Get Ready to Clock in for a Night of Terror
There’s a special kind of dread that comes with being the last one in the office. The empty hallways, the hum of the computers, the strange noises you’d never notice during the day. Now, imagine that scenario, but with a notorious serial killer on the loose. That’s the terrifying premise of ‘SKINFREAK’, the latest B-movie-inspired horror game that’s set to send shivers down your spine.
Coming from the masters of retro horror at publisher Puppet Combo and developer Black Eyed Priest, ‘SKINFREAK’ is a love letter to the gritty, low-fi horror of the 1980s. It’s not just another slasher game-it’s infused with the stylish, often bizarre, and suspenseful elements of Italian giallo films. If you’re a fan of old-school survival horror, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Your Worst Late Night at the Office
The story throws you into the shoes of Belle. You get a call from your boss asking you to come into the office late one night. The task? A simple software update at the new, state-of-the-art Baun Plaza building. It sounds mundane, but as horror fans know, no late-night task is ever simple. While you’re busy with the computers, news reports are buzzing about a killer on the prowl: the ‘Skinfreak’.
As you can guess, your quiet night of IT work quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival. The Skinfreak has his sights set on you, and the sprawling, empty office building becomes your claustrophobic hunting ground. The question isn’t whether you’ll finish the software update, but whether you’ll survive until morning with your skin intact.
Gameplay: Retro Mechanics, Modern Scares
‘SKINFREAK’ isn’t about holding your hand. It aims to replicate the feeling of classic survival horror games where you have to think on your feet. You’ll explore the Baun Plaza, uncovering its secrets and finding a way to escape. The gameplay is built around a few core mechanics:
- Environmental Puzzles: You’ll need to use your wits to solve puzzles that block your path. This isn’t a game about running and hiding alone-you need to be smart to survive.
- Classic Inventory System: Forget modern, streamlined inventories. ‘SKINFREAK’ features a system where you can examine, use, and even drop items. Managing your limited resources is key.
- A Helpful Notebook: Instead of a glowing objective marker telling you exactly where to go, the game uses a note-taking system. It keeps track of points of interest you discover, making you feel like a real detective piecing together clues.
- Branching Dialogue: The office building isn’t entirely empty. You’ll encounter a cast of unique and creepy characters, and your conversations with them will shape your journey. The entire game is also fully voice-acted, adding another layer of immersion to the B-movie experience.
Embracing the Bizarre: The Giallo Influence
One of the things that makes ‘SKINFREAK’ stand out is its giallo influence. For those unfamiliar, giallo is a subgenre of Italian horror films known for their stylish visuals, psychological thrills, and often outlandish, twist-filled plots. They aren’t always logical, and that’s part of the fun.
The official trailer for ‘SKINFREAK’ features a strange robotic character, which some fans found a bit odd for a slasher story. But in the world of giallo, this kind of weirdness is right at home. Giallo films are famous for their quirky characters and unpredictable events that keep you guessing. This robotic character might just be a nod to the genre’s love for the absurd, like the wild plot of a film like ‘Chopping Mall’. It signals that this game isn’t afraid to get strange, and that you should expect the unexpected.
FAQs
1. What is ‘SKINFREAK’?
‘SKINFREAK’ is a survival horror game inspired by 1980s slasher films and Italian giallo movies. You play as an office worker trapped in a building with a serial killer.
2. Who created the game?
The game was developed by Black Eyed Priest and published by Puppet Combo, a name well-known in the indie retro horror scene.
3. What is the gameplay like?
It features exploration, environmental puzzle-solving, a classic inventory management system, a note-taking system for objectives, and branching dialogue with fully voice-acted NPCs.
4. What does “giallo” mean?
Giallo is a genre of Italian horror-thriller films known for their suspense, stylish visuals, and often bizarre or illogical plot twists. ‘SKINFREAK’ incorporates these elements into its story and atmosphere.
5. When and where can I play it?
‘SKINFREAK’ was released on October 16, 2025. It is available on PC through Steam.
6. Is it similar to other Puppet Combo games?
Yes, if you’ve played other games published by Puppet Combo, like ‘Nun Massacre’ or ‘Murder House’, you’ll recognize the signature PS1-era graphical style and tense, atmospheric horror.
Conclusion
In a world of hyper-realistic graphics, ‘SKINFREAK’ is a refreshing and terrifying dive back into the golden age of VHS horror. It doesn’t just mimic the look of old games; it captures their spirit. By blending the straightforward terror of a slasher with the weird, stylish suspense of giallo, Black Eyed Priest and Puppet Combo have crafted a unique experience. If you’re ready for a night of puzzle-solving, suspense, and pure, unfiltered retro horror, it’s time to clock in for your shift at Baun Plaza. Just be prepared for one heck of a night.