In Phasmophobia, the co-op ghost-hunting game by Kinetic Games that captivated Steam and Twitch during the early COVID-19 pandemic, there's a nearly inaudible sound that greets you as you step into a haunted house. As you leave the rain and open air behind, entering a dark, confined space, a low, airy hum fills every room and floor. This sound, described by senior developer Ben Lavender as 'basically [...] nothing,' has a disproportionately unsettling effect. It's one of the first things I noticed about the game and one of several meticulously crafted elements that make Phasmophobia one of the best horror games ever.
'Room tone,' Lavender explained, is a technique used in film to capture the ambient sound of a quiet room. In Phasmophobia, it creates a 'subtle uneasiness,' making leaving the house feel like a relief. This, in turn, conditions players to fear the absence of the hum, signaling danger. Art director Corey Dixon intentionally omitted the hum from the asylum map, making it feel larger and emptier than it is, a clever twist on player expectations.
Phasmophobia started as a solo project for Dan Knight, now the studio's CEO, who couldn't find a ghost-hunting game that matched his vision. Inspired by Amnesia and ghost-hunting TV shows, he created it himself. The game's humble beginnings are evident in its janky animations and textures, but these flaws fade thanks to its replayable gameplay and nuanced mechanics. The game's tools, including real-life ghost-hunting equipment, challenge players to use their wits and reward them for correct deductions.
Players must learn that equipment can be triggered by allies, not just ghosts, and that turning off lights is crucial for using the Spirit Box. The game doesn't hold your hand; even if you think you've identified the ghost, you must confirm it in your journal. The game's ghosts have unique personalities, and experienced players can identify them quickly. Phasmophobia's unpredictability and investigative depth make it haunting, a quality I hope remains intact.
Phasmophobia's success has spawned copycats, but the developers see both frustration and inspiration in this. They continue to innovate, with a 'Horror 2.0' update on the horizon. Phasmophobia is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PS5, joining Steam in its early access phase.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
