Killer Frequency: an escape room, where you’re not the one who should escape

The thing about indie games that I love the most is that, when it comes to imagination and innovation, the sky is the limit. If you think you have seen enough of these new ideas, think twice! Because Killer Frequency puts you on the role of a late-night radio show set in a desolate town where it seems an old serial killer has resurrected and killed the town’s sheriff, so now you must answer the 911 calls to while being on air. It may sound absurd, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The Whistling Man, a conveniently funny-creepy name for a serial killer, is on loose killing the citizens of Gallows Creek and your new job is to save them from the confinement of your studio. But how does one accomplish such a daunting task? Well by giving directions through a maze, teaching them how to hot-wire a car or helping with applying first-aid just to name a few. You never see what’s happening on other side of the line but that’s what makes the game’s great level of suspense which combined with the 80’s comedy-slasher theme of game is just a banger.

Solve puzzles, save lives

Killer Frequency can be easily described as an escape room, but with the twist that you are not the one who should escape. While I confess exploring an empty radio show office in the middle of the night where an ominous and almost otherworldly killer lurks in the streets grips you with fear, still you are not the one out there being chased by The Whistling Man and his deadly blade.

Each incoming call is a puzzle, one that can be solved with information given by the caller, clues around your office and most importantly your choices. Puzzles range from easy ones reading steps from a manual to more challenging ones like guiding a soon to be victim through a maze. Although sometimes there is almost no time limit for solving a puzzle, the knowledge that someone’s life hangs in the balance, keeps you on the edge of your seat.

With each call, each hour that passes and each person you manage to save from The Whistling Man, you become one step closer to uncovering the truth. The game weaves an intriguing narrative that seamlessly blends comedy and horror, paying homage to the best slasher movies of the 80s.

While the story has an almost perfect pacing, the same thing cannot be said for the puzzles. With not that many varieties between the clues and the puzzle mechanics, halfway through the game, puzzles get a little repetitive but hopefully the game is not long, and the story keeps you going.

Killer Frequency: Radio show host vs Streamer

The concept of a radio host show striving tries to save lives with the help of his listeners and callers bears striking resemblance to the whole idea of streaming. That’s why I believe streaming Killer Frequency with the goal of completing the puzzles with the help of the viewers and putting the clues together to unravel the main mystery is a perfect parallel to the premise of the game which makes it a perfect game for streaming.

With being almost 3 to 4 hours long, one could also stream the whole game in one setting, which I believe would be an entertaining and welcoming experience for the viewers. Killer Frequency provides a unique opportunity for interactive gameplay where you can engage your viewers in solving the puzzles, sharing their theories about the story, and making decisions. A top tier comedy-horror story combined with puzzles and the 80s vibes; you have a perfect late night streaming session.

Pedram Bahadori