Clive Barker's Disastrous Horror Game 

It's a shame this series wasn't executed better. Honestly the entire concept of a team of militaristic witches taking out supernatural threats with guns and magic is really badass.

Didn't expect Steve Blum of all people to be voicing the protagonist in this game, but hey, that guy is everywhere so I guess it's not too surprising

honestly the general story and theme of this game sounds really interesting, it'd be great if this game ever got a more fleshed out remake or even had the story turned into like, an animated show (like castlevania style)

Was addicted to this game back in the day. Finished at the hardest difficulty. Downloading ammo using quantum physics is such a unique idea.

IIRC you can datamine the game files to get some idea of the cut content. Basically, the original ending would reveal that the Firstborn was not evil, and it was the Sumerian priestess who tried to consume his power and started the Box. The priestess was the original final boss. That ending also hinted that the team’s employers were in on the ritual and intended to subjugate Firstborn. All of this is a lot more consistent with the Firstborn asking for our help in the beginning, and guiding us to the objectives.

The game has a weird structure where early levels really do kinda suck but the game gets better as it goes along and levels become less cramped. Its like they learned along the way that having a game where you control big squad shouldn't have super small corridors filled with flamethrower enemies. Also Ross 2.0 is secretly the strongest character in the game, because he has the same orbs the Miss jiggle physics has, except he can launch them in long ranges, instantly stunning all monsters and making them helpless.

I unironically love this one despite the flaws. I play it every few years. I wish we got the planned sequel

Man, the story was amazing, so was the lore; the reason behind the core mechanic of switching team mates was very well thought. A game based on the same premise but with better gameplay and better pacing and narrative would be a hit.

I remember getting really attached to these characters and Cole and Jones’ deaths were shocking and impactful to me. The two that knew it’s weakness.

Even with all the bad stuff… I think the creatures, gore, and maps/sets were really unique and that is Clive Barker’s signature.

That large blue gate at 32:14 is based of a real-life Babylonian structure called the Ishtar gate which was blue so as to appear like lapis lazuli. Pretty cool they included that

I always thought I was the only one that secretly loved this game, nice to see others too

I gotta admit, i love Jericho. Despite its jank, I LOVE the premise, the characters and the art direction.

That child crusade that the prisoner mentioned actually happened btw, it went about as well as you’d expect

The fact they got steve blum to do va for this game, is a massive achievement in itself, but i feel like the recent amnesia game took a lot of similar themes, and did them better, that game was how modern horror games should be made!

9 / 10 year old me loved playing this game when it came out. It was so different to anything else I played / was playing at the time. Its premise, art style, sound design, voice acting, characters, and story felt so original and fresh to me. I’ll occasionally have DREAMS definitely inspired by this game and its visuals (I have weird dreams) lol.

This game is a HEAVY guilty pleasure of mine. Despite it being well- not very good, something about it had me playing it non-stop when I was a youngling. Unnecessarily bloody yet fun 💀

I unironically love this game and look past alot of the flaws because the stories so good

In regards to the ending, I remember talking with a friend about this game far back when it first came out. He specifically did some research on the game, and realized that it was based on a book, and the reason the ending turned out the way it did, in consideration of staying book accurate, was because that was where the book ended. The book itself ended just as abruptly.

i actually love the ending its left up to speculation but i liked to think that they escaped the chamber and ross finally being out of al khalil ascended to heaven or... something like that i freaking love this game

I feel like the technology just wasn’t quite there yet for the high concept of this game. Really cool idea executed way too soon

Probably the most hilarious part of this game is how the final boss just straight ices 2 of your squad because the devs couldn't figure out how to integrate their abilities into the fight. Also bomb cultists are EVIL. there was one section I got stuck in a late game area because they spawn EVERYWHERE in a narrow area with few direct lines of fire.

as a kid i was scated shitless playing this game, but if anything, the game was really inventive with the enemies and combat locations going from world war 1 trenches to ancient rome that was awesome

Clive Barker is genuinely a creative genius and his writing is the epitome of captivating

Church's (Kitana lady) outfit makes me laugh to no end. Its like that Resident evil look where a character has a wetsuit with a leg exposed dialed to 11, they even cut holes just to show sideboob. Its such an absurd idea of an outfit that I love it .

