Survival horror games often innovate on the horror and suspense elements of the genre while adopting a familiar combat style. This trend makes twists and changes in the formula of particular interest to gamers. Psycho Dead, developed and published by MOON CATALYST CO, is a title that looks to exemplify this with the unique psychic powers of its main character. These powers were the main source of attention in the game’s latest combat trailer.
The trailer wastes no time in acquainting players with the player character, Elixia, a seemingly powerless little girl found by soldiers in a bloody facility. It is revealed that her memory is gone, and she is left with no choice but to escape the horrific monsters she finds herself among. The world also intends to hunt for her when she escapes, presumably due to the psychic abilities that she exhibits just moments later in the trailer.
After the introduction to the character, the story takes a backseat to gameplay. While Elixia is capable of using standard survival horror weapons like guns as seen throughout the trailer, her main tool for overcoming the monsters she faces will be her power to move objects and energy with her mind. She can be seen creating barriers to block bullets from an automatic turret and levitating an explosive to throw it at a pursuing monster. The monsters themselves also get a spotlight in the trailer. They range from massive beasts with skulls for heads to mutated scientists controlled by the same substance prevalent throughout the laboratory. Further information about the gameplay and details about the story were made available through Psycho Dead’s Steam store page.
Horror games have stiff competition when it comes to what fans have time to play. That may be the reason why Psycho Dead decided to set themselves apart with their unique mechanics. Those interested in the game will be able to see how well the ideas translate to the final product when it releases on PC and PlayStation 5 later this year.