
Use your arsenal of traps to protect yourself as you exorcise the victims of the malevolent Pillar.
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About

Play as Peggy Caine, a former detective who gets roped up in a mystery involving the mysterious Pillar. Use your wit and the tools at your disposal to avoid a fatal end as you save it's victims and uncover the truth.

Strategic horror gameplay
An arsenal of traps
Four eerie Levels
Two different endings

This game was developed as a student project at DigiPen Institute of Technology and was created for educational purposes only. Please check out our publisher page for more information.
Genres
Stats
Languages: English
Engagement
Reviews
WOW! this game is scary and pretty awesome. All made from scratch in a custom C++ game engine too! Dev team must be cool. I am not biased, I definitely did not make this game :)
I'm a developer on this game and I think we did a good job
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Concurrent players on Steam, sampled daily since tracking started.
Hours played at review time, across 29 reviews with recorded playtime.
Holy moly, It's crazy to me how polished this game is considering the amount of time it was worked on. Lighting, sound, animation, well done. If I had anything to complain about, it might've been that the levels felt a little too big, as well as some minor lighting bugs. Seriously good work though, y'all should be proud of the game you've got here.
In a world overflowing with mediocrity, DREAD IT rises like a phoenix from the ashes of fear, a shining beacon for horror gaming enthusiasts. This game is not just a game; it’s a visceral experience that will haunt your dreams and linger in your thoughts. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer ready to take the plunge, DREAD IT is a must-play masterpiece that deserves a place in the pantheon of great gaming. I wholeheartedly declare: DREAD IT is a triumph of terror, a celebration of fear, and a brilliant showcase of what horror gaming can truly be! Prepare to be terrified in the best possible way!
My opinion gameplay is kinda confusing I get the idea Overview "DREAD IT" is like if Scooby-Doo got a dark reboot, but instead of solving mysteries with a bunch of friends, you’re alone, exorcising tormented souls in creepy, dark hallways. You play as Peggy Caine, a former detective who should have retired, but apparently, ghostbusting is the logical next step after police work. It’s a game that mixes horror and strategy, developed by students who clearly decided that their thesis project needed to be as spooky as their midterms. Gameplay Think of it as "Home Alone," but with ghosts and way fewer cheesy one-liners. Your main weapon? Traps. Lots of traps. You’re setting them up like you’re Kevin McCallister on Halloween night, trying to outsmart the malevolent entity called the Pillar. And while you’re not exactly throwing paint cans or laying out toy cars, the traps are designed to give you just enough breathing room to avoid becoming a victim yourself. It's surprisingly strategic—you’ll be planning every move, which gives off the same energy as trying to parkour your way to the kitchen at 3 a.m. without stepping on a Lego. Atmosphere and Story The game has this unnerving, eerie vibe, kind of like walking through a haunted IKEA after closing hours. Each of its four levels builds tension, making you feel like something is always just around the corner (spoiler: something usually is). The story, though brief, explores Peggy’s unraveling as she faces off against the mysterious supernatural force. The plot's simplicity is part of its charm—it’s a bite-sized horror experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Visuals and Design It's a top-down 2D game, so don’t expect AAA graphics, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on the atmosphere. The dark, shadowy environments make every corner feel like a potential hiding spot for something terrifying. It’s like playing an old-school horror movie from the ‘80s, but with the added fun of being able to actually control the scream queen. And yes, you will get caught off guard, and yes, you might let out a squeak that sounds suspiciously like a scream. Pros and Cons Pros: It’s free! So even if it scares the pants off you, at least you didn’t have to pay for it. The strategy element adds a fun twist. It’s not just running away—you’re actively setting up traps to save yourself. Short and sweet with multiple endings. You can experience different outcomes without needing to sink 40 hours into it. Cons: Only four levels. It’s like a horror movie that’s just long enough to get you hooked but ends before you finish your popcorn. The top-down 2D style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re expecting hyper-realistic jump scares. Summary "DREAD IT" is a fun, quick scare that’s perfect for horror fans looking to get their fix without committing to a lengthy game. It’s got a good balance of strategy and spookiness, and it’s free—so what’s not to like? Just remember to keep your lights on and maybe play with a friend nearby if you’re prone to screaming. This game might make you jump, but at least it won’t make your wallet cry! If you’re in the mood for some strategic horror fun, give it a try. And if it gets too intense, just remember: it’s a student project. Somewhere, someone is getting graded on how many times you scream.
That lighting is pretty neat
Gizemli kutsal Sütun'u ilgilendiren bir gizemin içine düşen eski bir dedektif olan Peggy Caine olarak oynayın. Zekanızı ve elinizdeki araçları kullanarak kurbanlarını kurtarırken ölümcül bir sondan kaçının ve gerçeği ortaya çıkarın.
in the office building. straight up "dreading it". and by "it", haha, well. let's justr say. My pillarts
Whoa this game is so cool and fun and looks really scary and spooky. I like how I can use my controller on it and everything just works that's pretty fun. No Bias Here, none at all nope why would I do that it's not like I made the game or anything ;)
Audience
Estimated from the language of this game's reviews — a proxy for where players are, not official Steam demographics.
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