Chasing Static Offers an Excellent Story and Setting, but with Poor Gameplay

Growing up in the 90s, I was exposed to what I think was the pinnacle of gaming. 3D titles were on the rise, and the industry had great potential. Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dino Crisis led the way for horror games and left a legacy. But if you could replicate them now?

It’s Headwear Games’ own retro horror game, Chasing Static, which boasts the same visuals and gameplay as the 90s. I was left both underwhelmed and hungry for more after spending some time with Chasing Static, a modest-length story.

Biggest takeaways from Chasing Static

  • In Chasing Static, a superb narrative oozes potential.

  • This game’s dreary, foreboding setting and tone make it quite an experience.

  • It’s a short venture that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

  • There are many controls and inputs that are lacking.

  • The PC version of Chasing Static may work better than the console version.

Final Score: 6/10

Iconic Survival Horror Look and Feel

As soon as you start Chasing Static, you feel like you’re playing an old-school survival horror game. In addition to boxy, geometric-shaped people, greyed-out facial features and blurry visuals, the game’s visuals are very effective in making the player feel scared.

With so many locations to explore, Chasing Static feels like an alien planet, with each offering its own unique vibe. This is for good reason. Often there’s fog or darkness covering areas, making you feel as if you’re running around in circles.

This game’s sound design sells the retro-feeling of the game well. While the actors performed better in this game than they did in the 90s, the campy feel of it still persisted in selling the story.

Author: Maricel Cuico