Spytihněv, the creative force behind the acclaimed 2023 boomer shooter HROT, has taken a bold step into the realm of horror with the announcement of their latest project: Brno Transit. This intriguing title is set within a surreal subway system, specifically in Brno, a prominent city in southeastern Czechia. Interestingly, Brno does not possess a traditional subway system; it only introduced an underground rail line connecting two stations in 2022.
Exploring the Indie Horror Trend
Brno Transit aligns with the growing indie trend of mundane and workplace-oriented horror games, reminiscent of titles like Five Nights, Threshold, Iron Lung, and the subway-themed experience The Exit 8. However, Spytihněv’s distinctive artistic flair and wry humor already distinguish Brno Transit from its peers, as showcased in its first trailer. The game promises to deliver a unique blend of narrative and psychological horror, reminiscent of the eerie atmospheres found in The Blair Witch Project and the classic Simpsons episode, Bart of Darkness.
The game’s description on Steam paints a vivid picture: “Brno Transit is a narrative-driven psychological horror game about a trainee metro driver trapped in the dampest subway east of anything that matters.” The tongue-in-cheek employee benefits listed, including a crisp uniform, unlimited travel pass, meal vouchers, an annual trip to Bulgaria, and a potential invitation to the Bunker, add a layer of dark humor to the experience.
A particularly amusing aspect of the game is its mature content warning on Steam, which states: “Not suitable for youth under the age of 30 by decision of the committee.” This playful jab at age restrictions reflects Spytihněv’s knack for blending humor with horror.
Having previously lauded HROT as one of the standout entries in the boomer shooter genre, awarding it an 87% in my review, I found its only flaw to be a slightly over-the-top ending. Spytihněv’s ability to balance a pitch-black yet whimsical sense of humor with sheer terror was largely successful in HROT, making a straight-up horror game like Brno Transit a fitting next step for the developer.
Set to launch toward the end of this year, Brno Transit is already available for wishlisting on Steam, generating excitement among fans eager to experience this new venture into psychological horror.