Honestly as a kid I used to love this game, from the aesthetic to the character switching. Was pretty scary back then too, looking back I'm glad childhood nostalgia gives me good memories of that game.

The "nazi revolver Ocelot" line caught me totally off-guard. Killed me dead. Especially with David Hayter in this game just mwah. Chef's kiss of a joke.

I liked Jericho. I found it pretty cool, I hope someone makes a similar game to it in the future. I like the idea of a squad killing demons and the different "paranormal soliders" it was pretty awesome.

This setting has so much potential tough, imagine a rogue lite tactics game like that where you recruit characters trough the era as you make your way towards the babylonian times with your teammates perma-dying or succumbing to madness or possession like in darkest dungeon.

I actually really loved this game, it wasn't perfect but it holds a special place in my heart. I liked it enough that it's one of the few games I've 100% completed with all achievements. So that goes pretty far in my book.

Love these walkthroughs on old horror games that’s aren’t A tier but they still have a certain charm to them. Good stuff

I actually really liked this game and think it was executed pretty well for the time.

I still have this game on hard copy. It was my guilty pleasure. The aesthetics, enemies, scenery, lore, team. I liked it all, if it was re released more polished with the movement and shooting it would be so awesome today.

About the ending - Barker planned a trilogy and story meant to go like that: The Firstborn was being used by Ereshkigal - she was meant to be revealed as an actual villain mastermind. It was actually her who was gaining power from all the killings and Firstborn was also kind of trapped forced to help her - that's why he called for captain's help in the beginning of the game and led team in solving some puzzles. In the events after first game characters would team up with Firstborn to defeat the priestess. --- This is my translation of dialogues datamined from russian version of the game: Last scene: Team together with Arnold Leach get to the First Level of Pixis, he congratulates them for joining his and Firstborn's side that they finally "found light". They tell him that they plan to kill Firstborn, to his surprise. They see a child (Firstborn) and Leach says "take this body and become free". Then VERY confusing lines: Black: "He is sacrificing himself to Firstborn!" Ross: "No! Not he - i am." Which i don't know what that means - Ross is clearly not sacrificing himself. Maybe it is not correctly translated to russian and Ross says "not himself, but me" and Leach refers to Ross's dead body (his initial kill) as "this body"? i don't know. Then Rowlings comes out and says "Firstborn is drawing his power from this child's soul" - by child he means Firstborn's body. NOTE that he says SOUL - as it is separate from Firstborn as entity. Then Ross says "Wait! We were mistaken - it's not Firstborn! He is" - there are no clarifications to which Ross refers as "he", but either another child appears or now "Firstborn" is using Leach's body and Firstborn's soul (child) - so Ross is saying that Leach gave his body not to Firstborn, but other entity and Firstborn is still in his soul form. This Child then says this to Ross: "Stop the cycle, Devin, you are the key to stopping this." and they transport into Ross' dream. In the dream Firstborn explains that Ereshkigal heard his first pleas and came, but instead of freeing him she enslaved him and created the cycle - when teams of supernatural individuals get trapped and she takes their powers. Ross asks: "can you stop her" to which Firstborn answers "without soul i cannot resist Ereshkigal, as well as escape Pixis. Your world is very strange - it allows existance of bodyless souls, but not soulless bodies". I assume he refers to Ross as "bodyless soul", but it's hard to understand what he means by "body without soul" when talking about himself - either Ereshkigal took his soul and using it, or he has no soul at all "by design" (as first failed God's creature). To me second makes more sense, but Rowlings' words about "he draws his power from child's soul" support the first theory - as Rowlings refers to Firsborn as "child" and mistakenly calls Ereshkigal "he" thinking it is actual Firstborn. Then they come up with a plan - Ross gives his soul to Firstborn (who has body, but no soul) to defeat priestess. Then they exit the dream and return to initial scene. Then again VERY confusing continuation - it immediately goes to killing Ereshkigal. Maybe there was supposed to be a bossfight between two scenes? If so - probably that bossfight could have other dialogues. Ereshkigal: "by killing me you will destroy your soul" Ross: "I'll get by" And then he kills her. This can be interpreted in many ways: - Either she means Ross' soul will be forfeited to Firstborn, which means he will lose it. - Or she is talking TO Firstborn who let Ross' soul inhabit his body (again, fused with him) - that his initial soul will be destroyed. Then the next scene: Epilogue. Jones: "Is it really over? Have we escaped?" (yeah, Jones survived) Rowlings: "Now the Firstborn is free. God help us all." Black: "But everywhere he goes - Ross will be with him." Rowlings: "Yes, unfortunately, they won't let him be - and when they send for him, you know it'll be us." Delgado says "i'm done with all of this - with army, with Jericho." Rowlings: "You really think it will be that easy? You think they will let you go?" Churn: "Who they?" Rowlings: "You have no idea, don't you? I'll explain everything" Jones: "Do you think we will ever see Ross again?" Black: "I'm sure of it". Firsborn: "They will follow us to the end of the Earth. Do you want me to kill them now? It will be quick and mercyful" Ross: "No, not today." Firstborn: "Then what next?" Ross: "We will go in different direction. All of us." The end. By the way - epilogue is called "Not today" - which is very badass. The last scene seemingly tells us that the organization - Department of Occult Warfare - were in cohoots with Ereshkigal and Antadurunnu - sending new teams to the breaches in order to give her more strength. Or they (including Antadurunnu, the founder) were manipulated by Ereshkigal and they actually believe that breaches needed to be closed. Either way, now that Firstborn is out they will probably set a goal to kill him - which is what team was talking about - that they will be sent to hunt Ross down. The last phrase is really hard to translate and interpret. It can mean a lot of different things: - Ross can talk about himself and Firstborn - meaning they will make sure to never cross ways with the team. - Ross can mean that both he and their team will always try to go different ways and never cross each other. - Ross can mean the whole world will go in different direction - now that big evil is defeated maybe there will be great change. - Ross can mean that now he and his team are forever on other sides and will always be "enemies". Personally, i like the idea that he is talking about humanity as a whole - that there is a hope for better world etc.

