If you’ve been longing for the eerie discomfort of late ‘90s survival horror, Heartworm might just be the game you’ve been waiting for. From solo developer Vincent Adinolfi and horror-focused publisher DreadXP (who’ve been on a serious roll lately), Heartworm officially launches July 31, 2025, on Steam—and it’s already turning heads after impressive showings at PAX and Steam Next Fest.
Heartworm delivers a slow-burning, emotionally raw experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The demo’s already made waves with critics and players alike, and based on early buzz, this could be one of the indie horror standouts of the year.
Haunted Memories and Camera Combat
You play as Sam, a young woman grieving the loss of her grandfather. Searching for answers and a sense of closure, she follows a trail through obscure internet forums that leads her to a mysterious house tucked away in the mountains. Once inside, she finds herself pulled into a surreal and terrifying world, where ghosts of the past—both literal and metaphorical—refuse to stay buried.
Armed with only a camera and her determination, Sam must uncover the truth while fending off whatever lurks on the other side.
Retro Horror Done Right
Drawing clear inspiration from survival horror classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, Heartworm hits all the right retro notes—fixed or over-the-shoulder camera options, PSX-style visuals, tank controls (optional), and deliberately limited resources. But it also folds in modern sensibilities: more accessible control schemes, quality-of-life features, and a strong narrative foundation built on grief, memory, and personal loss.
Expect roughly 4-6 hours of gameplay, with mind-bending puzzles, unsettling environments, and multiple endings depending on how deep you explore. There’s a fully original soundtrack, a deeply personal story, and an atmosphere that trades jump scares for creeping dread.
Key Features:
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A narrative-driven psychological horror experience
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Fixed or over-the-shoulder camera options and optional tank controls
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Atmospheric visuals inspired by PS1-era survival horror
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Puzzle-solving and combat using a mystical camera
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Original soundtrack and haunting environmental design
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Multiple endings and 4–6 hours of gameplay
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Language support for English, French, German, Latin American Spanish, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese
Heartworm lands on Steam July 31, 2025, and the free demo is available now for anyone brave enough to enter the house early. If you’re a fan of slow-burn horror with a vintage twist, this one belongs on your radar—and your wishlist.