Let’s face it – we all love a good scare from time to time. Whether that’s a classis horror flick or the newest AAA killer game, nothing gets you fired up quite like a little jump scare or two. That said, it’s a bit of a well walked path these days with most people seeing what’s happing miles before it does in their media of choice. So when something different and new pops up on the scene, you best believe it’ll have your attention. Killer Frequency by gaming legends Team17 is just that: a new and very interesting spin on the horror genre. It’s an FPS puzzler crossed with a walking/standing sim, that fully embraces classic horrors of the late 80s and early 90s.
Set in 1987, you fill the boots of DJ Forrest Nash – a once big city slicker who now finds himself in Gallows Creek, as their newest late-night radio talk-show host on the graveyard shift. As your shift starts one night things take a turn for the worst and this sleepy backwaters small town is in for one hell of a show as you quickly find the callers are being stalked by a mysterious killer. You and your co-host Peggy are thrust into the hot seat in more ways than one. With the Police Chief dead, the townsfolk turn to you for help and your talk show quickly becomes the police call centre… because you’re the only person in town who can work a phone line it seems.
It’s a solid foundation that works as a good platform for what follows as you’ll spend most of your time in Killer Frequency answering 911 calls and building a bigger picture of what’s really happening. At this point it’s also worth saying this is a very tongue in cheek title with an actually funny dark sense of humour at times. Gameplay could be said to be a bit dull if you’re looking for anything remotely action packed, as 95% of your time is going to be standing at your desk and listening to calls, then having to choose options that will shape the tale. The other 5% of the time you’ll get to explore the radio studio, as well as hunt for clues that help you solve some of the puzzles you’ll face. Plus there is a bin basketball mini-game, where you can throw rubbish into the net (and yes, I spent far too long playing this when I really should have been taking calls or changing tracks).
In a lot of ways the game has a very similar gameplay loop as the brilliant Not For Broadcast, only with Killer Frequency being radio focused and a horror. There are a lot of parallels between them, which is not a bad thing at all. Visually things look like a comic book in a way, as it’s an almost cell shaded art style. Though this never really shines, due to you being limited to so few areas in the game. Sound and voice acting on the other hand is top tier and with such a story heavy tale the voice acting was going to be key to its success, and it delivers and then some. Same can be said for the music and general sounds as it’s a huge part of the game – working at a radio station it all sounds authentic and the playlist is good with a few 80s vibe bangers in there waiting to be found.
Killer Frequency is a very pulpy and camp offering that is a fresh take on the horror genre that fully embraces its period setting. Though it is also clear to see this it’s not going to be for everyone, but if you’re looking for something a little different with an enjoyable tale it’s well worth turning the lights out and firing it up on a Friday night like watching those classic slasher flicks from yesteryear.
An Xbox and PS5 review copy of Killer Frequency was provided by Team 17’s PR team, and the game is out now on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Meta Quest 2 and Switch for around £20.
The Verdict
Stuart Cullen
Latest posts by Stuart Cullen (see all)
- 2023 Games of the Year – January 8, 2024
- Best Games of 2022 – Scotch Corner’s Verdict – December 28, 2022
- Turbo Golf Racing Preview – August 11, 2022