Heartworm

Heartworm has a strong atmosphere, greatly enhanced by an excellent use of PS1-style graphics. And that’s it. That’s the only thing good about this indie survival horror experience. A survival horror experience where the only true horror is the boredom that will have to be endured while the protagonist runs around aimlessly (without anything posing any real threat). It's all topped off with occasional not-exactly-that-deep thoughts on life and death.

Heartworm is a very self-aware, intelligent take on classic survival horror franchises, that utilises some really clever ideas and will find ways to connect with the player through its themes, setting and mechanics. It’s rough around the edges at times and it’s style won’t be for everyone with the way you get around, the look and even the gameplay feel, but for those who grew up on the origins of the genre or those who look at it fondly and with respect, Heartworm is as good of a modern interpretation of it as has ever been made.

Heartworm is a love letter to survival horrors of the 90’s, with a great look and feel that apes those older games brilliantly. Boring boss fights, an uninspiring tale, and some user interface niggles stop this being a full-hearted recommendation, but if you’re in the market for old school Resident Evil-like gaming, then this should fit the bill nicely.

Given the small team behind this project, there’s a clear enthusiasm and love for survival horror that shines through in blood-soaked glory. While it is a bit rough around the edges, and is certainly not without its issues – difficulty and level balancing notwithstanding – Heartworm is a decent ride while it lasts

Heartworm is another top notch indie horror to add to the collection and one that perhaps feels the closest to the games that clearly influence it. The mixture of Fatal Frame combat and Silent Hill gameplay is perfectly judged and the end result is a game that not only pays homage to the classics but deserves to be considered amongst them.

Heartworm is an imperfect but emotionally powerful experience. It doesn't revolutionize survival horror, but it demonstrates a deep understanding of what made the classics special. Its greatest success lies in using nostalgia as a vehicle to explore universal themes of loss and grief.

Heartworm is a game with a clear vision and strong aesthetic—its atmosphere, puzzles, and audio stand out and will appeal to fans of classic survival horror—but its ambition falls short due to unpolished mechanics, shallow storytelling, and lacking gameplay precision, making it more of a brief, atmospheric experience than a fully convincing modern classic.

Heartworm doesn’t break any new ground, but it succeeds as a heartfelt and atmospheric tribute to the golden era of survival horror. Its emotional storytelling, eerie environments, and satisfying puzzles make it a worthwhile journey for fans of the genre, even if the combat and some design choices can fall short. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic survival horror experience with a bit of emotional depth, Heartworm is well worth a visit.

Heartworm is not just a love letter to classic horror games, but an odyssey through loss and the emotional toll of grief. On the surface, it has all the hallmarks of a classic PlayStation horror game, yet it also incorporates lessons learned from 30 years of game development. Beneath the surface, it explores overcoming the pain that comes with loss and how our memories of the past can differ from reality.

Heartworm seems to be a sincere homage to the heyday of survival horror. It has a remarkable level of accuracy in capturing the style, sound, and cadence of its inspirations.