In the realm of survival horror games inspired by the Resident Evil franchise, Phase Zero emerges as a rare phenomenon that successfully captures the essence and distinctive features of the legendary Capcom series.
Not only does it embody the aesthetic of the 90s with a fixed camera angle, low-poly graphics, and tank controls, but Phase Zero also revives an important aspect that many games today have unintentionally forgotten: the humorous absurdity that Resident Evil is known for. And the wonderful part is that players can try out the demo version of Phase Zero right now.
Set against the backdrop of 1994 in the fictional town of Flint Peak, Phase Zero introduces a new horror narrative where a mutated virus spreads through water sources, transforming the local population into grotesque creatures—or worse.
Players will control two surviving characters as they navigate a dilapidated environment, solve puzzles, engage in combat with monstrous beings, and seek a way to escape from an eerily quiet town. At first glance, the visuals in Phase Zero might evoke memories of a forgotten prototype of Resident Evil 2. Each frame, each meticulously crafted background, and the character designs all harken back to the golden age of PS1 survival horror. What sets Phase Zero apart from other titles is its authentic homage to the spirit of classic Resident Evil. It brings back the famous “dumbwaiter” scenes filled with tension, the iconic police chief Irons from RE2, and the laser traps that once famously concluded encounters with Nemesis—elements that create a uniquely nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Phase Zero also excels in gameplay mechanics. Without revealing too much, the initial demo features a storyline that is sure to resonate with fans of Re-Animator, bringing them back to the thrilling horror that defined the genre. This creative twist will certainly appeal to long-time Resident Evil enthusiasts. The pre-rendered backgrounds are designed with a retro feel, combined with modern gameplay mechanics, making Phase Zero not only a revival of classic survival horror but also a nostalgic journey that integrates contemporary design elements.
Developed by Spina Studio, although it has yet to have an official release date, Phase Zero is already available as a free demo on Steam. If you are a fan of zombie games or captivated by the horror elements of the survival genre, then Phase Zero is an experience you cannot miss this year.