0:09 Oh God, that scene in Midsommar is still one of the most gut-wrenching openings to a horror movie I've ever seen.

adored this game as a kid. it had the voice actor of Spike from cowboy bebop and toonami plus it was made by my favorite horror movie's creator. it was everything i needed in my youth

Things I remember about this game; It was weirdly fun, not good but fun. The freak out my brother had when he tried to kill a bunch of enemies with a barrel only for it not to explode.

In hindsight of it..... The story is really unique. The eerie era sensations, designed by Clive, are just palpable as you play through it. It is a game that earnestly, regardless of its mechanical flaws, has a passionate and horrific vision... of delving into these cascading temporal Hells that were gathered by a deity in its nightmarish attempts to escape its God crafted prison. From World War 2 - to Rome - reaching as far as Mesopotamia... The feeling of going 𝕯𝖊𝖊𝖕𝖊𝖗 𝕯𝖔𝖜𝖓 into the Pyxis that contained the firstborn invoked an abysmal feeling. If it was remade to have something similar to 'Warhammer Darktides' game play, it would perhaps be perfected.

Clive barker is an absolute horror genius, it is pretty sad this wasn’t done better

Such a trip, I was beginning to think this game never actually existed. I’m 28 and for years this game would pop in my head but I never knew what it was called because I only played it when I would hangout with my friend who owned it…

I always got the feeling that Jerico was originally planned to be or have an optional co-op experience

If I remember correctly there is some bonus documents you can access through the main menu, that unlock as you play the game and the final one after you beat it is a debrief that essentially states Jericho got extracted with three of their members dead and for some reason they all seem convinced the player character is still alive, implying they escaped the box

I freaking love your editing man 😂😂 never bought RU-vid merch but I’ll definitely support you!

I just realized Ross is voiced by Steve Blum, same guy who did Greyson from Bulletstorm and Tank Dempsey from Nazi Zombies

I loved this game back then! It was the first I've played in my xbox 360 and it was a blast! I know that it does have a lot of problems but the vibe, the feeling of dread is so well done! Clive Barker surely should make more games!

