Killer Frequency

Lore & Background

Killer Frequency is a first-person horror-adventure game from 2023, developed and published by Team17. Set in a small town during 1987, it leans heavily into 1980s nostalgia with neon color schemes and wood-paneled interiors, using a cel-shaded art style. The story draws from slasher films and nods to movies like *The Fog*, *Friday the 13th*, and *Scream*. Players control Forrest Nash, a former Chicago DJ whose career faded, leading him to the quiet town of Gallows Creek. When a serial killer known as The Whistling Man resurfaces three decades after his presumed death, Nash becomes an emergency radio dispatcher. He takes calls from the killer’s targets and guides them through puzzles and obstacles using clues found in the studio. One critic described it as a "reverse escape room," where the player provides hints to help others survive. The game’s outcome hinges on the player’s choices and puzzle-solving skills. It received mostly positive reviews, with critics highlighting its blend of tension and campy comedy horror.

Reader's Guide

Killer Frequency was Team17's first virtual reality game. It was released on June 1, 2023, on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Quest 2. The game received 'generally favorable' reviews according to review aggregator website Metacritic. Critics praised the game's balance of tension and campy, comedy horror. Softpedia awarded the game 4 out of 5 stars, praising the quality of its voice acting and gameplay, but criticizing the final act as being 'rushed'. Reyna Cervantes of Bloody Disgusting praised the game's use of the slasher genre, comparing it favorably to horror films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Rachel Watts, writing for Rock Paper Shotgun, praised Killer Frequency's gameplay and puzzle elements. The game's significance lies in its unique approach to the horror-adventure genre, blending puzzle-solving with a narrative driven by player choices and a retro 1980s aesthetic.

Did You Know?

• The game takes place 30 years after the serial killer's supposed death.
• The protagonist Forrest Nash is voiced by Josh Cowdery.
• The game includes references to horror films such as The Fog, Friday the 13th, and the Scream franchise.