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Heartworm

Heartworm

PC
Released

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Adventure, TPP, Survival Horror, Ghosts, Indie Games, Action Adventure, Singleplayer

A survival horror game, inspired by the oldest entries from the Resident Evil, Silent Hill and Fatal Frame series. In Heartworm we play as Sam who ventures into a haunted house in the mountains to contact her dead grandfather. The protagonist must deal with hostile ghosts and fights them using the camera.

6.9

OpenCritic

8.7

Steam

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Ratings
[1:12] - Launch Trailer Videos: 2
Screenshot Images: 8
Screenshot
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Heartworm is a survival horror inspired by the genre's classics from the second half of the 1990s, led by the first parts of the Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dino Crisis series. The development of this game was led by independent developer Vincent Adinolfi.

Gameplay

Heartworm allows us to choose whether we want to watch the action from predefined, "cinematic" shots, or if we prefer to observe the events over the protagonist's shoulder (TPP).

Combat, equipment and puzzles

The gameplay is based on the pillars established by Capcom and Konami classic hits. While exploring the gloomy residence, we have to face opponents in the form of ghosts, which we eliminate by using the flash lamp of the main character's camera (which in turn may evoke associations with the Fatal Frame series).

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Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows

Developer: Vincent Adinolfi

Publisher: DreadXP

Age restrictions: 16+

Features

Downloads

Top downloads for Heartworm Video Game:

All Downloads

System Requirements

System Requirements for Heartworm Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
CPU SSE2, 8 GB RAM, graphic card DirectX10, 8 GB HDD, Windows 7(SP1)/10.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Heartworm Video Game.

6.9

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 37% of Critics. There are 14 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Try Hard Guides: 8 / 10 by Erik Hodges

Heartworm works best in its subtlest areas, leaving players to experience the tension of its beautifully creepy environments and its subtle, anxiety-inducing score and story. While some of the moments intended to put you on edge don’t work as well, the game overall is still a great piece of nostalgia and an experience worth having on your own.

Full Review

GameLuster: 8 / 10 by Jess Clayton-Berry

While Heartworm isn't very challenging in its survival horror, its creative and well-designed puzzle elements still present a fun gameplay experience. It wears its inspiration of 1990s survival horror classics on its sleeve, while also making its own footprint in gorgeous, colourful visuals and lonely atmosphere.

Full Review

TheBigBois: 9 / 10 by Zachary Holmes

Heartworm is more than just a tribute—it’s an evolution. Equal parts chilling and contemplative, it knows when to whisper and when to scream. From the stunning environments to the rich audio and the elegant blending of old and new mechanics, every piece feels hand-placed with purpose. Vincent Adinolfi and the small team behind Heartworm have crafted something special—a horror experience with soul. It’s one of 2025’s finest indie titles and a must-play for anyone who ever felt their skin crawl in a PS1 hallway.

Full Review
87%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (411)

STEAM
User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Atmosphere and Art Style: The game excels in creating a strong atmosphere with impressive visuals that evoke nostalgia for the 90s survival horror genre, reminiscent of titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
  • Music: The soundtrack is consistently praised, with many reviewers highlighting its emotional and thematic alignment with the game’s tone.
  • Puzzles: While some puzzles are easy, many players find the long-form designs and variety engaging, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • Gameplay Options: The game offers a choice between modern and retro controls, appealing to both new players and veterans of the genre.
  • Short Playtime: The game is relatively short, which some players appreciate as it does not overstay its welcome.

The main cons of the game

  • Lack of Challenge: Many players feel that the game is too easy, with ample healing items and low enemy threat, leading to a lack of tension and danger typical of survival horror games.
  • Clunky Controls and Mechanics: Some reviewers mention issues with the controls, particularly with fixed camera angles that can be disorienting, and combat mechanics that feel unrefined.
  • Underdeveloped Story: The narrative is criticized for being shallow and lacking depth, with many story elements feeling rushed or underexplained.
  • Voice Acting: The voice acting has been described as subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

  • Increased Difficulty Options: Some players suggest that the game could benefit from more challenging gameplay elements or modes from the start, rather than having to unlock them after completion.
  • More Environmental Interaction: Users expressed a desire for greater interaction with the environment and more varied enemy encounters to enhance the sense of danger and immersion.
  • Clearer Direction: Some reviewers noted that clearer guidance on where to go next would improve the experience, especially in larger areas where backtracking can be tedious.
  • More Engaging Storytelling: A deeper exploration of the story and character motivations is requested to make the narrative more compelling and impactful.

Summary

  • Overall, while "Heartworm" is celebrated for its artistic direction and nostalgic feel, it faces criticism for its ease, control mechanics, and narrative depth, leaving players divided on its overall effectiveness as a survival horror game.

Summary generated on: