The survival horror genre has enjoyed a significant renaissance in recent years, fueled by critically acclaimed remakes and sequels of iconic franchises like Resident Evil, Dead Space, and Silent Hill. This renewed popularity has inspired a wave of new titles, from modern interpretations like ILL and Cronos: The New Dawn to games that deliberately emulate the genre’s origins. Among the latter is Dread XP’s upcoming Heartworm, a title that serves as a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of 90s survival horror.
Initially revealed in a 2020 demo, Heartworm is a single-player, third-person horror game that faithfully recreates the classic PlayStation 1 aesthetic. It employs fixed camera angles, pre-rendered backgrounds, and low-polygon character models reminiscent of the original Resident Evil and Parasite Eve. Vincent Adinolfi, the game’s sole developer, describes it as a “nostalgia-charged love letter” to genre progenitors Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Dino Crisis.
In an interview with publisher Dread XP, Adinolfi categorized Heartworm as “suburban horror,” a concept designed to evoke a sense of unease within a familiar setting—in this case, a supernatural house in a mountain range. While the game is a tribute to classic titles, its themes of mental illness and trauma are deeply personal, drawing from Adinolfi’s own experiences. These semi-autobiographical elements are channeled through the game’s protagonist, Sam.
The narrative follows Sam, a young photographer grappling with the death of loved ones. Her search for a way to contact them leads her to an online message board discussing a house with a room said to connect the living with the dead. Despite learning that no one who has visited the house has ever returned, Sam ventures there and enters a world “born of memories.”
Heartworm‘s gameplay diverges from the action-oriented approach of its influences. Instead of firearms, Sam’s only defense is her camera, which she can use to pacify the static-like monsters that roam the environment, a mechanic similar to that of the Fatal Frame series. In addition to these common enemies, players will face bosses including giant spiders and a mysterious cloaked figure. Combat is balanced with classic survival horror staples, such as intricate puzzle-solving and careful item management within a limited inventory.
While modern remakes have made classic horror games more accessible, the unique charm of the original fifth and sixth-generation console titles remains potent. This enduring appeal has prompted major companies to re-release classics, such as the original Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis for PlayStation Plus Premium. Games like Heartworm prove that this retro style still has a place in today’s hyperrealistic gaming landscape, offering compelling narratives and engaging presentation.
Heartworm is expected to offer a four to six-hour experience, with multiple endings that encourage repeat playthroughs, much like the classics that inspired it. A free demo is currently available on PC, with the full game scheduled to launch on July 31.
