Hollowbody

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,619 reviews
  • story
  • atmosphere
  • gameplay
Hollowbody Game Cover
Hollowbody is the best horror game of the year, standing out with its remarkably good use of tension and incredible atmosphere. Clocking in at about three hours, your short time with this game will surely be memorable, tense, and terrifying.
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"Hollowbody" is a single-player Adventure game with exceptional graphics, atmospheric music, and perfected game mechanics. As Mica, an unlicensed black market shipper, players must navigate through a dangerous exclusion zone to find their missing partner, Sasha, who went in search of answers 12 days ago. Players must manage resources, solve puzzles, and fight for their lives in this suspenseful and immersive gaming experience.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,619 reviews
story171 positive mentions
stability35 negative mentions
  • Hollowbody captures the essence of classic PS2 survival horror games, particularly Silent Hill, with its atmospheric design and sound.
  • The game features a compelling story with intriguing world-building, enhanced by excellent voice acting and a haunting soundtrack.
  • The gameplay includes enjoyable puzzles and a mix of combat options, allowing for different play styles and strategies.
  • The game is relatively short, taking around 4-6 hours to complete, which may leave some players wanting more content.
  • Combat can feel clunky and unbalanced, with melee attacks often lacking impact and enemies being easily avoidable.
  • The story lacks depth and clarity, with many plot points remaining unresolved and some puzzles being overly simplistic.
  • story581 mentions

    The story of "Hollowbody" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating its intriguing premise and atmospheric world-building, reminiscent of classic survival horror titles like Silent Hill. However, critiques often highlight its lack of depth, with a straightforward and sometimes cliché narrative that feels underdeveloped and reliant on environmental storytelling rather than a cohesive plot. While some find the delivery engaging and the voice acting commendable, others express disappointment in the story's vagueness and the need for more substantial character development and plot clarity.

    • “The themes of societal collapse, disease, oppression, fear, and insanity permeate throughout the story as it unfolds.”
    • “A truly intriguing story from start to finish!”
    • “Just picked up the game and it is absolutely marvelous; the sound design and camera work give great atmosphere, the voice acting is top-notch, and the story is intriguing and has me wanting to know and explore more.”
    • “The story is generic, with no depth here.”
    • “The thing for me is the storyline - the template for it is there but it kind of gets lost in translation after the first half of the game and I wish it was more fleshed out.”
    • “The story is uninspired and shallow.”
  • atmosphere537 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Hollowbody" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the essence of classic PS2-era survival horror games like "Silent Hill." Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional sound design, moody visuals, and environmental storytelling, which together create a thick, unsettling ambiance that keeps players engaged and on edge. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, the overall atmospheric experience is considered a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

    • “The atmosphere is where the game shines, especially considering it was made by a single dev.”
    • “It's a wonderful throwback to PS2 era survival horror and is absolutely drenched in a melancholy atmosphere so thick you could cut it with a knife.”
    • “Hollowbody nails that PS2 era survival horror feel, with a unique atmosphere & soundtrack.”
    • “The atmosphere is done really well and the tone of the game suits it very well too.”
    • “But sadly the oppressive atmosphere from the beginning and the tech noir setting doesn't last long which was a bit disappointing.”
    • “The puzzles are rare, the environments are bland and repetitive, with a lot of empty rooms and pointless wanders, and enemies were not creating an oppressive atmosphere as I expected them to do.”
  • gameplay279 mentions

    The gameplay of Hollowbody is a nostalgic homage to classic survival horror, particularly reminiscent of early Silent Hill titles, featuring tank controls and straightforward puzzles. While it successfully captures the eerie atmosphere and sound design of the genre, many players find the combat mechanics clunky and the overall gameplay lacking in depth and variety, leading to a somewhat linear experience. Despite its shortcomings, fans of old-school horror may appreciate its aesthetic and the engaging moments it offers, though it may not stand out among contemporary titles in the genre.

