A horror anthology shooter in the Dread X Collection series. Co-produced by DUSK creator David Szymanski. Featuring 7 new short games, a robust launcher world set in an abandoned arctic base.
The collection features 7 distinct first-person shooter (FPS) games, each with unique twists on the genre. Players typically explore eerie environments, engage in tense combat against supernatural foes, and manage limited resources like ammunition. The games also incorporate light puzzles and environmental challenges to progress.
Uktena 64 presents a retro-inspired hunting simulator with a dark, comedic tone, challenging players to track and photograph infected animals. Axis Mundi, on the other hand, channels the Fatal Frame series, requiring players to use a camera as their primary weapon against ghostly enemies. Black Relic offers a deliberate, survival-focused experience, as players control a monk armed with a crossbow who navigates a slow-paced, pixel-art world filled with haunting adversaries. The Fruit, in contrast, introduces a unique manual reloading mechanic for its powerful rifle, creating a tense and skill-based combat system. This diversity ensures the collection caters to a wide range of player preferences, from fans of classic horror FPS gameplay to those seeking more experimental approaches.
The games place a strong emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling, with each set in a distinct, immersive environment. From the eerie, snow-bound Arctic base to the surreal, fleshy island of Rose of Meat, the environments are brought to life through detailed visuals, unsettling sound design, and environmental storytelling. Players are often compelled to explore these spaces, uncover hidden lore, and piece together the often unsettling narratives. In games like The Fruit and Black Relic, the storytelling is further enhanced by the gameplay mechanics, which directly tie into the thematic elements or backstories. This focus on atmosphere and narrative helps to elevate the horror experiences, creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers long after the initial playthrough.
The collection has received overwhelmingly positive player feedback, with reviewers praising the unique gameplay mechanics and how they support the overall horror themes. Fans have noted the satisfying tension created by the manual reloading systems, the thrill of using a camera as a weapon, and the feeling of unease as they navigate the twisted environments. Reviewers have also highlighted the strong sense of atmosphere and the way the games' narratives and visual/audio design work in tandem to create unsettling, memorable experiences. The ability to explore the central hub area and uncover the overarching mystery has also been praised as an engaging hook that ties the anthology together. Overall, the collection has resonated with players who appreciate the indie horror genre and the creative, experimental approaches to the FPS format. The diverse gameplay, coupled with the focus on atmosphere and storytelling, make this a standout entry in the Dread X series.