As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must confess that Heartworm has left an indelible mark on my gaming psyche. Having traversed countless digital landscapes and encountered myriad virtual monsters, it’s not often that a game manages to tap into the primal fear that resides deep within our collective unconsciousness. But Heartworm does just that, and it does so with an elegance and subtlety that is nothing short of masterful.
Horror games often revolve around monsters, ranging from zombies and ghosts to more bizarre supernatural creatures like Pyramidhead or demons. However, what truly makes a horror game exceptional – the kind that leaves a lasting impact, keeps you awake at night, and lingers in your thoughts – isn’t a monster or a creature. Instead, it’s the unsettling, unexplainable, and incomprehensible aspects of reality that haunt us. It’s the feeling that there are things beyond our understanding, things that don’t care about us or our attempts to comprehend them. It’s not the monster lurking in the next room; it’s the mysteries we can’t solve, the enigmas that reside within our minds.
As a diehard fan, I’ve been captivated by Heartworm after experiencing two demos at PAX East and more recently at PAX West. The game’s visual style, reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era, and its obvious homage to classics like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dino Crisis, are just part of what makes Heartworm stand out. What truly intrigues me is how eloquently it communicates without needing explicit exposition. Instead, it delves deep into the protagonist’s psyche, manipulating perception and non-Euclidean space, creating a mysterious and immersive atmosphere that keeps me coming back for more.
The intriguing setup for Heartworm involves protagonist Sam, who’s been devastated by the loss of loved ones. In an attempt to find solace, she delves into the depths of the internet and stumbles upon a mysterious mountain house said to enable encounters with deceased acquaintances. Eager for closure, Sam penned a letter to a friend and embarked on her journey towards this peculiar abode. However, things quickly take an unusual turn, becoming incredibly bizarre.
In a similar vein to survival horror games from the PlayStation 1 era, Heartworm presents an engaging experience where you interact with objects in the environment, gather items, explore, and solve puzzles. The camera angles are typically static (and occasionally awkward), reminiscent of early Resident Evil games, and your inventory and health interface bear a resemblance to those found in such titles. Unlike traditional action games, Heartworm doesn’t focus on combat; instead, you employ Sam’s camera, similar to the Fatal Frame series, to ward off enemies. However, as with early Resident Evil installments, this game is less about fighting and more about exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival.
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At PAX West, I witnessed a sneak peek of one of Heartworm’s boss battles, featuring a colossal spider. This creature challenged my resource management skills, spatial navigation abilities, and quick-thinking aptitude. It offers a refreshing contrast to Heartworm’s more intellectual aspects, but it fits seamlessly. A mix of heavy thinking isn’t sustainable all the time.
Whenever I ponder Heartworm, it’s those enigmatic spaces that spring to mind – rooms, streets, locations concealed behind doors that resist comprehension. A young woman, ready to venture into this warped landscape, hoping, though the odds may be slim, for insights. A dwelling larger within than without, housing a room capable of transporting you across dimensions. There are realms where humans should not tread, yet I’ve caught a glimpse of the unknown beyond that door. It lingers in my thoughts, and like Sam, I feel compelled to return.
This sneak peek is derived from demonstrations offered by the publisher at PAX East and PAX West in 2024.
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2024-09-10 16:28