As a 4v1 asymmetrical survival horror game, Video Horror Society shares many similarities with other titles of its kind - such as Behaviour Interactive’s Dead By Daylight - but its stylized, retro aesthetic could make the game a breath of fresh air for many of the genre’s fans. Even though it’s still deep in development by Hellbent Games, Video Horror Society (which can be fittingly abbreviated to VHS) is currently free-to-play on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. There, it has been capturing the attention of many, even some of Dead By Daylight’s most loyal fans.
VHS, which has been available as an Early Access title since July 2022, is not yet perfect. Just like many other indie games - and even larger games, like Overwatch 2 during its rough launch - it occasionally experiences issues with matchmaking, which can cause queue times to be longer than desired. Additionally, some players have voiced an imbalance in power between the Monster and the four Teens. Hellbent Games reassures players that these aspects of the game are being looked into, and they will continue to hold the attention of the development team.
Despite its unfinished state, though, VHS actually showcases massive potential as the next successful asymmetrical horror game. With the retro style currently seeing a resurgence in popularity, it has the power to attract a large and diverse player base on its own. But with players in Dead By Daylight petitioning for Stranger Things items to return, Video Horror Society could answer their prayers and provide them with a bright, bold, and entirely 80s-themed take on the genre.
Video Horror Society Plays Like An Interactive 1980s Thriller
Immediately upon loading into VHS, the player is greeted with creepy synths, a video store as the main menu lobby screen, and unique characters who look as if they were plucked straight out of a 1980s film. The leader of the Teens' friend group, Gloria, wears neon aerobics attire and large, funky earrings; Brett, the jock, sports a stylish denim jacket and an unbeatable mullet. The Monsters are also fantastically designed, with a Goosebumps-esque Werewolf and an evil robot named Deathwire. Each of the game’s four maps are stylistically consistent with the era, too. From the classic, movie-like setting of the empty High School, to the sci-fi Facility complete with strange life forms and decontamination chambers reminiscent of those in Dead Space's upcoming remake, Video Horror Society provides an uncommonly retro experience in video game horror.
Other elements of gameplay are appropriately 80s themed, as well. While being chased by the Monster, the music veers away from modern stingers like Dead By Daylight’s. Instead, a distorted, synth-heavy soundtrack will let Teen players know they’re in danger all while being counterintuitively enjoyable to listen to. If they are damaged or affected by one of the Monster’s abilities, they begin to visually glitch, producing a static-like rainbow effect rather than blood. There are healing stations across each map, but Teen players can also recover health by consuming candy bars and cans of soda, putting an atmospheric twist on the mechanic.
With all-around immersion and a unique artistic direction, VHS looks like a promising alternative for Dead By Daylight players, but also a perfect video game for horror movie fans who appreciate the classics. Although Hellbent Games is far from finished with the title, many feel optimistic about its future. In the game, it's kill or be killed - but regardless of which side of the coin players end up on, it might be difficult not to appreciate Video Horror Society's refreshing retro style.