The Chant takes players to a remote spiritual retreat that quickly transforms into a waking nightmare. When a group ritual goes horribly wrong, a cosmic terror known as The Gloom invades reality, twisting the island into a surreal and deadly environment. Players assume the role of Jess, a woman seeking healing and peace, only to be thrust into a fight for survival as supernatural entities manifest and prey upon the group. With the retreat unraveling into chaos, Jess must confront her trauma, unravel the mysteries of the Gloom, and decide who can be trusted in a world where fear itself is a weapon.
Developed by Brass Token and published by Prime Matter, The Chant was released in 2022 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Blending cosmic horror, survival mechanics, and psychological storytelling, the game was designed to stand apart from traditional action horror experiences by emphasizing atmosphere, emotional stakes, and exploration. Drawing inspiration from cult horror films and new age spirituality gone wrong, it delivers a unique take on modern survival horror.
Gameplay
The Chant blends third-person survival horror gameplay with resource management and psychological themes. Players must balance three core stats mind, body, and spirit each tied to survival and progression. Combat is tense and limited, requiring players to craft spiritual weapons, harness supernatural abilities, and use defensive tools rather than brute force. The island itself serves as both a puzzle and a battlefield, with interconnected areas hiding secrets, lore, and pathways to survival. Choices throughout the game influence how events unfold, offering multiple endings that reflect Jess’s growth and decisions.
Visuals & Style
The game presents a striking mix of natural beauty and cosmic dread. The retreat begins as a tranquil island setting, filled with lush environments and spiritual iconography, before being consumed by the Gloom. This otherworldly dimension distorts reality with pulsating colors, nightmarish geometry, and grotesque creatures that embody the islanders’ fears and traumas. The atmosphere is further enhanced by a chilling soundtrack that oscillates between meditative tones and nerve wracking intensity, reinforcing the clash between serenity and terror.
Importance in Survival Horror History
The Chant stands out as a modern experiment within survival horror, merging cosmic dread with themes of self discovery and psychological healing. Unlike traditional survival horror titles focused purely on escape or combat, it incorporates emotional vulnerability as a mechanic, tying the protagonist’s survival to her ability to face trauma. In doing so, it expands the genre’s narrative scope, illustrating how survival horror can explore both inner and outer battles. Its focus on cults, rituals, and alternate dimensions also continues the genre’s fascination with spiritual corruption and human fragility.
Reception vs Historical Value
Upon release, The Chant received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its atmosphere, unique mechanics, and fresh take on horror storytelling, though some pointed out uneven pacing and combat limitations. Players who embraced its psychological and cosmic elements found it a memorable and haunting experience, while others expected a more traditional horror structure. Historically, the game may be remembered as an ambitious attempt to merge cosmic horror with emotional survival, carving a space for narrative driven experimentation in the genre.
Availability & Collectibility
The Chant is available digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam and GOG. Physical editions were released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, making it more accessible for collectors who value tangible horror media. While not as widely distributed as mainstream titles, its blend of unique mechanics and cosmic themes ensures it retains a niche appeal within the survival horror community.
Get it on:
Steam: The Chant on Steam
GOG: -80% The Chant on GOG.com
Xbox: Buy The Chant | Xbox
PSN: The Chant
Trailer: