Holstin, an upcoming horror game that has been generating buzz, is a love letter to classic survival horror design. The game has had a few demos released, with one showcasing puzzle sequences and another focusing on combat. While some players have expressed disappointment with the combat demo, feeling that it is too challenging, others have found it to be a refreshing throwback to the stressful combat of 90s survival horror games.
In the puzzle demo, players take on the role of Tomasz, who is searching for blueprints in a creepy, dilapidated house. The game’s pixel art style, creepy character portraits, and rotatable isometric view add a unique touch to the gameplay. Players must manipulate light sources to navigate past tentacle-like pseudopods blocking their path, adding an element of strategy to the puzzle-solving experience.
The combat demo, on the other hand, requires players to be precise and calculated in their actions during enemy encounters. Running may sometimes be the best option, especially in tight corridors where escape is difficult. The combat mechanics, which require players to aim carefully and strategize their attacks based on enemy mutations, add a layer of complexity to the gameplay that is both challenging and rewarding.
While combat in many modern survival horror games can feel tacked on or too easy, Holstin’s combat is purposeful and brings back the stressful feeling of combat in classic survival horror games. The game manages to achieve this without the clunkiness of tank controls and fixed camera angles, making it a standout title in the genre.
Overall, Holstin’s dedication to classic survival horror design, both in its puzzle-solving and combat elements, sets it apart from other modern horror games. Players looking for a challenging and immersive survival horror experience may find Holstin to be a refreshing change of pace. The game’s punishing combat and strategic gameplay make it a standout title in the genre, and fans of classic survival horror are sure to appreciate its attention to detail and homage to the games of the past.