While some games, likeAmong Us, have taken some time to become viral hits,Phasmophobiatook off nearly immediately. Game streamers flocked to the title in time for Halloween of 2020, bringing attention to the game and propelling it to become a smash hit. While plenty are still enjoyingPhasmophobia, it may have some competition starting next year.
An upcoming ghost hunting title by the name ofParanormal Hunterhas been announced. The co-op game is in development by EALoGames, with members of the dev teams forShenmueandShin Megami Tenseiworking on it.
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A brief teaser trailer has released forParanormal Hunter, giving players a sneak peek into what kind of terror will await them when the game hits early access in Q2 of 2022. Up to four players can participate inhunting ghosts, aided by various paranormal artifacts and tools to help spot - or drive away - ghosts.
LikePhasmophobia,Paranormal Hunterwill let PC players choose between playing on a screen, or putting on a VR headset to become fully immersed in the horror. Cross-play between the two gaming styles will also be available, so friends without VR headsets don’t get left out. The game will also be coming to consoles, though, with PS4, PS5, and Switch versions planned. At the moment, there are no plans to incorporate PSVR from the PlayStation 4, but thePS5 PSVR headsetcurrently in development may be a different matter, whenever it comes to fruition.
For the moment, it’s unclear if players are setting out to destroy the vengeful spirits they encounter, or to simply document them and escape, akin toPhasmophobia. However, it is noted that players will have to contend with locked doors and blocked passageways, so searching the environment for tools and puzzle solving may come into play.
It will be interesting to see ifPhasmophobiaandParanormal Huntercan co-exist, or if one ends up surpassing the other. WhilePhasmophobiaisn’t as overwhelmingly popular as it was a year ago, the game is still receiving regular content updates that add new locations and spirits to face. It recently received a Halloween update, and it’s speculated that aPhasmophobiawill get a Christmas updatein the near future, as well. While players will likely be intrigued by a new spooky experience, it’ll be crucial forParanormal Hunterto launch with enough content to keep players occupied.
While some major studios continue to produce AAA horror games, like with Capcom’sResident Evil Village, smaller game devs are also hard at work at bringing horror to players' consoles and PCs. Between the recent return ofFatal Frameto the west, titles likeWronged Usbringing theSilent Hillvibeback to life, and nowParanormal Hunter, there should be plenty for horror game enthusiasts to enjoy going forward.
Paranormal Hunteris slated to release in early access in Q2 of 2022.
