Free Steam Horror Game Earns 96% Positive; Blair Witch Meets Silent Hill, No 9 or 10 Score

A free game on Steam

A Northern Evil: Tape One is available on Steam at no cost. Skuggspel developed and published the indie game, which players can add to their libraries and keep, with no strings attached.

The game is described as a short first installment in a story that will continue. That leaves open the possibility of a later sequel, though none is confirmed in the account.

An unsettling Swedish village

The first-person atmospheric horror game is set in remote northern Sweden. Players explore an abandoned village, investigate what is wrong there and try to survive. Its folk-horror elements and found-footage feel bring Blair Witch to mind. The small-town setting, cramped hallways and a presence stalking the player also evoke Silent Hill, particularly the atmosphere of Silent Hills P.T.

Story over combat

The protagonist, Minna, is shaped in part by her memories, adding to the game’s psychological-horror tone. The developer says it does not offer conventional combat like Resident Evil, instead presenting what it calls a “tense, story-driven experience.” At the time of writing, the game had a 96% Positive review status on Steam. The account says horror fans appeared to be enjoying it, though it gives no review count.

An option for horror fans

The game’s free price and atmospheric approach may appeal to players looking for something creepy during the spooky season. Steam also has other free horror games for those seeking more combat or less psychological horror.