Nightmare Operator

Developer: DDDistortion
Platform: PC
Release Date: TBD

Riding on the wave of the low-polygon revival movement, Nightmare Operator is a new type of survival horror game that feels equal parts Ghostwire Tokyo and Resident Evil 4. Set in a dystopian, supernatural Tokyo, you play as Misha, a security officer tasked with hunting demons that are plaguing Japan’s cities. Wielding a high-powered rifle that can cut down the youkai, you learn to master your weaponry while uncovering a larger mystery that reveals why humanity is in decline and what’s behind the origins of the hauntings in Japan.

Nightmare Operator was one of the biggest surprises of this show. It effectively balances being a stylistic throwback to low-polygon horror with more contemporary, slick and equally tense action-horror sensibilities. With the core combat feeling akin to Resident Evil 4, Misha can use close-range attacks and firearms to shoot demons and parry attacks from enemies. However, Nightmare Operator adds a fighting game-inspired twist that heightens the tension in fights. To reload or switch weapons, you’ll need to input a fighting game-style motion (such as a down, down-right, forward input). It’s a clever twist to resource management, and I found it kept me on my toes even when up against lesser demons.

Nightmare Operator is still a ways out from release, but I’m already keeping a close eye on what’s to come from developer DDDistortion’s upcoming horror game. It’s got such a sharp sense of style to it, and that’ll make this trip through the wicked city all the more intriguing.