Really looking forward to releasing a new short game mid-month, but in the mean time, it's Spooky season!! I occasionally get asked what I've been playing recently, which this year has been mostly short horror/supernatural games, as sitting time has been limited while we've been on the road.
Here's a few from Itch.io that were either really good, or memorable at least. Some are demos, others are students final exam pieces, so overall quality is variable. But, some really pack a cool punch and will stay in memory. Think of them as video nasties or the game equivalent of the Twilight Zone.
Indies always make more original material than the big studios, we're allowed to take chances, experiment or make weird games like The Lost Crown. There's lots of creativity on show, even if some do rely on existing game assets and props. It's atmosphere I'm always after.
All games featured request a small payment, or click 'No Thanks, take me to the Download' which is fair enough. They're usually asking for $1.50, but I've paid more for some after being impressed by some. So, you decide.
Dispatch
https://louisedbrooke.itch.io/dispatch
Brilliant game. Play it with a microphone attached as you have to play a 911 dispatcher, Use your voice! I got a huge thrill saying '911 what's your emergency'. I hope this game developer has a brilliant career, cos this is ace.
Halloween
https://damiangonzalez.itch.io/halloween
If you like the movie, you'll love this little short. I beat this first time, which surprised me a lot. Tip: Hide, run, find two lots of ammo, shoot Myers in the face. Run. Hide. Reload. Repeat till he's dead. Good luck!
They are here
Fab if you like the movie Signs or any UFO or alien abduction movies.
https://deklazon.itch.io/they-are-here
Sirenhead: Stranded
https://hexcoregames.itch.io/siren-head-stranded
Completely bonkers, scary and weird. It's also got a cool ending, and some back story if you find the clues. Gorgeous looking in Unreal engine.
House in the Woods
https://minigoliath.itch.io/the-house-in-the-woods
A PlayStation style game visually, House in the Woods is a nice little Blair Witch style experience, with less effort than the official PC game. A quick, sharp shocker.
Paranormal Entities
https://al-heck.itch.io/paranormal-entities
Love love love this one! No spoilers.
The Building 71 Incident
https://scary-cube.itch.io/the-building-71-incident
In the style of a PlayStation 1 meets 'found footage', this weird little game still stays with me. It's either really disturbing or I imagined it.
The Mortuary Assistant
https://darkstonedigital.itch.io/the-mortuary-assistant
Gory and scary as hell. I've tempted a few to try this one, and they all probably hate me now. Ha ha. The full version of this game is considerably different, with daytime scenes, characters a strong puzzle element as we become a 'demon hunter'. Highly recommended.
Wayward Harbour
https://forild.itch.io/wayward-harbor
Pretty and not too hard to beat, with a nifty reflection based creeping.
What happened at The Farm
https://max-horror.itch.io/what-happened-at-the-farm
Great atmosphere and some nice sound design. Don't go in the tunnel... ha ha... too late.
Subject 65
https://max-horror.itch.io/subject-65
An old Asylum in the middle of the night? What could possibly go wrong?
Home Alone
https://rayll.itch.io/fears-to-fathom
Channeling 80's slasher movies in terms of setting, this surprisingly creepy adventure is worth a play. I survived my go, don't know how, and good luck cooking that lasagna!
Rojo
https://mmorenos95.itch.io/rojo-a-spanish-horror-experience
Pretty looking game with some nice detailed models, great atmosphere, but a shonky end. A definite slice of the strange!
9 Childs Street
https://n4ba.itch.io/9-childs-st
A simple little chiller, with a dark atmosphere. A few decent jump scares.
https://n4ba.itch.io/9-childs-st
Lastly, Summer of '58 is currently available on Itch for $1! It's a fab ghosthunting game, and a steal at that price. https://emika-games.itch.io/summer-of-58
There are loads of other games on Itch, it's well worth a browse! I'm going to be playing this later: https://necropolygon.itch.io/dispatch