horror narrative Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Tormented Souls II demo for PC now available

Publisher PQube and developer Dual Effect have released a demo for Tormented Souls II on PC via Steam. The demo features about 60 minutes of gameplay, starting with Caroline Walker and her sister Anna's journey to Villa Hess, a clinic in southern Chile. Upon arrival, Anna goes missing, leading Caroline to confront captors and a sinister plan involving the Wildberger twins. Caroline's character design has evolved, featuring a blood-red dress and rugged leather jacket, reflecting her growth as a protective older sister. Tormented Souls II is set to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC in 2025.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

I pride myself on keeping up with Steam’s under-the-radar gems, but April was packed with enough new games to keep me busy for the rest of 2025

In April 2025, over 100 games launched, with notable titles including Blue Prince and Clair Obscur, the latter receiving significant attention. Clair Obscur was released on April 22nd and has a 94% rating from 39 reviews. Maliki: Poison Of The Past, inspired by a French comic, was released on April 20th. Mythical Concept Starnaut, a narrative-driven game, was released on April 28th with a 97% rating from 45 reviews. Bionic Bay, a stylish platformer, was released on April 17th and has a 90% rating from 264 reviews. Asura The Striker, released on April 23rd, has a 93% rating from 49 reviews. Traveler's Refrain, an action RPG, was released on April 11th with a 92% rating from 26 reviews. Voidborn, a low-fi shooter, was released on April 7th with a 90% rating from 262 reviews. I, Robot, a reimagining of an arcade classic, was released on April 17th and has a 95% rating from 20 reviews. Lab Rat, a dystopian comedy, was released on April 15th with a 97% rating from 188 reviews. Peppered: An Existential Platformer, released on April 7th, has a 95% rating from 266 reviews. Repose, a workplace horror game, was released on April 14th and has a 90% rating from 74 reviews.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

Oblivion reigns over PC games this week, but there is still time for football, space cats and ghastly mansions

This week in gaming features several new titles: - On April 28th, "Icaria," a programmable robot block-building game, will be released. - April 29th is noted as an unremarkable day for gaming. - On April 30th, two games will launch: "Moroi," a Slavic horror narrative, and "Skin Deep," an immersive sim. - May 1st will see the release of "Despelote," an Ecuadorian soccer adventure, and "The Horror At Highrook," a Lovecraftian mystery. - On May 2nd, "Sirocco," a no-roles naval MOBA, will be introduced. Additionally, discussions about the Oblivion remaster, a beloved RPG from 2006, are expected to continue, alongside a deeper exploration of "Skin Deep" and "The Horror At Highrook."

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Skald: Against the Black Priory review

Skald: Against the Black Priory is a throwback roleplaying game that combines old-school aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. It features a polished experience that balances complexity and accessibility, with a compelling cosmic horror narrative. The game uses a unique progression system based on 2d6 dice rolls and allows for character customization primarily during creation. Combat is turn-based on a grid, with distinct tactical advantages for each class. Non-combat gameplay elements include diplomacy and skills that enhance exploration. One notable quest involves infiltrating a city controlled by cultist barbarians, allowing for strategic decision-making. The game offers flexibility in party composition with preset characters and customizable mercenaries. The worldbuilding includes a unique magic system and hints at greater cosmic horror, with writing quality reminiscent of classics like Planescape: Torment. Skald is recognized as one of the standout RPGs of the past year.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

The creator of Dusk and Iron Lung is making a gruesome but surprisingly funny horror game about beating killer cultists with lead pipes and 2x4s

David Szymanski is developing a first-person horror game titled Butcher's Creek, which focuses on melee combat and features a narrative involving torture cultists in rural Appalachia. The game draws inspiration from classic horror titles, particularly Condemned: Criminal Origins. It includes elements of dark humor, with quirky interactions among cult members. The demo showcases melee mechanics, though players have noted that the cultists could be more aggressive. The game is set to be released in January, and players can currently explore the demo and add it to their Steam wishlists.