Set in the quiet town of Covenbrook in 1997, Secrets of Suburbia by indie developer Coolmysterydev combines mystery, horror, and nostalgia into a unique first-person experience. Players step into the shoes of Rowan Parker, a teenager spending a Friday night at home surrounded by old-school computers, games, and the rapidly evolving internet. But when a local girl goes missing, what starts as casual online browsing quickly pulls Rowan into a deeper, unsettling investigation.
This story-rich game leans heavily into atmospheric exploration and web-based sleuthing. Instead of a linear narrative or high-octane horror, Secrets of Suburbia offers a slow-burn mystery that unfolds naturally as players scour both physical locations around the town and dive into an elaborate recreation of the 1997 internet.
Fully Functional 1997 Internet
One of the game’s stand-out features is the meticulously handcrafted 1997 internet. Players can browse websites, forums, and play mini-games that all feel authentic to the era, complete with dial-up modems and pixelated graphics. This digital world isn’t just window dressing but a core gameplay element, offering clues, passwords, and hidden secrets that drive the investigation forward.
This emphasis on environmental storytelling and deduction encourages players to piece together the mystery at their own pace. You might discover a forum post hinting at a suspicious neighbor or find a password buried inside an old email that unlocks a secret file. Every digital interaction matters.
Exploration and Atmosphere
The town of Covenbrook itself is a character in the story. The streets, homes, and forgotten locales are detailed and immersive, hiding clues and Easter eggs. Slow exploration builds mounting unease as players observe the town’s atmosphere change in response to the unfolding mystery. The game uses sound design and lighting to create tension without resorting to cheap jump scares.
Despite its horror undertones, the game balances moments of normal teenage life. Players can take breaks from the investigation to play retro games, chat online with friends, or explore Rowan’s home, adding layers of realism and relatability.
Community and Development
Coolmysterydev is an indie developer passionate about crafting stories that blend nostalgia with thoughtful horror. Secrets of Suburbia’s free demo launched recently on Steam, garnering praise for its authenticity and immersive storytelling. The full game is slated for release in March 2026.
The developer maintains an active presence on Discord and Steam forums, engaging with the community to incorporate player feedback and hone the game’s subtle pacing and narrative depth.
FAQs
What is Secrets of Suburbia about?
It is a first-person mystery/horror game set in 1997 where you investigate the disappearance of a girl in a quiet American town by exploring both physical locations and a realistic 1990s internet.
Who is the main character?
You play as Rowan Parker, a teenager who gets drawn into the investigation while spending a normal night at home.
What platforms is the game on?
Secrets of Suburbia is available on Steam for PC. A free demo is currently accessible.
When will the full game release?
The game is scheduled for full release in March 2026.
What makes the game unique?
The fully functional 1997 internet recreated in-game, combined with environmental storytelling and a slow-burn mystery, creates an immersive nostalgic experience unlike other horror or mystery games.
Is the game scary?
While it features horror elements and building tension, Secrets of Suburbia focuses more on creeping unease and mystery than jump scares or gore.
Why You Should Try It
Secrets of Suburbia provides a fresh take on mystery and horror games by blending investigative gameplay with a loving recreation of late 90s digital culture. It’s perfect for players who enjoy piecing together stories through environmental clues and digital exploration rather than outright horror or action.
If you’re into atmospheric narrative games with a retro twist and don’t mind a slow build of tension, this title is definitely worth bookmarking. The free demo on Steam is a great place to start unraveling Covenbrook’s dark secrets.