Fear The Spotlight Review: Retro Horror Done Right

Fear the Spotlight is a nostalgic nod to classic PS1-era horror games, blending atmospheric tension with clever puzzle mechanics that hark back to the eerie, cryptic vibe of games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. The graphics are intentionally low-fi, evoking that retro charm. While it may not be overwhelmingly terrifying, it effectively maintains a sense of unease throughout that kept me wanting more.

Though it’s not the type of horror title to deliver jump scares at every turn (yes, there are a few), it excels at creating a persistent feeling of dread, drawing players deeper into its world as we learn more about Vivian, Amy, and the strange and unsettling story of their school.

The atmosphere is one of the game’s strongest suits, with evocative storytelling that unfolds organically as you explore through puzzles and interactable objects. You play as high school student Vivian, who sneaks into her school late at night with her friend Amy to perform a séance using a spirit board. The two hope to talk to the spirit seemingly haunting Amy at school, but things quickly take a turn for the worst as Amy completely disappears after their seance. As Vivian searches for Amy and uncovers the school’s secret, the storytelling is woven seamlessly into the environment, as every puzzle and interactable object provides a clue or deepens the mystery. 

The game’s puzzles help enhance the narrative, and are clever, fun to solve, and well-paced. The developers do a great job of organically showing you what you need to do without telling you, creating a much more immersive experience that encourages exploration. For example, an interactable vending machine in one room hints at the need for coins and, if you explore a bit further, you’ll find them hidden in an unexpected place: a drain. Developers keep you curious and avoid over-explaining solutions, but guide you enough to ensure you never feel lost.

Stealth elements are also effectively integrated into the gameplay with the “Spotlight” enemy, keeping you on your toes as you navigate the school’s dark corridors. It’s never too terrifying, but the enemy that stalks you through the hallways definitely does feel like a real threat, at least initially — his reveal sent a chill up my spine the first time I saw him. He’s terrifying in a way similar to Resident Evil 2's Mr. X, whose relentless pursuit through the hallways creates a constant undercurrent of fear. Getting caught isn’t as terrifying as the suspense of knowing you could. The constant tension of trying to avoid dangers while searching for Amy adds a layer of vulnerability, amplifying the overall horror experience.

While I enjoyed the stealth mechanics and definitely felt tense when trying to avoid the Spotlight, I did find that the game was occasionally a bit too forgiving. You can be caught three times before meeting your end, which lessens the immediate threat. However, this design choice actually has a plus side: it makes Fear the Spotlight a great entry point for newcomers to horror games or those who get anxious with more punishing gameplay. 

Overall, Fear the Spotlight is a charming and engaging experience that reimagines old-school horror with some fresh gameplay elements that serve its premise well. It rewards careful exploration and creative problem-solving just like the original Silent Hill and Resident Evil titles it emulates. Though it’s a short game and may leave you wanting a bit more in some places, Fear the Spotlight is well worth the investment of a few hours.