Evil Tonight introduces players to Silvia, a gifted medium who travels to an abandoned music academy after sensing a dark presence within its walls. Once inside, she becomes trapped in a twisted dimension where reality and nightmare overlap. As Silvia uncovers the academy’s bloody history, she must use her psychic abilities, courage, and limited resources to survive against supernatural horrors and uncover the truth behind the curse. The game tells a story of isolation, spiritual torment, and the dangers of confronting forces beyond human understanding.
Developed and published by DYA Games, Evil Tonight was released in 2021 for PC and Nintendo Switch. The game pays homage to classic survival horror experiences, blending Classic Survival Horror Esque’s with the also classic isometric look from Action-Adventure Games from the NES and SNES era. It Features exploration, atmospheric storytelling, and methodical combat. Its design deliberately recalls the tension of titles like Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark, but it distinguishes itself through its psychic protagonist and the eerie setting of a haunted academy.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Evil Tonight leans into traditional survival horror mechanics. Players navigate the shadowed corridors of the academy, solving puzzles, managing scarce resources, and battling grotesque enemies with weapons found along the way. Silvia’s mediumship adds a unique twist, allowing her to perceive supernatural phenomena and interact with the paranormal in ways that heighten both exploration and fear. Combat is deliberate and risky, emphasizing precision over speed, while puzzle solving requires careful observation of the environment. This combination creates a slow burning, nerve wracking atmosphere that rewards patience and resilience but also feels familiar to those that have played games like Final Fantasy, Zelda A link to the Past and other Over the top adventure RPG games from the SNES era. It’s a very interesting combination that we have seen work before in the Resident Evil Gameboy versions, although it may seem familiar Evil tonight brings in its own spice and a very unique experience that you must try.
Visuals & Style
Designed in a richly detailed pixel-art style, Evil Tonight recreates the atmosphere of late ’90s horror games while offering its own unique aesthetic. Despite its retro visuals, the game’s environments are expressive and immersive, from decrepit classrooms. Complementing the visuals is a haunting audio design which is perfect for keeping players on edge throughout their journey.
Importance in Survival Horror History
Evil Tonight stands as proof that survival horror’s roots can flourish in new forms, even within the indie scene. At a time when many horror games leaned toward action or first person perspectives, it demonstrated that even this mix of styles can generate a great experience that could still feel fresh and terrifying. By fusing retro design with a supernatural narrative, the game carved out its own space, appealing to fans of both nostalgia and innovation. It reflects the genre’s adaptability and the ability of small studios to preserve its traditions.
Reception vs Historical Value
Upon release, Evil Tonight was praised for its atmospheric design, strong retro aesthetic, and commitment to classic survival horror mechanics. Critics and players alike noted its tense pacing, engaging puzzles, and the unsettling charm of its pixel-based visuals. Some found the controls demanding due to its deliberate design, but this was often considered part of its survival horror authenticity. Over time, it has gained recognition as one of the standout indie horror titles of the 2020s, remembered for its ability to create genuine dread with minimalist tools.
Availability & Collectibility
Evil Tonight is available digitally on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch via the eShop. Its collectibility lies in its growing reputation as a modern cult classic among indie survival horror fans. For players seeking a return to the tension and atmosphere of old school horror with a fresh twist, Evil Tonight has become a respected entry in the genre’s ongoing evolution.
Get it on:
Steam: Evil Tonight on Steam
Nintendo: Evil Tonight for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site
Trailer: