Killer Frequency
Killer Frequency is a 2023 horror game developed by Team17.
Overview
Killer Frequency is a first-person adventure game.[1] The game takes place in 1987,[2] and its aesthetics are heavily based on 1980s nostalgia, including neon color palettes and a wood paneled environment.[3][4] Players take the role of Forrest Nash, a DJ and radio host who must become an impromptu dispatcher when the town of Gallows Creek is terrorized by The Whistling Man, a serial killer who has returned thirty years after his supposed death.[5] Throughout the game, the player character takes calls from victims of the slasher and tell them how to proceed by solving puzzles and problems that they face. Players must successfully complete these puzzles using clues and information found around the studio to prevent the victims from being killed.[6][7] Aaron Riccio of Slant Magazine described its mechanics as "sort of reverse escape room where you provide the vital hints to help others get out alive."[8] The game references numerous horror films including The Fog, Friday the 13th, and the Scream franchise.[9]
Development
The game was Team17's first virtual reality game.[10]
Reception
The game had a mostly positive reception and has a score of 81 on Metacritic indicating generally favorable reviews.[11] Critics praised the game's balance of tension and campy horror.[12][7][5] Softpedia awarded the game 4 out of 5 stars, praising the quality of its voice acting and gameplay, but criticizing the final act as being "rushed".[4] Reyna Cervantes of Bloody Disgusting praised the game's use of the slasher genre, comparing it favorably to horror films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.[3] Rachel Watts, writing for Rock Paper Shotgun, praised Killer Frequency's gameplay and puzzle elements.[12]
References
- ^ Tailby, Stephen (2023-06-01). "Review: Killer Frequency (PS5) - An Intriguing Call-in Murder Mystery". Push Square. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ Davidson, Amy (2020-11-13). "Killer Frequency Is a Free Radio Show Simulator Where Callers' Lives Are on the Line". The Escapist. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ a b Cervantes, Reyna (2023-06-12). "'Killer Frequency' Review – Unique Slasher Experience Delivers a Retro Good Time". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ a b "Killer Frequency Review (PC)". Softpedia.
- ^ a b "Killer Frequency VR Review: Charmed by the Spirit of Small-Town Radio". UploadVR. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ ""A clever slasher puzzler that is well worth the time": Screen Rant's Killer Frequency review". ScreenRant. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ a b "Killer Frequency Review - Holding The Line". www.gameshub.com. 2023-06-07. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ Riccio, Aaron (2023-06-01). "'Killer Frequency' Review: A Golden Oldie". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ "9 Horror Movie References In Killer Frequency". TheGamer. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ Bailey, Kat (2022-06-09). "Upload VR Showcase June 2022: Everything Announced, Including More Among US VR Gameplay". IGN. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ "Killer Frequency". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
- ^ a b Watts, Rachel (2023-06-23). "Play as a radio DJ whose callers are being murdered live on air in Killer Frequency". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
