Saraab: Beyond The Veil is a psychological horror visual novel that tells a unique story based on supernatural spirits from Arabian mythology.
Several years ago, I had a close friend from Saudi Arabia. In our many conversations, there was one thing she told me all that time ago that I have never been able to forget. She said that, when she was younger, a djinn possessed her. She lost her conscience for a moment until she came to in a part of her house she did not recognize entering. According to supernatural beliefs, it is when humans are young that they may be able to perceive things most of us cannot. Luckily, it did not happen again, but it left a mark. A prominent fixture in Islamic tradition, these spirits live alongside us. Saraab: Beyond The Veil tells one such story that makes you wonder what lies outside what the eye can see.
Dark Tidings Ahead
Elham is a teenager whose life has always been uneventful. Even though she imagined that she would aspire to so much more, she lives a comfortable life. Until she gets her wish. Her younger brother suddenly disappears on the first day of this visual novel, and Saraab is off to the races. Over the course of the narrative, she starts developing a rapport with a girl and a demon that act as her moral compass. It turns out that she should have been careful what she wished for, because she is more powerful than she knew.
As a visual novel, Saraab is quite straightforward. Being the first video game from a solo developer, it is noticeable. For starters, the font itself is a basic one that does not have much personality. The decisions Elham is presented with are also A and B type choices. One usually means a gruesome death, while the others continue the path of the three possible endings. On the other hand, the Skip button to fast forward to see the story’s different avenues is handy. Not to mention the hand-drawn art style of both the djinns and characters you encounter shows some uniqueness to them.
Where Myths Are Real
Saraab unfolds through a daily system, with each passing day getting increasingly stranger. At first, she goes to school only to get bullied by the archetypical blond who believes she is better than everyone. As the days go by, she starts discovering more djinn in her path. Arguably the most interesting element of Saraab, learning about them from the in-game encyclopedia is fascinating. This is the first game I have ever seen this type of cultural and religious game incorporated in a psychological horror VN like this. I hope it won’t be the last.
Apart from this particular topic, Saraab is not afraid to take some big swings from its supernatural world. Her parents are struggling deeply from the loss of their son. Not only for his disappearance, but also because they had multiple miscarriages before being able to bear children. Imbuing these and many other real-life topics with a paranormal tinge, this is where visual novels work best: establishing a strong hook to explore the ramifications of living in such a horrifying world.
Conclusion: Saraab: Beyond The Veil
A touching story as it reaches its climax, Saraab: Beyond the Veil resolves its plot satisfyingly. While it is mostly direct in how it is presented, the narrative is certainly the strongest part of the game. For a visual novel, that is what should matter most. Offering other intriguing endings and gruesome game overs should you stray from the correct path, its unique setting warrants further exploration. A strong debut overall, those with a penchant for the paranormal should look no further.