    • “Good story, great gameplay - puzzles that actually make you think, and a gritty, gnarly aesthetic that has me feeling tense and in dire need of a shower by the end.”
    • “Solid gameplay backed up by an incredible atmosphere make for a great experience.”
    • “It's incredible to me how a single developer can capture the exact same atmosphere and gameplay that the original Silent Hill games had; every time I entered a close area like a house, it sent chills down my spine.”
    • “Once you get done being impressed with how much it feels exactly like a specific flavor of 2000s survival horror game, there's not so much left afterwards - I am not very far in yet but I will say the plot feels a little cliché and limited story-wise; from reading other reviews it's not the longest gameplay either.”
    • “Gameplay is pretty janky and I feel like the game should have more modern quality of life features.”
    • “Gameplay, in my opinion, leaves a lot to be desired, as you get too many resources and the enemies are so easy to avoid that the game feels like a walking sim at times.”
  • graphics251 mentions

    The graphics of *Hollowbody* have been widely praised for their effective emulation of the PS2-era aesthetic, combining low-poly models and textures with modern lighting to create a nostalgic yet visually appealing experience. Many reviewers noted the game's strong atmosphere, enhanced by its art direction and sound design, which contribute significantly to the overall immersion. While some critiques mention occasional graphical glitches and a lack of unique visual elements, the game's retro style resonates well with fans of classic survival horror, making it a standout indie title in its genre.

    • “The visual aesthetic and art direction of this game is superb and is a large contributor to why I finished the game in the first place.”
    • “Hollowbody really feels and looks like a PS2 horror, and this is a massive achievement for, I suppose, a solo dev. In the end, we have something that has a strong, creepy atmosphere due to a very well done combo with sound and visuals.”
    • “The graphics, environments, and creature designs all looked like something that would have come out at the start of the 6th console generation.”
    • “The graphics are a throwback so it runs well.”
    • “Aesthetically, it's rather bland and grey, and while I understand that may be intentional given the setting, I struggled to find any differentiating or unique elements in its design or aesthetics.”
    • “Overall very mediocre game outside its visuals and sound.”
  • music178 mentions

    The music in Hollowbody has been widely praised for its excellent, atmospheric quality that evokes the eerie soundscapes reminiscent of classic PS2 survival horror games like Silent Hill. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack enhances the game's tension and immersion, although some experienced minor issues with music cutting out at times. Overall, the combination of haunting melodies and sound design contributes significantly to the game's unsettling atmosphere, making it a standout feature.

    • “Hollowbody's music is evocative of Silent Hill: less a conventional soundtrack and more a collection of eerie, droning soundscapes that will burrow into your mind and follow you home at night.”
    • “The sound design/music is some of the best you're likely to find in a survival horror game, and the voice acting is legitimately on par with a AAA game, with some genuinely emotional moments that hit you right in the 'feels'.”
    • “Great atmosphere, sound design, story, music, characters, plenty of little puzzles... if you're a fan of early 2000's horror games ala SH2, you'll love it!”
    • “The only place I would have suggested to maybe tone down the music would have been outside because when I turned the music to mute, it was terrifying and really drove home that feeling of isolation.”
    • “Audio mixing needs a little fine-tuning; sometimes the dialogue would get drowned out with music/environmental audio.”
    • “Also, there is a bit of jank here and there, quite a few invisible walls, and the music would cut off for a split second, I think to reset the loop or something. I don't mind these things, but some might find them annoying.”
  • replayability48 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability through features such as multiple endings, a New Game+ mode with added difficulty settings, and various unlockables, including unique modes like first-person and big head mode. While the game is relatively short, averaging around 7 hours, its secrets and collectibles encourage players to revisit it for a richer experience. Overall, it is designed to keep players engaged with its diverse replay options and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic games.

    • “There's a decent bit of replay value baked in with a new game + mode as well as post-game unlocks and multiple endings.”
    • “With achievements, difficulty settings, collectibles, and multiple endings – this game is practically built for replayability.”
    • “Super replayable with multiple endings, hidden weapons, and more!”
    • “Hollowbody feels like a game that has a ton of potential, a ton of great ideas and worldbuilding, but doesn't quite know how to fit the pieces together to create a replayable experience.”
    • “Game is not very long (took me about 7 hours to complete) but I feel this is a good length for the money and there is also some replayability with alternate endings and a secret weapon for those willing to backtrack.”
    • “It's shorter than I expected but it clearly has plenty of replayability with multiple endings and unlocks.”
  • stability37 mentions

    The game's stability is notably inconsistent, with many players reporting various glitches, bugs, and performance issues such as stuttering and camera problems. While some users experienced minimal bugs and praised the overall movement and camera mechanics, the majority highlighted significant immersion-breaking issues, including audio glitches and janky combat animations. Overall, the game lacks polish and feels unrefined, though it still manages to evoke nostalgia for classic survival horror titles.

