Horror fans certainly have no shortage of spooky games to play this Halloween, from genuinely scary games to more whimsical and fun Halloween-themed adventures. In particular,most gaming subscription services have come out strong with Halloween lineups, so gamers won’t have to spend a fortune to try out a variety of spooky games. Yet another option is coming out for Nintendo Switch just in time for Halloween.Duskis a ’90s-styled shooter perfect for fans of classic horror video games and movies, and those who preorder the game will get the digital copy for free.
Dusk wasoriginally released in 2018 for the PC, and was praised for its sense of authenticity as a ’90s-style shooter. Heavily inspired by the likes ofQuakeandDoom,Duskshows a serious love of the genre from developer David Szymanski, as the game doesn’t merely pay homage to ’90s shooters, but manages to create a unique entry into the genre. Fans of classics likeQuakeandDoomwho haven’t checked outDuskyet have ample opportunity this October, while horror fans may also find great appeal in the game’s loving homages to classic horror cinema.
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Dusk: Development and Gameplay
David Szymanski has been candid about the main inspirations behindDusk,and how after only being able to playold school shooters likeQuakedue to access and hardware constrictions, Szymanski was inspired to create a modern-day game in the same style. As such, the game features very deliberate design choices to try and makeDuskfeel like it really is from the ’90s, all while managing to make the game mechanics smoother and more advanced.
While the game’s aesthetic has definite ’90s inspiration, so too does the gameplay, with modern tweaks. However, unlike some modern shooters,Duskrevives staples of the genre in the ’90s, such as a big inventory and non-regenerating health.Duskreally shines in its variety of available weapons,andDoomfanswill feel comfortable with the game’s level designs. While there are modern touches,Duskis definitely recreating the feel and nostalgic fun of picking up a shooter in the ’90s.
Dusk’s Narrative
Dusktakes place in an eponymous,fictional town with heavy Lovecraftian vibes. The playable character is an unnamed treasure hunter exploring the town following it being sealed off; this is due to a series of demonic possessions of researchers and military stationed in the town. As such, players can expect some typical horror tropes. The treasure hunter goes to the town in search of, you guessed it, treasure, but is apprehended by those still living in the town of Dusk.
Duskhas numerous references to horrorslikeTheTexas Chainsaw Massacreand a worthy level of gore and bloodshed. The narrative will also take players on a mind-bending horror experience, with elements of the occult, alternative realities, and beings of immense power. There is plenty of scope here to attract a wide variety of gamers, but obviously, the most prominent element ofDuskis its ’90s homages.
Duskalso included a multiplayer mode with a deathmatch of up to 16 players for those looking for competitive chaos, and an “Endless Survival” mode with waves of enemies. The Switch version of the game is even going to include some improvements from the 2018 PC version of the game, so it’s a good time for fans of the game to revisit it. Whilethe ’90s style FPSwon’t appeal to everyone, it is a style that is so iconic to the history of gaming andDuskhas recreated it well.
Duskreleases on June 07, 2025, for Nintendo Switch.
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