Song of Horror (2019)

Updated review 3/21/2025

I just did a replay because I had run out of games I wanted to play - and I still had a blast. Everything I said below is exactly how I feel, but I do have some additions.

One thing I love about the permadeath system is how meaningful it can be. You get to choose from a wide variety of character for each of the five episodes, some are repeated here and there but there’s many unique ones. And you can’t help but grow a fondness for some and get attached, which makes the stakes feel very high. I would get this sensation of “I will NOT let you die this run”- of course only to fail and get sad. But this dynamic is very unique to the games structure and shows strength in its writing, especially since the comment you make on every object in the game will change depending on the chosen character,

But I do have to reiterate - there are some insanely annoying (and impossible puzzles). Most are great and a ton of fun, but there’s about 5 in the game that are literally impossible without a guide. Either there are NO instructions, or the ones included are totally illegible. I hate using walkthroughs, but even on my second playthrough… some were impossible without it.

But ya, one of my all time favorite classic survival horror games and I extremely highly recommend to just about everyone. Just don’t feel bad about occasionally needing a guide.

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Song of Horror really surpassed my expectations. It nails the horror atmosphere, but also the fun puzzle solving and exploration of early resident evil. It has some unique mechanics as well that make it extra special, but there are a few downsides along with it,

It is episode-based, which honestly doesn’t feel that different than RE’s mansion, sewer, lab structure. The locations are well designed, as you explore a classic mansion, an antique shop, a cathedral, a police station and a mental hospital.

There is no combat but there are QTE games that are surprisingly tense and fun. The game has permadeath, so as you try each chapter with a different character, you may have to start over if all of them get killed off. This is both good and bad - the stakes are high which adds to the suspense, but it’s pretty annoying when you actually do have to start over.

But the game is tons of fun. Besides a couple annoyingly difficult puzzles and frustating deaths, it really kept me engaged and wanting more. Super recommended.

With all the survival horror games on the market, so few can achieve what makes a game in this genre stand out and maintain its own originality using cliché horror settings and ideals.

Though what is seen in this game is far from anything new, there are a few key differences that separates itself from the rest in the genre. Permadeath being one of those key differences.

The gist of Song of Horror is like so many in the past, you find yourself at an eerie location having to find items of interest that ultimately progresses the story, all while trying to evade various enemies. The enemies in this world is simply known as The Prescence, something that shows itself in many forms.

Permadeath brings more tension to the already tension ridden environments, which each location is beautifully designed with loads of detail and dread with each step. Each episode brings an array of characters to survive each episode, and depending who survives, can effect the ending of the game. Any items found by a characters who have died, can be picked up by the next.

Each individual character brings their own individual skill sets that can effect your progression throughout.

Along with permadeath, it is said that the AI for The Prescence will conform to the playstyle of individual players, making its appearances and QTE random depending on how you play, ultimately giving each player a unique playthrough experience.

With its beautifully designed levels, AI enhanced enemies, and permadeath, Song of Horror is a wonderfully built low budget survival horror game that delivers a satisfying punch in the end.

Highly recommended.