This Indie Horror Game Might Be the Scariest Game I’ve Ever Seen

Horror titles have risen in popularity recently, with games like Resident Evil Requiem toning down the scares somewhat in favor of action and survival systems. Mechanically dense horror games tend to borrow features from successful titles that have come before it, creating little room for innovation within the genre. Thankfully, new indie projects have pushed the boundaries of “normal” within horror games, building an experience sure to terrify players beyond belief.

Indie games have been inventing new twists to established genre formulas, with some titles taking in-game physics in unorthodox directions while others expand “traditional” gameplay of FPS, platforming, or roguelike projects. For example, Mewgenics combines tactical strategy with roguelike elements, but builds an innovative system of unit generation with nearly endless possibilities. With less regulation to cut features, indie games are giving the space to push genre norms to their limits, testing out unique systems as foundations for fresh titles.

Perceptum Might Be The Scariest Psychological Horror Game In Development Right Now

Perceptum is a psychological horror game where you play as a medium investigating the disappearance of a family, exploring their domestic home in the quiet suburbs. However, despite the calm atmosphere of the neighborhood, the house that you venture into is oppressive in its silence, creating a tense setting where supernatural horrors are around every corner. As evil lurks behind corners of various hallways, you must uncover a mystery while avoiding dangers that could end you in an instant.

This game builds discomfort in a way that helps it stand out — by altering your perception of the horrors you face through forced confrontation. The main character of Perceptum is armed only with a pocket mirror, which they can use to look at their reflection, and the reflection of areas behind them. Using this, you can overcome your senses that seek to betray you, seeing what ordinarily cannot be viewed. This forces you to jump scare yourself, as the only way to progress is to look at the horrors stalking you with each step.

This mechanic alone makes Perceptum an indie game to anticipate this year, or whenever it eventually releases. However, other features don’t turn the mirror into an overused gimmick, as your character has other means of changing your point of view. Your character can close their eyes entirely, becoming vulnerable in exchange for heightening the sounds of the house you’re investigating. This might make it easier to spot distant whispers or small sound alterations to help you uncover crucial clues and move forward.

Silent Hill & Outlast Inspirations Are Sure To Craft Some Incredible Scares

The linear horror of Perceptum is reminiscent of other iconic titles from the genre, such as Outlast or the Silent Hill series. The lack of tools your character has of fighting back against the evils you discovers adds far greater intensity to the situations you face, demanding you make quick decisions and think about your actions far more. The intense fear from what you need to see in your mirror in Perceptum will surely come from scares very similar to how Outlast hid its terrifying moments behind tricks of perception.

The subtle moments of psychological horror in Perceptum mimics how Silent Hill builds its foreboding atmosphere slowly. The emphasis on sound and sight encourages you to trust your instincts in Perceptum, with even the smallest changes likely being the sign of something about to go terribly wrong. It remains to be seen if the terrors of a supernatural presence will be something akin to Nemesis from Resident Evil or Pyramid Head from Silent Hill in Perceptum, but whatever force you face, it’s unlikely to be anything but scary.

Single-Player Concepts With Unique Gameplay Innovations Could Push The Genre Forward

In truth, the approaches Perceptum has taken with its gameplay makes the initial footage for the game unique among other titles in the genre coming out right now. Even games based on other properties, such as the upcoming survival horror game Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, use far more action that doesn’t add as much atmospheric pressure into a player’s adventure. Undoubtedly, the realistic perspectives of Perceptum will create haunting moments that stick with players for a long time.

By taking elements from Paranormal Activity, The Conjuring, and other supernatural films, Perceptum is incredibly innovative compared to its peers. This is especially true in an era of horror games like Poppy’s Playtime, which all tend to feel the same. The special direction of Perceptum hopefully marks a new direction for indie horror, in line with other highly praised titles like Mouthwashing and Signalis for their excellent story and gameplay presentations.

What do you think about Perceptum and its unique gameplay ideas? Leave a comment below or join the conversation in the ComicBook Forum!

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