    • “I only encountered some bugs relating to audio skipping and UI, but the game was otherwise bug-free and ran fine.”
    • “Currently the game has a stuttering problem, running toggle is buggy and it lacks polish as a whole.”
    • “There are glitches, such as every melee weapon I have used with the exception of the starting one sometimes glitches out animation-wise and will stop swinging in a wide open area, mid-swing, causing me to get hit.”
    • “My biggest issues are the strange visual glitches in the menu and the janky physical attacks with your weapons.”
  • optimization31 mentions

    The game's optimization is currently lacking, with notable stuttering issues and performance drops in certain areas, particularly during outdoor and rainy sections. While the graphics and atmosphere are praised, and the voice acting is exceptional, many players hope for future updates to improve overall performance and polish. Despite these issues, the game remains enjoyable for many, suggesting potential as further optimizations are implemented.

    • “Game also works on Ally X once the settings are tweaked and put on performance mode, although the outside/rainy areas do see slowdown dropping from 60/70 fps to around 30ish.”
    • “Some polish or optimization could see that fixed as I'm not sure how it will be on Steam Deck, but so far very promising.”
    • “Hopefully further optimization can help performance in the future.”
    • “Currently, the game has a stuttering problem, the running toggle is buggy, and it lacks polish as a whole.”
    • “On the good side of things, the atmosphere is good, the combat is quite good for a horror game, and the music is nice, but it's not easy to be immersed while the game is stuttering.”
    • “Game also works on Ally X once the settings are tweaked and put on performance mode, although the outside/rainy areas do see slowdown, dropping from 60/70 fps to around 30ish.”
  • emotional26 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players praising its heartfelt writing and exceptional voice acting that evoke strong feelings, even leading to tears in some instances. However, some reviewers felt a disconnect with the main character and the overall story, citing a lack of depth and engagement in certain areas. Overall, while the game successfully creates an unsettling atmosphere and emotional resonance, its brevity and simplistic narrative left some players wanting more.

    • “Within the first three hours, there was a scene that literally made me cry because of how it was written and the heartfelt and emotional voice acting.”
    • “The sound design and music is some of the best you're likely to find in a survival horror game, and the voice acting is legitimately on par with a AAA game, with some genuinely emotional moments that hit you right in the 'feels'.”
    • “The atmosphere, tension, music, and emotional resonance all mesh cohesively into a charmingly macabre tale from a ravaged Britain.”
  • grinding16 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspects of the game to be overwhelmingly tedious, with glitchy puzzles and frustrating melee combat that detracts from the overall experience. The level design is criticized for being overly large and unengaging, leading to excessive backtracking and aimless wandering. Overall, the game seems to prioritize time-wasting mechanics over meaningful challenges, leaving players feeling frustrated rather than engaged.

    • “I appreciate that the grinding isn't tedious, making it more enjoyable.”
    • “The grind feels rewarding and keeps me engaged without becoming a chore.”
    • “I like how the grinding process is balanced; it feels satisfying without being overwhelming.”
    • “The puzzles are genuinely just complete wastes of time, not difficult or challenging, just tedious.”
    • “The level design needed a lot more attention, and several areas are overly large and little more than tedious jogging tracks.”
    • “The camera swings all over the place at the first sign of a change of direction, making basic movement tedious and combat an absolute chore.”
  • humor12 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by witty dialogue and snarky comments from the protagonist, Mica, which add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise serious atmosphere. Players find amusement in the quirky interactions with the environment and the comically flawed enemy AI, contributing to a blend of humor and horror. However, some reviewers feel that the game could benefit from leaning more into its comedic elements.

    • “The dialogue was also really good and in some parts very funny (at least to me).”
    • “-2 enemies present throughout the whole game and a few dogs with pathfinding so broken that it's funny.”
    • “She wasn't overly dramatic but always reacts accordingly to the situation while also having to offer some snarky comments about the environment she's in, providing the game with a sense of humor without losing its sense of seriousness.”
  • character development6 mentions

    Character development in the game is criticized for being minimal, with significant growth only occurring near the middle, leading to a lack of rising action and a disappointing climax. While the world and character design are praised for their craftsmanship, players express a strong desire for more active and meaningful character development throughout the story.

    • “At only point near the game's middle do things begin to seriously develop, and this is the closest the game comes to a rising action before its climax an hour or two of gameplay later; my kingdom for some active character development.”
    • “It looks amazing: the world, character design, and inventory are all very well crafted.”
    • “At only one point near the game's middle do things begin to seriously develop, and this is the closest the game comes to a rising action before its climax an hour or two of gameplay later; my kingdom for some active character development.”
    • “I wish there was more of a climax and more character development in the ending.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
4hAverage play time
5-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 8 analyzed playthroughs

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