects of the game. Each of the nine playable counselors feels distinct and memorable, with personalities that evolve depending on your decisions. Unlike the exaggerated typical annoying teenagers in horror movies, the cast here feels more grounded and believable. They argue, they panic, they care about each other, and occasionally they make terrible decisions that feel human rather than forced.
The writing and performances work hand in hand to make you actually root for them. Except for one or two, most of these characters are likable enough that their deaths actually sting. The performances from Ted Raimi, David Arquette, and the rest of the talented cast elevate the emotional impact of every choice. It’s one of those rare interactive drama horror video games where you genuinely feel responsible for the people on screen.
Immense Replay Value and Unpredictable Consequences
If there’s one thing The Quarry absolutely nails, it’s replayability. Supermassive’s claim of 186 different endings might sound exaggerated, but the branching design is genuinely impressive. If you play the game, you will know! This is where the title truly earns its place among the best horror games with multiple endings.
Every choice matters, even the ones that seem trivial at first. A single missed quick-time event (QTE) or a simple line of dialogue can trigger massive consequences hours later. During one of my playthroughs, several seemingly harmless decisions ended up changing the entire course of the story. That unpredictability makes the game thrilling but also, at times, infuriating. It’s one of the defining traits of an interactive drama horror video game: you can never be sure whether your decision will save someone or doom them.
The Frustrating Side of Perfection
For all its brilliance, The Quarry game isn’t without flaws. Some QTEs demand extremely precise timing, which can feel punishing, especially during tense moments. Missing one button prompt might cost a character’s life, and that lack of forgiveness can become frustrating.
And talking about the fear factor, the game isn’t all that scary. It felt a little eerie during my first playthrough, but the second time around it barely made me flinch. Maybe that’s because I already knew exactly what was coming. Yeah, the story is good, without a doubt, but the game is likely not going to scare you too much.
The game’s biggest flaw, however, is its structure. There’s no chapter select or rewind feature when you are on any playthrough for the first time. If you make a bad decision and want to see how a different choice would play out, you’ll have to replay the entire game from the beginning. Considering that one full playthrough can take eight to ten hours, this design choice feels unnecessarily restrictive. For a title that prides itself on offering countless narrative paths, forcing players to start over breaks immersion and momentum. Thankfully, at least once you complete the game, there is an option to select chapters.
Visuals and Presentation
Visually, The Quarry is a stunning achievement. The lighting, shadows, and environmental detail create a world that feels both cinematic and authentic. The facial capture technology used here is among the best in the genre, rivaling top-tier film productions. The cinematography enhances immersion: the camera subtly tilts and pans like a professional horror film.
The presentation further reinforces the feeling that you’re playing an interactive movie game. The way each shot is composed, combined with the haunting score and perfectly timed silences, creates tension more effectively than cheap jump scares ever could. The result is a game that looks, feels, and moves like a feature film.
In fact, at times, you might even forget that you are playing a game, and might start thinking that you are watching a live-action movie.
A True Interactive Movie Game
What makes The Quarry special is how confidently it embraces its identity as an interactive movie game. It’s not about complex gameplay mechanics or skill-based challenges. It’s about decisions, emotions, and consequences. Every moment feels deliberate, every scene crafted with care.
This is where Supermassive’s storytelling expertise shines brightest. They understand pacing, atmosphere, and tone better than most studios. Whether you’re sitting through an eerie campfire scene or choosing whether to investigate a strange noise, you feel like the director of your own horror film. Few titles in the interactive drama horror video game category manage to combine cinematic flair with genuine suspense and storytelling as effectively as The Quarry.
Why It Stands Among the Best Horror Games with Multiple Endings
For players who enjoy replaying stories and testing different choices, The Quarry easily earns its place among the best horror games with multiple endings. The amount of variation between playthroughs can be astounding. Each run can reveal new character interactions, hidden dialogue, and alternate outcomes. Even if you already know the main plot twist, replaying it remains engaging because no two sessions should feel identical.
The unpredictability can occasionally frustrate, especially when small mistakes have huge consequences, but that’s also what keeps the tension alive. You’re never completely safe, and that uncertainty is what makes the experience memorable. Do you follow the sound in the woods, or do you stay where you are and risk missing something important? Every choice feels like a gamble, and that constant second-guessing is what keeps you hooked. Even when frustration sets in, it’s hard not to appreciate how cleverly the game manipulates your emotions, turning every scene into a test of both nerve and judgment.
Final Verdict
The Quarry is a bold and ambitious entry in the interactive drama genre. It builds on what Supermassive started years ago but confidently steps into new territory with more grounded storytelling and a likable cast. The blend of cinematic presentation and branching narrative design creates something that feels truly unique.
There are frustrations- the QTE difficulty and lack of chapter replay till you finish one playthrough being the biggest- but they don’t overshadow what Supermassive achieved here. This is a horror story that feels alive, shaped by your decisions and defined by your instincts.
For anyone who enjoys interactive drama horror video games and wants to experience one of the best horror games with multiple endings, The Quarry is a must-play. It’s intense, cinematic, and emotionally gripping from start to finish.
Verdict: 8/10 – A beautifully crafted, unpredictable horror experience that proves why Supermassive Games still lead the pack when it comes to interactive storytelling.
If you liked our The Quarry Review, you can also check out our review of Detroit Become Human, another cinematic interactive drama game that takes you to a futuristic world where androids and humans clash
You can also check out our full list of 7 best cinematic horror games that you should consider playing
Pingback: Top 7 Cinematic Horror Games You Can Play in 2025 - Cinematic Gamers