A new psychological survival horror game, Haunted Bloodlines, is set to terrify gamers, drawing significant inspiration from Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed PT. Scheduled for release on Steam, this game promises to revive the chilling atmosphere and gripping mechanics that PT once delivered.
In 2014, Hideo Kojima, alongside celebrated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, introduced PT, a photorealistic playable teaser designed for Silent Hills, the next instalment in the Silent Hill series. Featuring actor Norman Reedus, the project was abruptly cancelled after three years of development, leaving fans and critics bewildered and disappointed. Despite its brief existence, PT quickly became renowned as one of the greatest horror games ever created, its removal from the PlayStation store only enhancing its legendary status.
Nearly a decade later, Iphigames is stepping in to fill the void left by PT with Haunted Bloodlines, a game that aims to emulate the teaser’s addictive and unsettling gameplay. This new title will be showcased at the Steam Next Fest, an annual celebration of upcoming games, offering players a free-to-play demo starting at 10 AM PT on 10 June. The festival serves as a significant platform for developers to present their latest projects, and Haunted Bloodlines is set to be a standout.
A Return to Psychological Horror
Developed by the nascent studio Horrified Triangles, Haunted Bloodlines immerses players in a chilling narrative. The protagonist, inheriting a sprawling mansion following the death of their father, encounters a series of supernatural disturbances that gradually erode their sanity. Echoing the mechanics of PT and the critically acclaimed Outlast series, Haunted Bloodlines deprives the player of any means of defence, emphasising the primal instincts of flight and concealment.
Earlier this year, Iphigames demonstrated its talent for atmospheric storytelling with Skaramazuzu, a gothic adventure set in a shadow puppet world. Drawing visual comparisons to indie favourites such as Undertale and Night in the Woods, Skaramazuzu received positive reviews shortly after its release on Steam. Another notable entry from Iphigames is Abtos Covert, a survival horror game that blends elements from Slender: The Eight Pages and Five Nights at Freddy’s, featuring environmental point-and-click interactions and a nerve-wracking security camera system.
The Rise of Horrified Triangles
Despite being a newcomer to the gaming scene, Horrified Triangles shows considerable promise. Their partnership with Iphigames, a publisher with a track record of well-received titles, bodes well for Haunted Bloodlines’ reception and success. The full release date for Haunted Bloodlines remains unconfirmed, though projections suggest a launch in late 2024 or early 2025. Should the game resonate with players as strongly as PT’s spiritual successor, Supernormal, did, it could mark the beginning of a prosperous journey for Horrified Triangles.
PT’s cancellation left a void in the horror gaming landscape that many developers have since attempted to fill. Haunted Bloodlines, with its deep psychological elements and homage to PT’s iconic mechanics, stands out as a potential successor. The free demo at Steam Next Fest will allow gamers to experience the terror first hand, and feedback from this early engagement could shape the final product.
As we approach Steam Next Fest, anticipation builds around Haunted Bloodlines. The game not only seeks to pay tribute to PT but also aims to carve out its own place in the annals of horror gaming. With its intriguing plot and heart-pounding gameplay, it promises to deliver an experience that will both haunt and captivate players.
In a gaming industry where innovation and nostalgia often go hand in hand, Haunted Bloodlines could be the next big name in psychological horror. For now, fans await with bated breath, eager to see if Horrified Triangles can live up to the legacy of their inspiration and offer a new chapter in the world of horror gaming.
