Lone Survivor emerges in unique new indie psychological horror

Written by Jack Allin — March 29, 2012 at 13:22

If you like your scary games to have a real and tangible threat, look no further than Jasper Byrne's Lone Survivor, a unique new "adult psychological horror" that not only offers actual dangers to contend with, but plenty of choice in how you want to get through the ordeal alive.

As the masked protagonist in this retro-styled, side-scrolling adventure, you have just one goal: "escape from a city ravaged by disease, by any means". The enemy is both without and within, however, with shambling monsters lurking in shadows and a starving, exhausted protagonist beginning to question "how much of what he sees is even real." One thing is certain in any case: the danger is real enough, and it's entirely up to you how to deal with it.

As seen in the game's trailer, Lone Survivor is not a traditional adventure by any means, but the freedom to choose your own survival tactics are what set the game apart. You can "sneak through without firing a single shot, or kill everything in your path. Eat and sleep well, or resort to drugs to keep going. Search for survivors, or try to escape the city alone. Look after your mental health, or descend into madness..."

Lone Survivor is available to download for $10 on both PC and Mac from the official website, and a browser-based demo can be sampled at Kongregate. A $50 "First Aid Edition" of the game is also available, including a limited edition art print and soundtrack. Both versions offer "DRM-free updates for life."