As 2024 draws to a close, gamers have something thrilling yet chilling to look forward to: a fresh and mysterious reality set to be unveiled. With the new year, players will be able to dive into an unexplored horror landscape, as Post Trauma makes its grand entrance on Xbox in 2025, promising an array of spine-chilling nightmares.
Crafted by the imaginative minds of Roberto Serrano and Red Soul Games, Post Trauma pays homage to legendary horror classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. Powered by the impressive Unreal Engine 5, the game invites players into eerie environments—like an old hospital and a forsaken metro station—known as “The Gloom.” These settings, while somewhat familiar, are reimagined in the most dreadful ways. Walls oozing with slithering tentacles, shadowy figures lurking around, and structures threatening to collapse contribute to an atmosphere filled with spine-tingling suspense at every turn.
The character you’ll get to know is Roman, a retired train driver compellingly brought to life by Togo Igawa’s voice acting. In a bid to enhance realism, Red Soul Games employs Motion Capture to infuse Roman’s facial expressions with authenticity, adding depth to his troubling journey. As Roman awakens from this daze, his experience and reactions to the terrifying world anchor Post Trauma, making the emotional and psychological aspects palpable to players.
Post Trauma’s cerebral horror lies heavily in its tension-building techniques, rather than relying on cheap jump scares. Its soundtrack is a masterclass in suspense, setting a haunting mood with its soft piano tunes as Roman navigates the twisted paths. When danger looms, the music swells into a heart-thumping beat, further immersing players into battles infected with adrenaline and fear.
Immersion goes deeper as players explore the sinister world, where every nook and detail could hold the key to solving the game’s intricate puzzles. Keeping a keen eye on the environment might reveal necessary clues, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a notepad at hand for jotting down crucial hints.
In the perilous world of The Gloom, Roman frequently encounters moments where he must defend himself to stay alive. Luckily, he has access to a variety of weapons including a mighty sledgehammer and trusty crowbar. Weapons like pistols and shotguns can be found stashed for safety, all packed neatly with him, allowing strategic inventory management.
Fans of the classic survival horror genre will appreciate that Post Trauma offers deeper gameplay mechanics, constantly altering the narrative as players uncover secrets. There’s much anticipation for gamers eager to unravel its mysteries when it launches on Xbox Series X|S in 2025. Be sure to add it to your wishlist now!
Post Trauma uniquely bridges classic horror gameplay with a modern twist, as players, venturing through Roman’s harrowing ordeal, will navigate surreal landscapes while grappling with the haunting world around them. They will encounter enemies and must choose between fighting or finding ways to escape unscathed—the choice is theirs.
Designed to evoke memories of timeless horror hits through its fixed camera angles and photorealistic visuals, Post Trauma keeps players on their toes as they strive to understand the evolving enigmas planted throughout the game. Balancing cunning with patience will be essential, and perhaps a little old-school note-taking won’t hurt either.
Assembled by a team of esteemed professionals, which includes the perfectly-cast Togo Igawa, Autumn Ivy, and Hyoie O’Grady, paired with an ambient soundscape by Nicolas Gasparini (Myuu), Post Trauma is a heartfelt nod to beloved horror series, offering a fresh and unforgettable experience. It’s a game crafted with passion—a true labor of love that promises to delight and haunt its audience in equal measure.