Song of Horror places players in the shoes of multiple characters investigating the mysterious disappearance of famed writer Sebastian P. Husher. Set in eerie, atmospheric locations such as abandoned houses, antique shops, and monasteries, the story unfolds like a gothic nightmare, drawing heavy inspiration from literary horror traditions. At its core is “The Presence,” a supernatural force that stalks the player, adapting to choices and punishing mistakes, creating a relentless atmosphere where survival feels fragile and uncertain.
Developed by Protocol Games and published by Raiser Games, Song of Horror was first released episodically on PC between 2019 and 2020 before being collected into a complete edition and later ported to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2021. The game was created as a love letter to classic survival horror of the 1990s, drawing from the fixed camera style of Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while adding modern procedural systems that keep every playthrough unpredictable. By offering a cast of playable characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, the game emphasizes risk, consequence, and the looming finality of death.
Gameplay
The gameplay combines exploration, puzzle solving, and stealth, with permanent character death as its central hook. If one character is killed by The Presence, the story continues through the perspective of the remaining survivors, ensuring the narrative progresses but at a potentially devastating cost. The Presence itself is not scripted but driven by adaptive AI, meaning hauntings, attacks, and supernatural events are never the same twice. With no combat system to rely on, players must rely on their wits, courage, and careful listening to avoid danger and push the story forward.
Visuals & Style
Song of Horror deliberately mirrors the fixed camera angles and deliberate pacing of older survival horror titles, using modern visuals to enrich atmosphere rather than overwhelm it. Locations are dimly lit, claustrophobic, and filled with unsettling details that reward close observation. The sound design is a highlight, with creaking doors, sudden silences, and whispers in the dark working hand in hand with the AI-driven Presence to instill dread. The visual direction is subtle but effective, invoking classic horror aesthetics with contemporary polish.
Importance in Survival Horror History
The game stands out as a rare modern attempt to revive the fixed camera tradition, a style many assumed was obsolete. By blending that old school structure with procedural unpredictability, Song of Horror carved a niche in the survival horror landscape as both a nostalgic throwback and an innovative experiment. It demonstrated that the fixed camera format still had the power to terrify, and it contributed to keeping traditional survival horror alive in an era dominated by action heavy alternatives and Remakes with Over the Shoulder Cameras.
Reception vs Historical Value
Upon release, Song of Horror was praised for its atmosphere, unpredictability, and dedication to classic horror design. Critics highlighted its AI-driven antagonist as a fresh innovation, though some found the reliance on trial and error frustrating. Over time, it has been recognized as a cult favorite, especially among fans seeking experiences closer to the tense, methodical style of early genre classics. Its ambition and respect for survival horror traditions have cemented it as one of the more unique independent horror releases of its time.
Availability & Collectibility
Song of Horror is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with backward compatibility for newer systems. While it has not received a physical release in all regions, digital editions are widely accessible, keeping the game in circulation. Its cult following ensures it remains a respected entry in the survival horror catalog, particularly valued for its bold mix of old school design and modern innovation.
Get it on:
Steam: SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION on Steam
Xbox: Buy Song of Horror | Xbox
PSN: SONG OF HORROR
GOG: Song of Horror on GOG.com
Trailer: