There are many types of terror. When we think of terror, we often think of jump scares, or something that terrifies us due to its evident consequences. However, what is closest to true terror is usually anguish. The feeling of losing control, that the world lacks meaning, and everything we believe in crumbles, leaving us feeling alone and defenseless in the world. It’s an unpleasant sensation that, in a controlled environment and in small doses, can be strangely pleasurable. Many horror games have successfully exploited this in recent years.
Homebody is a very unique horror game because it doesn’t precisely follow either of the two major trends in horror gaming. It’s not exactly a survival horror nor a jump-scare focused game. Instead, it aims to distress us in the most explicit sense of the word.
In Homebody, we embody Emily, a girl who has suffered from agoraphobia for a long time and currently struggles with a relatively severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. After managing to overcome at least part of her agoraphobia, she decides to meet up with friends to watch the Perseids meteor shower, renting a house for the occasion. Of course, this poses a significant mental burden for Emily. Many things can go wrong. Too many. But she decides to push forward despite her intrusive thoughts. Until the worst happens.
This is a horror game, and as such, there’s something that wants to get us and a mystery to solve to stop it. In this case, like in all great classics, we’ll have to solve puzzles and find clues to uncover the secrets of the house. All to discover the past of Parker Nest, the owner of the house, and his obsession with immortality. Meanwhile, here comes the twist: we relive the same night over and over again each time we die. And we will die. Several times. Why? Because Emily has obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Homebody is a game that plays less with the terror of the monster and more with the horror of reliving everything over and over again. Anticipating events, trying to be prepared, and constantly thinking about what’s to come. It captures the essence of living in the mind of someone with this kind of disorder. Always haunted by anxiety that no one else seems to perceive.
Available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC, Homebody is a stroke of brilliance that deserves a chance. It offers classic horror with a unique twist, providing a compelling narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics. It’s something we see too rarely and should be embraced more.
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