I got it on release and personally enjoyed it. It’s nothing groundbreaking but it definitely has its moments. It’s a solid 7/10 for me.

I really like the idea of our main character switching bodies between his team mates. Gives a lot of openings for interesting dialog and character moments

this game was the first game that i installed on my pc back when my father bought one for me. and thats why this game has a special place in my heart. i still love this game but i cant install it anymore for some reason. it keeps giving me admin error. anyway this game was the best looking game that i played back then ,along side farcry 2.❤❤

I actually really enjoyed this game when I was a kid. Had no idea what was going on plot wise but loved the disgusting hellish setting

Never played this, but Clive Barker's Undying (2001) was a pretty good game as I recall. I don't know how much involvement he had with it, but I remember it being very atmospheric and I really enjoyed it.

During the Cardinals fight, I didn't know you could hide behind rubble, I just used cole ability to slow time and out run it

that introduction to the team was epic! xD also, that does sound like an epic game, even flawed. i'm not sure i could bring myself to play it now, i find myself unable to get invested in games without frequent saving ability, or mechanics that allow certainty (basically, RPG's). but comedy aside, that's a good game review, and some of the parts you mentioned as unappealing to you seemed appealing to me, like all the revives, the combat not being too harcore, and the story sounds pretty epic!

I love history, studied it, and I just LOVE the atmosphere of Jericho. The ruins, the enemies, that friggin Captain from WW1 (I think?), I love it all. It has a unique flavor, reminds me of F.E.A.R., which also has a special place in my heart. Possessing other characters and dealing with puzzles while Roman centurions try to skewer you... What's not to like?!

I always wanted to play this game because I thought the style and premise were interesting. Thrilled to see a video about it from YOU of all people! Even if it's blasting it! 😂

As a long-time fan of Barker's and a lover of games, I was very excited for this prior to release. I didn't make it past the first few levels, though- too many other releases around that time that were frankly just better games. I really appreciate you guiding me through this- and I really have to say that there might have been enough there for someone to go back and remaster/fix. What if, instead of brain dead AI we had an online squad shooter?

I remember this game fondly. In the italian localization the dub was SO BAD that it was HILARIOUSLY BAD.

I got the game years ago for like 5 bucks at game stop. It's clunky as all hell but was actually kinda solid. Characters were a bit rough but had enough personality to actually get attached to them, i remember the techy girl had an legit obsession with numbers and the "badass" sniper girl i think was implied to be her girlfriend or at least be romantically inclined. At one point in the game the techy girl is nearing a mental breakdown when the other one brings up some mathematical thing that's really complex and legit caringly asks the techy girl to tell her about it and it gives the techy something to focus on reciting the numbers in that math thing to keep her from losing it. It was kinda subtle but actually gave some depth to the characters and the fact that they were an actual team and cared for each other. I dunno why, but when i saw this video that moment just kinda resurfaced. Edit: wrote this before watching. 25:55 is the moment i was thinking of.

This was my first vid of yours I watched and then I proceeded to binge watch all your other game reviews because I completely felt the same way you did in every way about Jericho 😅 I feel if they had more time and money in this game it could have been a lot better it had the setting to be great.

This game had obvious limitations but was still a solid showing for a studio located in Spain without any experience in first person shooters. It was enough for Konami to trust them with the development of a new Castlevania title which would lead to the successful Lord of Shadow trilogy. Then they moved on to colaborate with Nintendo eventually making the critcally acclaimed Metroid Dread. We can thank Jericho for putting them on the map.

This is almost appropriately tragic compared to the general theme of the IP. Because this is such an intensely cool and intriguing idea, I mean what the hell else does this even remind you of? It’s completely unique while simultaneously entirely accessible and the FUN kind of cheesy. A concept that deserved more money and time, to be sure.

This game was something unique when it came to the horror genre at the time I really enjoyed the game for what it was and think a remake would be interesting thing to see with today's technical advancements Clive barker had some pretty scary ideas in his head and at some moments in the game gave you that sense of dread going forward I wouldn't say it was a masterpiece or some of best horror gameplay you can get but it was a pretty good game for what is was

The Templar thinking the demon is an angel is actually not that farfetched, since biblically accurate angels look terrifying.

