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Worth tuning in for it’s narrative-driven puzzle horror gameplay | Full Review - Killer Frequency

1K View2023-06-07

Killer Frequency

9.7

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Killer Frequency is a first-person horror puzzle game that combines elements of suspense and puzzle-solving to deliver an immersive experience for a variety of platforms. It was recently released for PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch, and the Meta Quest 2 VR system.

🟩Pros

+Immersive and suspenseful narrative

+Puzzles and choices matter

+DJ booth mechanic to control the radio broadcast

+Nostalgic visuals and excellent audio design

🟥Cons

-DJ booth mechanic is underutilized

-Introduction sequence feels disconnected from the overall gameplay experience

The graphics have an 80s aesthetic, with neon lights and a cell-shaded art style that looks like it came from a graphic novel or comic book. The game's audio includes a selection of 80s-inspired tracks and a well rounded voice acting for the characters – considering most of the game is presented via radio broadcast and phone calls.

Killer Frequency begins with a tutorial that familiarizes players with the controls. However, shortly after, it includes a cheap jump scare, which, in my opinion, does a poor job of introducing players to the feel of the game. It feels disconnected from the overall gameplay experience. This early jump scare does not accurately represent the game's actual gameplay, which focuses more on psychological and emotional horror rather than relying on cheap scares.

After that kind of unrelated introduction sequence, it now takes us to Forrest Nash’s radio station late at night, where you are also tasked with operating the DJ Booth’s controls to play music, operate the phone lines, and perform DJ duties. With a new program to boot called “Guess that Scream”, Forrest invites callers to guess a random scream played on the show.

However, the situation becomes serious when genuine calls are received from scared characters seeking help, and players must use everything at their disposal, including solving various puzzles, to assist them. The time-sensitive aspect adds tension and a sense of urgency to the gameplay.

These puzzles range from starting cars to guiding characters out of mazes, providing challenges and time-sensitive situations. The majority of the gameplay revolves around making the correct dialogue choices, with some of them being timed. The correct dialogue choices can determine the fate of the callers, providing a "choices matter" aspect to the game. It's both satisfying and nerve-wracking to navigate through these choices, as they directly impact the survival of the residents. The puzzles overall are logical and straightforward, and nothing out of the ordinary is given to the player.

The game also features a DJ booth, which allows players to control music using functioning cassette and record players, as well as add sound effects through a soundboard. Although the soundboard is hilarious to use — playing laughing tracks and drum rolls to otherwise serious conversations — unfortunately it doesn't significantly impact gameplay, and the characters do not react to it in any meaningful way. Its purpose is primarily for flavor and entertainment, potentially with friends nearby beside the player.

The longevity of the game depends on the player's ability to save the characters throughout the night, but is mostly beatable in around five hours or so. There is a feedback system that displays how successful the player was in saving the residents. The game offers multiple outcomes based on the choices made, potentially affecting the survival of the callers.

The game is effective at establishing a chilling atmosphere and a sense of unease, especially when players are required to step outside of the safe feeling radio studio environment in order to acquire needed items to the help callers. These moments of exploration and retrieval add an extra layer of suspense and tension to the gameplay experience. The game masterfully builds upon the player's fear and anticipation, creating a truly immersive and thrilling environment that keeps players engaged and on edge in and out of the studio.

Conclusion:

Killer Frequency is a captivating horror puzzle game that successfully delivers an immersive and suspenseful experience, with a touch of playfulness in its DJ booth mechanic. While it is on the shorter side and the impact of the DJ booth mechanic could have been enhanced, the game still offers engaging gameplay and a chilling atmosphere. It is a title that will appeal to horror enthusiasts, as well as fans of narrative-driven adventure and puzzles. With a solid five-hour experience, Killer Frequency is definitely worth tuning in for.

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Killer Frequency

9.7

Editors' Choice

Get

911 calls get forwarded to a late night radio talk show host | First Impressions - Killer Frequency

Killer Frequency is a first-person horror puzzle game set in the 1980s. Players assume the role of Forrest Nash, a late night radio talk show host on 189.16, “The Scream”, in the small town of Gallows Creek. The game revolves around the mysterious return of the killer known as The Whistling Man, who is causing havoc in the town. The game takes us to Forrest Nash’s radio station late at night, where you are also tasked with operating the DJ Booth’s controls to play music, operate the phone lines, and perform DJ duties. Forrest Nash starts a new program called “Guess that Scream”, inviting callers to guess a random scream played on the show. However, the situation becomes serious when genuine calls are received from scared characters seeking help, and players must use everything at their disposal, including solving various puzzles, to assist them. The time-sensitive aspect adds tension and a sense of urgency to the gameplay.

lyndonguitar3K2023-06-07

This game plays on a whole new frequency!

Killer Frequency (Reviewed) Developer: Team17 Digital Publisher: Team17 Digital Released: June 1st, 2023 Price: 25 USD Killer Frequency is a puzzle solving story driven choices matters horror game. The game turns the horror genre upside-down with a groundbreaking type of narrative story telling. Solve the mysteries of Gallows Creek while serving as a stand-in detective and personal coach to all of the residents of the town you're DJing for on a late night radio talk show called 816.9 "The Scream!"

Pawkt1K2023-06-08