DreadXP is known for their collection of horror titles, and they are back at PAX West with new and updated demos. Stephanie sat down and played two on Thursday, August 30th, and plans on returning later to play more–so stay tuned for updates!
Amanda the Adventurer 2
MANGLEDmaw Games is bringing this VHS horror game back in a sequel. DreadXP stated Amanda the Adventurer 2 is a direct sequel to Amanda the Adventurer, which released last year to Very Positive reviews on Steam. You play as Riley who uncovers the horrors within play-and-learn VHS tapes.
Booting up Amanda the Adventurer 2, I immediately felt a sense of dread (pun intended) as I appeared in an empty library. The game directed me to find a handful of library books with red scribbles on the inside cover. After light collecting and puzzle-solving (and hearing banging somewhere in the ceiling), I unlocked a safe and uncovered my first VHS tape.
I head towards the children’s section where there was an old TV, and when I popped in the tape, I was blown away by an unnerving view of operating room lights (?), scrambled footage, and unsettling sounds. Amanda is her usually cheerful-on-the-surface self; however, I already know something is wrong. Her companion from the first game, Wooly is also missing, and Amanda comments we would need to find him.
The demo ended after collecting the second VHS tape, leaving me starving for answers. The Amanda the Adventurer 2 demo definitely set us up for another wonderfully horrific ride. The game is expected to release Fall 2024.
The Lacerator
Horror meets humor in this PS1 style title. The Lacerator is a new demo from DreadXP, and the art style quickly grabbed my attention. Here’s the set up: you are a porn star in the 80s, Max, the man who loves sex. Unfortunately, you are kidnapped and wake up in a dingy jail-like set up. Dressed only in a shirt and briefs (and perpetually smoking a cigarette), you need to escape before the Lacerator gets you!
The aesthetic immediately reminded me of the horror games of old–Resident Evil and Silent Hill. You maneuver with tank controls and fixed perspectives. The environment is dirty, bloody, and populated with other…victims. As I navigated through the hallways, I found tools to help me progress. Tricks are around every corner, which will teach you think before you act. In my first go-around, I got my arm chopped off when grabbing a revolver. Different actions result in a different experience. In the second playthrough, I was able to disable the trap and shoot enemies with both arms intact.
The selling point is the writing and humor. The solo dev behind The Lacerator made the game feel scary without taking itself too seriously. If you’re into old-school horror and morbid humor, I highly recommend keeping an eye on The Lacerator, which is set to release sometime next year in 2025.
Heartworm
Come back soon for coverage on the demo!
Do any of these titles send chills up your spine? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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