Kevin has unearthed a new hidden gem of a horror game for you. For fans of walking simulators, puzzles, and spine-chilling stories.
Some games sound like absolute run-of-the-mill fare on paper. A haunted house, a few puzzles, lots of exploration and wandering around, reading notes—just the classic basics of horror walking simulators. But then this game does something to me. It stays on my mind even after I finish it. It awakens a longing for more.
The Occultist is one such game.
Over the course of about seven hours of gameplay, it took my breath away multiple times—and that’s exactly why I have to share this indie horror game with you!
The Witcher Becomes a Ghost Hunter
If the voice in the trailer sounds familiar: No, you don’t have cotton in your ears—Doug Cockle, the English voice of Geralt of Rivia, lends his gravelly voice to the main character (there is a German translation for text and subtitles). And it fits perfectly into the dark setting!
As Alan Rebels, I set out for the mysterious island of Godstone to uncover the truth behind my father’s disappearance. But his fate isn’t the only mystery I stumble upon. The oppressive silence of Godstone is merely an illusion. For the foggy streets of the city, the abandoned buildings, and all the lost souls within them cry out for redemption and want to be heard.
How fortunate that Alan is the Sherlock Holmes of the spirit world! My faithful companion: a pendulum. With four different abilities, I can reveal hidden things, turn back time in certain places, and command crows and rats. With this mystical toolkit, I puzzle my way through the mysteries and, piece by piece, uncover Godstone’s hidden past.
Slowly but surely, I get to know the island and its inhabitants, free spirits from their suffering, and find myself caught up in a massive, occult conspiracy. The story immediately draws me in and delivers a satisfying conclusion. The Occultist plays like a classic Gothic horror novel: it has a mansion, eccentric characters, a tragic love story, sinister motives, and heartbreaking fates. Chef’s kiss!
A Spooky Picture Book
Instead of a monotonous backdrop, The Occultist takes me on a real sightseeing tour. I start in a foggy forest—and am immediately blown away by the indie game’s stunning graphics. No wonder: the developers have their roots in professional architectural visualization and 3D animation. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, I can see this expertise in every single pixel of the environment.
My leisurely forest stroll doesn’t last long. A mysterious figure is watching me and luring me deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of secrets at Godstone. I search for answers in an abandoned house with a creepy basement. In an orphanage where not only do the floorboards creak beneath my feet, but the walls seem to giggle. I visit a circus that entertains me with deadly games. I get lost in a maze before stumbling into a massive mansion that hides a tragic truth behind all its splendor.
The Occultist doesn’t rush me through the game, but instead lets me stroll through Godstone at a leisurely pace for the most part. It unfolds before me like a spooky picture book that I devour page by page. The dark atmosphere is so palpable and cinematic—it doesn’t surprise me in the least that the developers have already signed a deal to adapt the game into a movie.
Goosebumps from the very first note
If the settings are the beautiful illustrations of this picture book and the fates of the people tell the story, then the music of Occultist is the invisible thread that masterfully weaves everything together.
Even in the main menu, I fall in love with the haunting soundtrack penned by composer Pepe Herrero. And even while playing, I regularly pause just to listen to the wonderful sounds, the different variations of the main theme, and bask in the goosebumps.
Powerful orchestral arrangements alternate with hesitant, gentle melodies, and the eerie lullaby in particular strikes a chord that simply melts my heart. Daloar, Daedalic, please release the soundtrack on YouTube!
This fantastic blend of a magnificent atmosphere, an exciting story, and outstanding music makes the game a hidden gem for genre fans in my opinion. The Occultist isn’t particularly challenging, nor does it set new standards for the genre. But if you’re a fan of horror walking simulators with fun puzzles, enjoy occult stories, and want to spend a few atmospheric hours, then I can highly recommend The Occultist. If you’re still unsure, there’s also a free demo you can try out first!
