Hauntsville
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Action, FPP, western, horror, survival, co-op, crafting, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A first person survival game, featuring a supernatural Weird West setting and allowing to play both alone and in online coop. In Hauntsville we must gather resources, build a hideout, craft equipment and also fight hostile beings inspired by the North American folklore.
Hauntsville is a survival game, maintained in the so-called Weird West setting. It means that it is a western enriched with supernatural elements straight from horrors. This is the work of an independent developer Michael Janisch. We play as a nameless traveler trapped in a deserted mountainous borderland and deprived of the possibility of finishing his journey. Instead he must face the dangers lurking for him.
Gameplay
In Hauntsville we view events from a first-person perspective (FPP). The game provides us with an open world that we can freely explore.
Days, nights and the dangers associated with them
The day hours in the game are relatively calm, but we still need to be on guard. The danger can come from the weather, which can change in the blink of an eye. Downpours cause the formation of swamps, in which we can get stuck, while the blizzards prevailing in the mountains can make us easily lose our way. Things get even more complicated after dark, as the valley is then taken over by bloodthirsty monsters and other creatures from North American folklore.
Everything we have to deal with here is based on systems, which introduces an aspect of randomness to the game.
Art of survival
The presence of different threats means that our main goal is to ensure our survival. We must primarily gather wood, which comes from the surrounding forests, as well as iron (for which we have to venture into mines). While the first resource is used for erecting buildings, the second one is needed for crafting useful tools like axes or pickaxes.
A nearby haunted town is also a source of valuable supplies, where we can find weapons (like Colts and Winchesters), as well as other useful items and resources that increase our chances of survival.
Co-op
Hauntsville allows for solo play or cooperative gameplay with up to three people.
Videos and Screens
[0:48] Hauntsville - Launch Trailer
[0:51] Hauntsville - Release Date Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Charming Aesthetic: The art style is frequently praised as gorgeous, colorful, and charming, with cute characters and a nostalgic retro computer theme.
- Creative Gameplay Mechanics: Players appreciate the unique and clever mechanics that blend platforming with puzzle-solving elements, providing a refreshing experience.
- Engaging Level Design: Levels are well-crafted with a good balance of challenge and fun, allowing for exploration and the discovery of collectibles.
- Humor and References: The game includes funny moments and references that enhance the overall experience.
- Good Controls: The character controls are described as simple, snappy, and precise, contributing to enjoyable gameplay.
- Short but Sweet Experience: Many players find the game to be a delightful, albeit brief, adventure that is worth the price.
The main cons of the game
- Short Length: The game can be completed in about 2-3 hours, which some players feel is too brief for the price.
- Bugs and Jankiness: Several reviews mention minor bugs that can disrupt gameplay, though most are not game-breaking and can be resolved by restarting sections.
- Linear Progression: The game lacks a level replay feature, making it difficult for players to go back to collect missed items or complete challenges.
- Inconsistent Level Design: Some players noted that certain sections could be bypassed too easily, leading to a lack of challenge and engagement.
- Difficulty for Some Players: A few reviews pointed out that the game might pose challenges for players with disabilities, particularly concerning color blindness and the need for precise controls.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Level Replay Option: Many players expressed a desire for the ability to revisit previous levels to collect missed items or complete challenges.
- Map or Navigation Assistance: The absence of a map or clear navigation tools makes exploration feel limited and can lead to confusion about where to go next.
- More Content: Some users felt that certain mechanics and ideas were underdeveloped and that the game could benefit from additional levels or longer gameplay to fully explore its concepts.
- Improved Playtesting: There is a sentiment that the game could benefit from further polish and testing to address bugs and improve overall gameplay experience.
Summary
- Overall, MainFrames is viewed as a charming indie platformer with a lot of creative potential, but it could improve with additional content and refinement.
Summary generated on:
Hauntsville Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Michael Janisch
Publisher: indie.io / Freedom Games
Age restrictions: 16+
Hauntsville System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-4460 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, 10 GB SSD, Windows 10
Recommended: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 2070 Super / Radeon RX 5700 XT, 10 GB SSD, Windows 10