Puppet Combo's expansive gameography presents itself like a crazed pervert's video nasty dungeon. There's unhinged nostalgia for everyone: PS1 graphics for the younglings and 80s vhs murder porn aesthetic for the dads. I knew my first Puppet game, Murder House, would be fun, but gosh it fucking rules.
Even with its creepy prologue and comedic post-credit sequence, the game is short and sweet like a good movie, the simple premise being reporters trapped in the home of a horrific child killer.
The puzzles and gameplay evoke classic survival horror titles (Clock Tower, Silent Hill etc), even if a little too easy in spots. The creepy pixelated level design and anxiety-inducing score create sense of an unspeakable nightmare.
The uncertain terror of which corner the killer will emerge or what ghastly sight lies beyond each door, is more potent in juxtaposition with more funny and deliberately hokey performance and storytelling. That blend of tone captures the essence of those schlocky 80s titles and their cursed vibes.
Ultimately, Puppet Combo show a knack not only for authenticity but, more importantly, integrity. The main thing lacking from most contemporary horror experiences is that sense of dirtiness, a key ingredient in Murder House. The protagonist's horrific discoveries, of things I shan't spoil, can be stomach churning - despite criticisms from many sane-minded people, this almost tasteless commitment to cruelty evokes those same banned VHS tapes of a bygone age.
It really is one for the geeks, ideally crowded together in a candle-lit Halloween party. Did I mention it's terrifying?
Even with its creepy prologue and comedic post-credit sequence, the game is short and sweet like a good movie, the simple premise being reporters trapped in the home of a horrific child killer.
The puzzles and gameplay evoke classic survival horror titles (Clock Tower, Silent Hill etc), even if a little too easy in spots. The creepy pixelated level design and anxiety-inducing score create sense of an unspeakable nightmare.
The uncertain terror of which corner the killer will emerge or what ghastly sight lies beyond each door, is more potent in juxtaposition with more funny and deliberately hokey performance and storytelling. That blend of tone captures the essence of those schlocky 80s titles and their cursed vibes.
Ultimately, Puppet Combo show a knack not only for authenticity but, more importantly, integrity. The main thing lacking from most contemporary horror experiences is that sense of dirtiness, a key ingredient in Murder House. The protagonist's horrific discoveries, of things I shan't spoil, can be stomach churning - despite criticisms from many sane-minded people, this almost tasteless commitment to cruelty evokes those same banned VHS tapes of a bygone age.
It really is one for the geeks, ideally crowded together in a candle-lit Halloween party. Did I mention it's terrifying?