by MJ Dark
As a dedicated horror game aficionado, some of my all-time favorites include Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Siren, Dead Space, The Evil Within, and the 2022 indie sleeper hit Signalis. Early 2024 had me scrolling through YouTube when I stumbled upon the trailer for Hollowbody. Its nostalgic, PS2-inspired visuals and gameplay instantly captivated me. So, what’s Hollowbody all about? Imagine a survival horror blend of Resident Evil and Silent Hill, mixed with the tech-noir essence of Blade Runner.
Story
Without giving too much away, Hollowbody centers around the Sherwood Corporation, a key player in the plot. Set in a dystopian world where a virus has wiped out half the population, the government’s desperate attempt to contain it involves nuking cities. Before this drastic measure, essential personnel are relocated to sky cities built atop the ruins. You play as Sasha, a character with personal ties to the catastrophe. Sasha’s mother escaped the quarantine zones, but her grandparents did not. Now, Sasha works for a government organization striving to uncover the truth and change the world.
Minutes into the game, Sasha ventures into a cave to find a team member named Max, only to be attacked by something inhuman. From there, the perspective shifts to Mica, a smuggler navigating the quarantine zone in search of her missing friend. This is where Hollowbody’s gripping journey truly begins.
Gameplay
Hollowbody is a heartfelt tribute to PS2-era survival horror games, packed with limited inventory space and brain-teasing puzzles. If you’re familiar with the genre, the puzzles will feel pleasantly nostalgic, often revolving around finding keys or items to progress. One notable critique is the in-game map, which can be a bit too generous, often guiding you directly to your next objective. You can move and aim simultaneously, and stomping defeated enemies helps conserve precious ammo. The static noise on your radio signals both story elements and echoes of past events. Interacting with NPCs is also key, with your dialogue choices shaping their fates.
Controls
The best part? You can choose between modern controls or the classic tank controls of old-school horror games, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans of the genre.
Audio
The voice acting is well-executed, with a creepy entity haunting your every step. While the enemies’ moans and groans are typical fare, they effectively contribute to the unsettling atmosphere.
Cons
Minor gripes aside, especially considering the likely small development team, the game is relatively short, clocking in at around 4-5 hours. Just as the narrative gains momentum, it’s over. A bit more variety in the enemies and threats would have added to the experience.
Final Thoughts
As a die-hard survival horror fan, Hollowbody captivated me with its intriguing world and lore. Even after finishing, I’m still contemplating the mysteries of the quarantine zone. The three possible endings added some replay value, and I can’t wait to see if there’s a sequel. It’s a must-play for genre enthusiasts, and it runs smoothly on PC handhelds.
Final Score: 7/10
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