Phase Zero might just be the game you’ve been waiting for if you’ve been longing for a true PlayStation 1-era survival horror experience. Developed by SPINA Studio, this low-poly, fixed-camera horror game was just announced at the Kinda Funny Spring Showcase 2025, and it looks like a lost classic straight out of the ‘90s.
Drawing clear inspiration from Resident Evil, Dino Crisis, and the recently revealed Flesh Made Fear, Phase Zero delivers pre-rendered backgrounds, eerie atmosphere, and tension-heavy gameplay that should make any old-school horror fan feel right at home.
Set in 1994, the same year the original PlayStation launched in Japan, Phase Zero follows two protagonists — reporter Mary and injured engineer Guy — as they struggle to survive in the harbor town of Flint Peak, which has been overrun by twisted, mutated creatures.
Each chapter puts players in control of one of the two survivors, forcing them to scavenge for supplies, evade nightmarish enemies, and uncover the truth behind a mysterious illness plaguing the town. The fixed-camera perspective adds an extra layer of claustrophobic tension, making every dark alley and decrepit building feel like a potential death trap.
Beyond its clear love letter to ‘90s survival horror, Phase Zero also introduces a unique dual-protagonist approach that could bring fresh gameplay depth. Switching between Mary and Guy at different points means players will have to adapt to each character’s situation, with Guy’s injury likely impacting movement and resource management.
This could create moments where survival becomes even more desperate, reinforcing the game’s classic survival horror feel.
SPINA Studio’s dedication to authenticity is apparent not just in the visual design but in the sound as well. Expect eerie, ambient tracks and unsettling silence, punctuated by the distant sounds of something lurking in the shadows, something I’m a huge fan of paired with old-school graphics.
While there’s no official release date yet, Phase Zero will be coming to Steam, with a demo on the way soon. Fans of classic survival horror can wishlist the game now to support SPINA Studio’s debut project.
With its gorgeous retro aesthetic, unsettling atmosphere, and nerve-wracking gameplay, Phase Zero is shaping up to be a must-play for horror purists, as well as a reminder for us all that old-school horror never dies.
