Riding the wave of success from Black Salt Games cosmic-horror soaked Dredge, Team 17 are back with Killer Frequency. Placing you in the headphones of late-night DJ Forrest Nash, Killer Frequency is a first-person narrative adventure, where solving puzzles, playing the correct record and saying the right thing is a matter of life or death. Filled with dark comedy and various subtle nods to the horror genre, Killer Frequency successfully builds suspense throughout its horrific radio play.
You can tune in to Killer Frequency on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC, for £19.99 ($24.99.)
Story – The Scream FM
Killer Frequency has you step up to the mic as disgruntled radio DJ, Forrest Nash, having been relocated to a less than popular radio station in Gallows Creek. In true 80’s slasher fashion, an infamous killer from the past has returned on the anniversary of their disappearance and is out for revenge. With all the sheriffs out of town, and KFAM radio station being the only place slightly resembling a call center, Forrest and producer Peggy must take on the role of emergency service operators – live on air. This premise sets up some comedic moments throughout the otherwise dismal evening.
In a style not unlike Five Nights At Freddy’s, Killer Frequency tasks you with making it until dawn. Operating primarily from the DJ desk, you receive calls from both radio listeners and potential victims of The Whistling Man. By paying close attention to the clues provided, you can help the distressed callers to safety. Or ‘accidentally’ lead them to death. Either way, Forrest’s decisions weigh on your shoulders as you make choices throughout the night shift turned nightmare, and piece together the bloody secrets of Gallows Creek.
The DJ desk/emergency services operator switch boards.
Gameplay – Put Your Records On
Despite being in touch with the whole town, Killer Frequency takes place within the KFAM building. Seeing as Forrest is the local DJ, it makes sense that the gameplay loop sees you taking control of the DJ desk. Peggy is able to offer you reminders on how to operate the radio setup from the safety of her locked studio; R2 is used to press buttons and grab items, L2 to place items.The first-person camera perspective makes these controls feel a little awkward, however this doesn’t impede gameplay, instead effectively adding to the the sense of urgency felt while trying to solve puzzles.
The puzzles are essential for survival. Starting simple by advising the best course of action, the problems gradually become more perplexing, requiring you to leave the comfort of your studio to search the building for more clues. Forrest really respects life’s “no running indoors” rule, forcing you to take on a leisurely stroll through the unnerving surroundings. Items which appear to be environmental decoration early on may become relevant later, so pay attention. Although the puzzles are ingeniously designed, there are a few instances of ambiguity which may lead to confusion and, in the case of the callers, death.
As the game progresses, problem solving becomes more complicated.
Killer Decisions
Killer Frequency is a narrative-adventure game based around a late-night radio talk show, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that dialogue choices carry the bulk of the game. Appearing as a multiple choice text box near the mic, the D-Pad is used to cycle through options and X to select. Not all of your conversations will result in a murder chase, though, with some listeners just wanting to get their voice out on the air. The exchanges often add a layer of comedy through the array of goofy characters, or choosing one of Forrest Nash’s snarky replies, which nicely break up the tension in between calls.
Audio & Graphics – Groovy 80s
Killer Frequency takes place in 1987. If the vinyl records and cassette tapes didn’t make this clear, then the neon lights, memphis design inspired patterns and carpets which wouldn’t look out of place in Kubrik’s The Shining should be dead giveaways. The art style suits the action-packed story, with the cel-shaded visual design joined by bold, black outlines, emphasising the 3D comic-book effect. The 80’s influence doesn’t stop here, as the audio design is filled with retro sounds, jukebox style vinyls, and cheesy ads from the cassettes. Killer Frequency also manages to capture the fuzzy, crackling transceiver effect as it delivers the most unhinged radio play on air.
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- The dialogue options shape the narrative.
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- Solving puzzles saves lives.
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- Survive through the nightmare until dawn.
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- Some puzzles are more difficult to solve.
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- The office building is bigger than it appears.
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- Search the radio show’s office building to discover more clues.
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- Some clues are useless but add to the story and characters.
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- The credits scene shows who you managed to save.
Killer Frequency was reviewed on PS5 with a key provided by Team 17.
