Experience the Lo-fi Survival Horror of Heartworm at Steam Next Fest!

Retro horror fans are receiving an early Halloween treat as solo developer Vincent Adinolfi and horror publisher DreadXP announce a new playable demo for indie survival horror game, Heartworm, during October’s Steam Next Fest.

The new demo features updated environment art, new game mechanics, and the first playable boss fight. Those looking for a lo-fi horror throwback can jump into the demo now via the Heartworm Steam page.

Sam, grappling with the deaths of those closest to her, falls down an internet rabbit hole that promises a reunion with those she’s lost. Instead, she finds herself at a supposedly supernatural house in the mountains, hoping to find a way to make contact.

Features:

  • Classic survival horror with modern improvements

  • A compelling, emotional narrative

  • 6-8 hours of gameplay

  • Multiple endings

  • Surreal, atmospheric visuals

  • Both pre-rendered and in-game cutscenes

  • Numerous bespoke puzzles

  • Combat using a camera as the weapon

  • Multiple enemy types and unique boss fights

  • Modern controls or classic tank controls

  • 3rd person over-the-shoulder aiming

  • