Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Killer Frequency by developer Bohemia Interactive Studio:
Killer Frequency: (The Explanation)
The story of Killer Frequency is both thrilling and entertaining. Forrest, a disgraced DJ, finds himself in the small town of Gallows Creek, now the target of the returning serial killer, the Whistling Man. The premise is a bit ludicrous but works thanks to the engaging characters and solid writing. The game balances horror and humor well, making it a refreshing take on the slasher genre. I appreciated how the story unfolds through radio calls and interactions, even if most of the action happens off-screen.
Killer Frequency nails the retro aesthetic with its mid-80s setting. The game’s art style is a vibrant blend of neon colors and wood paneling that screams retro 1980s. The attention to detail is impressive, from the decor of the radio station to the humor and voice acting. Everything feels authentic and immersive, like stepping into a time machine. Despite its cell-shaded look, the game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch. There were times where some of the game’s tertiary items and writing you would see felt smudgy or rough, but that usually didn’t affect solving puzzles and moving through the story.
The sound design in Killer Frequency is chilling and anxiety-inducing at times. The soundtrack is filled with era-appropriate music some of which you get to play through the radio station’s record player. There is a variety of music in the game ranging from synthwave to hard rock, setting the perfect mood for each moment.Â
The voice acting is mostly solid, with Forrest Nash, the main character, standing out. His DJ humor and interactions with the callers keep the tone light and enjoyable, even in tense situations. There are other characters you interact with that do a great job as well, though sometimes the horror vibe is broken up by conversation selection pauses or timing on the characters line delivery.Â
Killer Frequency offers a unique gameplay experience, blending elements of a walking simulator and a puzzle game. As Forrest, you manage the radio station, playing records, taking calls, and running ads. The controls are intuitive, but some tasks, like placing records or opening doors, can feel clunky. The FPS-style point-of-view may detract some people as precision control can be somewhat difficult. There were several times where I encountered issues with selecting the right button or slider on the DJ console due to the imprecise maneuvering of the dot reticle in the game.
The real fun begins when Forrest’s show becomes the town’s 911 dispatch. You’ll help residents escape the Whistling Man. Forrest is quickly tasked with solving puzzles and giving advice to would-be 911 callers when the local PD leaves town to get help. These intense, timed encounters kept me on edge, and I loved the challenge of trying to save everyone.
Killer Frequency is a refreshing take on the slasher genre, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. The graphics and sound design perfectly capture the 80s vibe, and the gameplay, while occasionally clunky, is engaging and fun. The story, filled with humor and tension, kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re a fan of slasher films or looking for something different in the horror genre, Killer Frequency is worth a shot.
Killer Frequency:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Team17
Publisher: Team17
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Adventure, Simulation
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: June 1, 2024
Price: $24.99
File Size: 2.2Â GB
Nintendo.com Listing
