Polish studio Sonka SA has unveiled a playable demo of Holstin, a psychological horror that nods to the mood and style of classic dark titles, recent Signalis-inspired atmospheres, and the eerie tension found in contemporary Resident Evil chapters. The setting is a desolate city shrouded in gloom, where fear and paranoia creep through every street and alley as the population slips toward madness.
In Holstin, the player is tasked with locating Batrek’s missing companion, who has abruptly severed contact. From the outset, it becomes clear that something malevolent has seized the city, twisting most residents into formidable, monster-like adversaries. The search unfolds against a backdrop of creeping dread, forcing players to navigate an escalating sense of danger and mystery as they push to uncover the truth behind the disappearances.
Gameplay Trailer:
Developers highlight a striking pixel art style described as a new level of visual fidelity, enhanced by dynamic lighting that adapts to shifting environments. The game also features a freely rotatable camera that opens up fresh possibilities for exploration and combat. Community feedback on the most recent trailer emphasizes enthusiasm for the way the camera transitions from a classic top‑down or isometric perspective to a more immersive third‑person view. Players note that the camera shift is bold and adds a distinctive rhythm to encounters, blending nostalgia with modern mechanics.
Fans have shared comments that capture the mix of admiration and curiosity. One admirer praises the bold approach to camera control, calling it exhilarating. Another observer describes the experience as a fresh take that blends old school sensibilities with contemporary design. A third commenter highlights the sense of discovery, saying the new gameplay feels innovative and surprisingly new in the landscape of horror storytelling. A fourth user points out that the isometric-to-third‑person transition stands out as a unique concept, and suggests the game draws inspiration from Resident Evil and similar cult favorites while carving its own identity.
Holstin offers players a chance to try the demo now, inviting hands-on feedback as development continues. The exact release date for the full game remains to be announced, with developers signaling that more details will come as the project progresses and polish increases across systems and platforms.
The trailer accompanying Holstin complements the anticipation surrounding the title, presenting a condensed glimpse into the escalating tension, the unsettling cityscape, and the eerie encounters that await players. The overall impression is one of a thoughtful homage to beloved survival horror while also pushing into new territory with audiovisual style and responsive camera mechanics that encourage experimentation in how players approach danger and puzzle solving.
As the project evolves, audiences can expect ongoing updates from Sonka SA, additional gameplay reveals, and further opportunities to experience Holstin in action. The demo stands as a strong invitation for fans of atmospheric horror to engage with a world that challenges traditional pacing and camera conventions, offering a fresh lens on a familiar genre’s core tensions.