It’s so cool to see where the enemies in Fear and Hunger: Termina come from! Idk why but the slaver at the beginning always freaked me out even after seeing other horrific monster designs. The way the skin is stretched and bloodied from being held by the metal contraption makes my skin crawl. Maybe bc it’s something tangible and something people do irl 😅

I bought this game at my local used games store for 7 dollars a couple months ago. I will say that it did open up a curiosity for Middle Eastern Gothic tales. I mean, the idea of a long lost city hidden in the unexplored sand desert is a tale as old as civilization. Throw in a few monsters, and I must say it left me wanting more.

Just found your channel so I don't know if you've played Clive Barker's Undying. It holds a special place in my heart as it got me into all his other stuff. Found in a bargain bin when I was in middle school and it was phenomenal at the time.

Honestly mate, always enjoy your vids. Can't believe I nearly missed this one. Keep up the good stuff 👍

Even all these years later, I still cant help but be creeped out by this game. I was 7 when I would watch my dad play and it scared the hell out of me back then, forgot about the game until just today.

Oh I remember that one! Really enjoyed playing it as a kid. Hellish body horror, gore, nudity and edgy dialogues really made me feel like a grownup back then😁 It's a shame Clive Barker never made another horror game tho. Jericho and Undying were pretty unique.

This game was nuts!! I have played it and re-played it multiple times! And still continue to throw it in every once in a while. Love this game!

"If you're gonna point that at me then you better be prepared to use it!" * uses it* "What have you done?" 🤣🤣🤣

Thank you for making this video! I knew nothing about this game and this video was not only really entertaining but felt educational with the way it covered a game I'd probably never hear about otherwise.

Pretty cool that they had the military squad not immediately open fire on enemies, even though they look like monsters. I mean at that point they could be mutilated innocents. Like they needed a legit hostile reason to start blasting the first thing they see which isn't something you see in a lot of shooters. Just because something new you encounter is scary looking doesn't mean you should risk starting a war with strange other beings, supernatural creatures or aliens by shooting first. You should try Soma, lots to talk about there.

I love your essays about games! They are well researched, you explain the topic with just the right amount of depth and your scriptwriting is awesome and makes it easy to follow your thoughts. Keep these videos coming, they are great and I love watching them especially in a podcast style while doing smth else ;)

I dont know why, but i remember being able to switch between the characters. thats how it kept the gameplay intersesting. Switch mid fight to magic stuff instead of guns

loved that wet crunch sound when you popped monsters heads off

I remember playing this game as a kid and absolutely loving it. I got stuck on one of the QTE events for literal days though 😂

Despite how many shortcomings this game has, I actually loved it when I was younger. Lots of really good ideas that just weren't executed on properly, some unique settings, and cool game mechanics. Wish it could have done better to see more in this setting. It's games like this that I wish got the remake/remaster treatment to smooth out all the jank.

I played this game back in the day, and it was not time travel at all. I distinctly remember a line of expostion telling how each time the breaches were opened it "ate" a part of the world, and each time they were closed, that part of the world was trapped in this sort of deathless purgatory. So, rather than time travel, those places are stuck in their time on a deathless loop until the breach reopnes. Also there was a line about something like "When you die, the flies take you. And you wake up again, but you're not whole. They take something each time."

I played this game a while back! This video brought back a lot of memories, but, there's also a missmatch I'd like to note: I recall a section in the medieval era where you play as Omega Team separated from the others before the team meets up.

Ah yes, this was a fun game to play when I was 8 years old... Needless to say, the designs are stuck in my head now and till the end of time

I always get so hyped when you post! Your content never disappoints, the fact that you can post these long analysis videos so often is extremely impressive, I don’t know how you do it but I’m glad you do!

That first female boss sounds like a voice zach hadel would put on lmao

Thank you so much for the content! Love your videos!

When it was released I couldn't wait to buy it. I played on PC, the graphics were quite good, the story and the atmosphere of the game were exciting. Switching between characters also made the game experience quite varied.

