Killer frequency is a puzzle comedy/survival horror game. Former DJ juggernaut Forest Nash, is now reduced to working in a town in the middle of nowhere. He and his co host Peg are hosting a horror themed show The Scream. What is meant to be a night of harmless fun soon takes a terrifying turn. They get a call telling them that the sheriff department has all been murdered. A mysterious figure known as The Whistling man is responsible. Seeing as the entire sheriff department is gone, the 9-1-1 dispatcher forwards all calls to the player. Here you must help people maneuver and survive the night while piecing together the mystery of the killer and his motives.
The plot, while absurd, is engaging. The callers will ring you throughout the game and you must help them survive various situations. From helping someone escape a burning building, to assisting someone who’s been stabbed and bleeding to death. The scenarios are surprisingly varied and creative. In this title, there are various outcomes. The player can save all, some, or none of the callers.
The game’s aesthetic is cell shaded and dripping with 80s nostalgia. The vinyl records, cassette tapes and neon lights are all staples of the era. Killer Frequency is very much inspired by various slasher films in the vein of Friday the 13th and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The killer being masked, dying and coming back to avenge his death etc. As someone who loves that era of films, the tribute on display here is crafted with much care and passion.
The scenarios you find yourself in can become quite intense, with the stakes being very high. However, Killer Frequency also has a chill and cozy vibe. The officer and building feel like it would be really laid back and fun to hang out in. If the situation weren’t so dire. Being able to walk the building in all its 80s glory, is great. You really get a vibe that even if it’s a small studio in the middle of nowhere,everyone there makes the most of it.
While solid, the game is not perfect. My only real complaints are its lack of a chapter select and restart checkpoint. If the player were to accidentally make the wrong choice, you’re screwed. They cannot simply restart the checkpoint. They must quit to the main menu and press continue. It isn’t the worst , but it is a tad inconvenient. Even then that doesn’t always work. The game has no chapter-select upon completion. The death will be permanent till the next play through. Not a deal breaker, just a minor annoyance.
Even with its shortcomings, Killer Frequency is a horrifically hilarious time. Packed with interesting scenarios, an awesome 80s design, and a killer with a creepy urban legend lore. This game more than satisfies fans of the genre. Sit on down, spin some records, and beware of any whistling.
Much obliged,
Fil Zahnko
Verdict: 8/10