First teased at IGN Fan Fest 2025, a brand-new trailer for the retro-aesthetic survival horror gameHeartwormconfirms a release date of July 31, exciting fans of old-schoolResident EvilandSilent Hilltitles.Heartwormfollows a rather recent trend of combining PS1-style graphics with the nostalgic gameplay elements of decades-old classics to bring a familiar yet refreshing dose of horror and is set to launch for PC viaSteam.
The initialannouncement trailer forHeartwormcaught the eye of survival horror fans for its retro visuals and unique blend of gameplay elements from staples of the gaming genre. With a confirmed launch of July 31 on the horizon, audiences have been given another preview of what to expect in this old-school-inspired new entry for horror fans.
Developed by Vincent Adinolfi and published by DreadXP,Heartwormsees players taking on the role of protagonist Sam, as she seeks a way to reconnect with her recently deceased grandfather. Players will guide Sam through a supernatural house in the mountains where she must battle grief and loss while also fending off horrifying creatures with the use of her trusty camera. Hailed by Adinolfi as a “love letter” to genre staples of the 90s,Heartwormimplements old-school scare tactics like fixed camera angles, along with challenging inventory management and the intrigue of multiple endings, to satisfy the nostalgic itch felt by many diehard fans ofolder survival horror games. Audiences can check outHeartwormwhen it launches exclusively for Steam on July 31.
Survival Horror’s Future Remains Closely Tied to the Past
A surprising number of new survival horror releases have taken inspiration fromgames likeResident Evil,Fatal Frame,Haunting Ground,Silent Hill, and cult classics from the 90s. While recent AAA titles have focused on revamping older launches with improved graphics and smoother gameplay, many indie horror games have found success with older esthetics and retro controls. Some may view this trend as being spurred on purely by nostalgia, but others mark it as a testament to the impact and longevity of some of the most iconic games in survival horror history.
Fans ofsurvival horror video gamescontinue to celebrate the diversity of new titles within the genre, ranging from the highly-anticipated launches ofSilent Hill fin September 2025 andResident Evil Requiemin February 2026 to the rapidly approaching release ofHeartwormon July 31. Interested players can follow along for more news on games likeHeartwormand other indie hits bringing old-school vibes to modern horror.