I distinctly recall an experience I had at funcoland: having greatly enjoyed Undying when I was in middle school, I was excited to see a used copy of Jericho and brought it up to the counter. The guy checking me out literally advised not to waste my money. Almost 20 years later I can now experience it vicariously, and I think that 18 year old me would have loved the shit out of this.

Witches with Guns sounds like a black metal band I listened to in highschool

Man the aesthetic, details and enemy design are so amazing and terrifying. It’s a shame the game is so disjointed and filled with formulaic fights and bad weapon feel. They should make a remake that is less all over the place and focuses more on the horror aspect that would be phenomenal!

I haven't finished watching (yet, but I will) but I LOVED Jericho 😅 It was so fun and horrifying 🤣 I had such a good time playing it and I'm glad it seems to have made a lil cult following.

What a strange coincidence, a few days ago I had just been trying to get back into this game. I managed to play it again back in 2020 since I had bought a disc for PC, the graphics are pretty for me and the amount of gruesome and disgusting detail still astounds me for an old game like this. The story to me is so interesting, and I love describing it to people who've never even heard of this title (which in return makes me look like a maniac giving out insane ramblings of the first-born) I was playing this game on the 360 when I was 3 years old, not to mention it gave me extreme nightmares. My parents had actually gotten rid of the game and hid it from me because even though they didn't care on the things I see or play, Jericho was the one thing they said "Okay, that's too much." But my dad bought it back for me in Kindergarten when I begged LOL! I wish to play this game again, and I still have the disc but apparently it needs Adobe Flash to run it which makes no sense to me so I can't even install and play it anymore sadly. It holds a special place in my heart and childhood, which is all around weird when my childhood favorite game is upon visceral and body-horror. I'd love to play it again, but I'm pretty sure my xbox 360 has seen it's final days. This game is forever known to me, as well as F.E.A.R. and Condemned: Criminal Origins, as well as Conan.

Poor Dempsey having to deal with another dimensional crisis.

Thanks man for the good content that i can watch over and over again and showing people these games that are worthy playing :)

The true fear of modern horror games is random puzzles. Truly terrifying.

Despite not ever playing these games you commentate, I actually really enjoy your videos.

Just had a thought: the concept behind Jericho - paranormal squad game - but as a TTRPG, or maybe a board game. I’d try that

I've seen this video multiple times now. I just absolutely love your video essays on games. Perhaps one on Evil Within? I haven't seen many talk positively about it when doing a long format video essay.

These videos are fantastic, genuinely entertaining, love your sense of humour, and your more analytical takes at the game are genuinely interesting too. Loving the channel keep up the amazing work mate!

The thing I remembered the most about this game is the Playboy spread of Black and Church...

The only thing I remember about this game was that it was like a fever dream. It was differently an experience.

*@Pointless* 📺 Jerichos’ plot is f@$kin’ uniquely awesome! Your team is cool and specialized, the *only* downside to *ME* is the damn shooting mechanic. Besides that, everything else is *GREAT!* Perhaps this game was created to early on where it was almost impossible to show off its intended potential the writers/creator truly envisioned. Hopefully we’ll get a remaster or *PREFERABLY* a remake in the near future… 🤞 Boss fight @ 30:37 reminded me of an apostle from the manga/anime *”Berserk”.* 👹 I enjoy *all* of the content you put out and appreciate the hard work/dedication that you put into each one of your videos. They’re always unique, entertaining, informative, plus your comedic timing is perfectly executed. 👏😎

19:34 Started watching the video and in the beginning I was confused because I remember this being an okay-ish run of the mill shooter that people might've found passable back in the day. Then I started wondering and googled "2007 videogames" and sure enough I'd forgotten most of the other releases and why this game was absolutely _eclipsed_ by the competition; -Halo 3 -Assassin's Creed -COD4: Modern Warfare -TF2 -Portal -Half-Life 2: Episode Two -Bioshock -Crysis -God Of War 2 -Super Mario Galaxy -Mass Effect -The Darkness -Manhunt 2 Talk about stiff competition. This poor bastard never stood a chance.