Hollowbody: The English Cyberpunk Silent Hill – A Review
Charles Fort’s concept of “steam engine time” may be a fitting analogy for the current state of survival horror games. Just as multiple inventors seemed to have simultaneously developed the steam engine, the genre of retro survival horror with a psychological edge is experiencing a resurgence. Hollowbody, the latest addition to this genre, captures the essence of classic survival horror with its fixed camera placement, wilfully clunky combat, surreal puzzles, and a pocket flashlight. With elements like a creepy radio, mysterious phone calls serving as save points, and a near-future cyberpunk setting in England, Hollowbody offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.
Setting and Storyline
One of the standout features of Hollowbody is its setting in a fictional walled city called Brandon, a dystopian urban landscape reminiscent of Mega-Swindon One. This city serves as an endless slum of bleak concrete housing estates, embodying a post-apocalyptic vision of broken Britain turned up to 11. The narrative unfolds years after Brandon was subjected to a Slough-style bombing, leaving behind a hauntingly desolate environment where the poor were walled-in, abandoned, and left to starve. As the player navigates this grim cityscape in search of their missing girlfriend, they encounter zombie-like enemies, eerie gray goo, and hallucinogenic puzzles that add layers of suspense and mystery to the storyline.
Gameplay and Exploration
Hollowbody offers approximately five to six hours of gameplay set in abandoned locations such as an apartment building, a church, an underground train station, and an underworld. The game’s fixed camera angles and atmospheric sound design create a sense of unease and tension, enhancing the overall survival horror experience. Players must navigate through the city, solving puzzles, collecting items, and engaging in combat with various enemies to progress through the narrative. However, the lack of a comprehensive map system and the presence of hidden documents and radio signals contribute to a constant feeling of missing out on crucial information, creating a sense of urgency and suspense.
Combat and Mechanics
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Hollowbody features clunky combat with a variety of weapons, including a guitar that doubles as a melee weapon. The inclusion of nanotech repair spray as healing items and abundant bullets scattered throughout the city add a strategic element to combat encounters. The monsters in the game emit terrifying noises that escalate into unsettling cries upon defeat, enhancing the horror and suspenseful atmosphere of the gameplay. Additionally, the incorporation of a dystopian augmented reality device that reveals information about the deceased residents in floating green text adds a unique twist to the traditional survival horror formula.
Exploration and Storytelling
While Hollowbody offers a compelling narrative and immersive gameplay experience, the lack of a comprehensive map system and limited guidance for players can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for exploration. Players must rely on memory and intuition to navigate through the city and uncover hidden clues that shed light on the overarching storyline. The presence of newspaper articles and radio signals provides additional layers of storytelling, offering insights into the city’s history and the events that led to its current state of decay.
Comparisons and Recommendations
For fans of the survival horror genre, Hollowbody offers a compelling blend of retro aesthetics, psychological horror, and cyberpunk elements that set it apart from other recent titles. While it may not have the same level of polish as mainstream releases, Hollowbody’s unique setting and atmospheric design make it a worthy addition to any horror enthusiast’s gaming library. Compared to similar titles like Crow Country and Signalis, Hollowbody strikes a balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering a hauntingly immersive experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hollowbody stands out as a distinctive entry in the survival horror genre, combining elements of classic gameplay mechanics with a unique cyberpunk setting and a gripping narrative. With its atmospheric design, immersive soundscapes, and challenging puzzles, Hollowbody offers a thrilling and suspenseful gaming experience that will appeal to fans of the genre. Despite its flaws in terms of exploration and map navigation, the game’s strengths lie in its storytelling, combat mechanics, and eerie atmosphere, making it a must-play for horror enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre.
Overall, Hollowbody delivers a compelling and immersive gameplay experience that will keep players engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror classics or looking for a new and innovative gaming experience, Hollowbody offers a unique blend of retro aesthetics and cyberpunk elements that will leave you craving more. Dive into the haunting world of Brandon and uncover its dark secrets in this chilling and atmospheric survival horror adventure.
References:
– Headware (Image credit)
– Jody’s articles on PC Gamer and other publications
