Heartworm, developed by Vincent Adinolfi and published by DreadXP, is a survival horror experience that deliberately channels the spirit of late-90s classics while anchoring itself in a deeply personal and melancholic narrative. Rather than modernizing the genre with streamlined systems or cinematic pacing, it embraces slower movement, deliberate exploration, and a heavy reliance on atmosphere. The result is a game that feels intentionally old-school, not just in how it looks, but in how it asks players to engage with it.
The story follows Sam, a young woman grappling with grief who becomes fixated on the possibility of reconnecting with the dead. Her search leads her to a remote house rumored to act as a gateway to another realm, setting the stage for a journey that is as much about internal struggle as it is about external horror. The narrative unfolds gradually, relying on environmental details, scattered notes, and subtle visual cues rather than direct exposition. This approach encourages players to piece together meaning on their own, creating a sense of discovery that aligns with the game’s themes of memory and loss.
Gameplay draws heavily from classic survival horror design. Fixed camera angles, limited inventory space, and deliberate movement create a constant sense of vulnerability. Exploration is central, with interconnected environments that require careful navigation and frequent backtracking. Puzzles are integrated into this structure, ranging from straightforward tasks to more abstract challenges that demand close attention to detail. While these elements contribute to the game’s authenticity, they can also slow the pacing, particularly when solutions are not immediately clear.
Combat is handled in a distinctive way that ties directly into the game’s themes. Instead of conventional weapons, Sam uses a camera to confront enemies, capturing them in photographs to weaken or repel them. This mechanic reinforces the idea of preserving moments and confronting memories, giving combat a conceptual layer beyond simple survival. At the same time, it introduces a resource management aspect, as film is limited and must be used carefully. While the system is thematically strong, it remains relatively simple in execution and does not evolve significantly over the course of the game.
Atmosphere is where Heartworm consistently excels. The visual style, inspired by early 3D horror titles, uses low-resolution textures and fixed perspectives to create a sense of unease that feels both nostalgic and effective. Environments shift between grounded, familiar spaces and more surreal, dreamlike settings, reflecting the instability of the narrative. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in reinforcing this mood, blending ambient sounds with melancholic tones that enhance both tension and introspection. Together, these elements create an experience that feels immersive without relying on constant intensity.
However, the game’s commitment to its retro roots comes with trade-offs. Navigation can be cumbersome, with large areas and minimal guidance leading to moments of uncertainty. The pacing can feel uneven, particularly during extended periods of exploration or when players struggle to identify the next objective. Combat, while conceptually interesting, lacks depth and can feel secondary to the overall experience. Additionally, while the narrative introduces compelling themes, it does not always fully develop them, leaving certain aspects feeling incomplete.
What ultimately distinguishes Heartworm is its sense of personal expression. The game feels like a reflection of its creator’s ideas and experiences, particularly in how it handles themes of grief and memory. This gives it an emotional weight that elevates it beyond a simple homage to classic horror games. Even when its mechanics falter, its atmosphere and tone remain consistent, creating moments that linger long after the game has ended.
In the end, Heartworm is a thoughtful and atmospheric entry in the survival horror genre that prioritizes mood and meaning over mechanical complexity. It may not appeal to players seeking fast-paced action or modern design conveniences, but for those who appreciate slow, reflective horror experiences, it offers something distinctive and memorable. Its imperfections are evident, but they do little to diminish the impact of its overall vision.
Rating: 7/10
