A retro-styled survival horror game
Heartworm is a survival horror game developed by Vincent Adinolfi. It follows the story of a woman obsessed with the deaths of those close to her. While stumbling down a dark path on the internet, she travels to a place that is alleged to have some connection with the afterlife.
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The game is styled after popular horror games from the 32-bit era, such as Silent Hill, and earlier games from the Resident Evil franchise. It features an eerie atmosphere and tense moments, including jump scares. It also features fully fleshed-out characters with flawed personalities and some questionable decisions, making them more human.
Explore a mysterious house linked to the afterlife
The story of Heartworm follows Sam, a woman who is obsessed with the deaths of people close to her. After digging around on the internet, she learns of a house in the mountains that seems to have some connection to the afterlife. Consumed by her obsession, she decides to visit the house herself, regardless of what the consequences may be.
Fans of the original Resident Evil games will feel at home with Heartworm. The graphics are styled to resemble games from that era, and the gameplay borrows heavily from Resident Evil, as well as tense atmosphere building, just as those games did. The player must also face off against hostile entities in the form of humanoid shapes made of static.
The game’s camera controls are also reminiscent of the Resident Evil games, focusing on a fixed perspective rather than a true first-person or third-person POV, which makes navigation frustrating to players unfamiliar with the game. Additionally, it doesn’t have a quick save function, meaning that if you die, you need to start again. The old-style graphics can also divide players who prefer newer art designs and a new game engine.
The demo additions
Heartworm received a demo update, enhancing the player experience. This refresh introduced a new boss fight, refined textures, and camera mod capabilities. These changes aim to accurately represent the full game, offering a deeper glimpse into its features and challenges.
Within the familiar setting of The Neighborhood, Sam's visit to Platt St. Deli evokes a wave of bittersweet memories. The once comforting store now amplifies her grief, highlighting her grandfather's absence. Static Wraiths, distorted figures emitting mournful hums, patrol the area. They attack by releasing static that slows Sam's movement, creating an opportunity for a close-range strike.
A tense game with some issues
Fans of third-person retro horror games will likely find plenty to enjoy about Heartworm. That being said, many players have complained about frustrating level design and the lack of a save function. As the game is free, though, it should be worth trying for fans of the genre.
