PHASE ZERO: Everything We Know

Fans of the survival horror genre should brace themselves as they await the debut of the upcoming game, Phase Zero. The title is inspired by the Golden Era and is set to serve as a tribute to the classics while adding a few modern improvements to spice things up. Similar to most titles in the survival horror genre, players will immerse themselves in dark, forsaken lands where they will take on deadly monsters in their desperate attempts to survive. In the article below, we discuss the details of everything we know about this title so far.

What is PHASE ZERO?

The title is a new upcoming narrative in the survival horror genre, which adds a modern quality of life to the 90s horror classics. Players find themselves in the middle of winter during a great snowstorm, attempting to escape a town. It closely resembles many aspects of the bone-chilling titles, such as Resident Evil 2 and Alone in the Dark, among others. Phase Zero portrays all the qualities of a good horror narrative. It offers intense tension, deadly monsters, an immersive 3D environment, scary sound effects, and fixed cameras, which are the root of the game’s predicted success. All in all, the game promises you utter unrest from start to finish as you narrowly evade death at every turn.

Story

The tale begins in 1994 when a raging snowstorm dominates a desolate town named Flint Peak. Aside from that, a mysterious illness also plagues the town, turning its defenceless residents into grotesque creatures. The buildings are also covered with tissue overgrowth, corpses are bursting through the pipes, and the alleys are lined with human skulls. That makes every step a dangerous bet on life or death.

Mary, a reporter and also a new resident of the town, and Guy, an injured engineer, survive the illness but remain trapped in the town watching as it descends to utter chaos. The mutated creatures violently overrun the streets of the dying town, and they seek to eliminate the protagonists on sight. To survive, they have to gather resources, course through dangerous paths, and uncover the secrets behind the mysterious illness before the light of dawn graces their skies.

Gameplay

Phase Zero, with its retro-styled fixed camera angle similar to Resident Evil, delivers an atmosphere of immense fear. It is designed after the PSX-era 90s horror games. That perfectly mirrors the integration of modern fixtures into classic horror settings, creating a cinematic horror experience. Players enter into a 3D environment where they fight for their lives or, at the very least, escape with it. You guide two protagonists, Mary and Guy, as they try to stay alive in a town. Everything, even the very walls of their surroundings, is a threat to their existence. The protagonists are also the sole survivors of the epidemic in their town. They remain trapped there in the middle of a winter snowstorm, where they are forced to fight or flee. 

Furthermore, a rouge illness scours the land, turning everything it touches into an abomination. You navigate through the disease-ridden town, gathering supplies that are crucial to your escape. Your characters arm themselves with weapons to fight back against the creatures that actively threaten their survival. Additionally, players engage in puzzle-solving activities and brutal combat against the horrific monsters in the match. You explore the lands meticulously with the looming truth that death is right at the tip of your shoulder.

Development

Spina Studio consists of a team of outstanding indie developers, and they are the genius behind this title. They are also responsible for other great works, including SUPERHOT, Dying Light, and Cyberpunk 2077. Their latest venture, Phase Zero, honors the glory days of the beloved 90s horror games that we grew up relishing in but with a twist. 

Additionally, the developers add to the depth and intensity of the game's narrative by incorporating gripping music and sound effects that will leave your hair standing on the edge, and that's only half of it. They also include an immersive 3D pre-rendered environment and designed camera angles with curated, cinematic frames that are a great advancement for classic titles. The title will be available for PC via Steam, with a demo version preceding its release.

Trailer

The developers of this amazing title unveiled Phase Zero’s first trailer during the MIX Spring Showcase this year. The game presents its story as a series featuring multiple chapters, each starring one of the main characters. The tale unfolds in a deserted, snow-covered town, Flint Peak, in 1994. The main characters face a nightmarish outbreak that has rid the town of humanity, replacing it with mutant creatures. 

A deadly force scours every crevice in the land, from building walls to streets now covered in shards of human parts. The only option for survival is to fight for your life or escape. The game delivers an impeccable experience, creating a chilling and thrilling atmosphere that will leave the player begging for more. It boasts captivating visuals paired with an amazing sound piece that ties the whole horrific experience together. 

Moreover, the narrative depicts pre-rendered backgrounds, fixed cameras, and the DNA of the PSX masterpieces that add to the essence of the dark and scary nature of the title. Other than the details showcased in the trailer, most of the game details remain under wraps, with no screenshots or clips in circulation yet. However, players can stay up to date on news regarding the title by following the developer's socials.

Release Date and Platforms

Spina Studio announced their new upcoming survival horror game, Phase Zero, during the MIX Spring Showcase. It is set to debut on PC via Steam. The developers are yet to issue an exact release date. However, players can soon expect a demo version prior to the game's official release into the market. Additionally, fans of the game can wishlist it on Steam and follow up on its development. Alternatively, you can follow the developer on X for more updates.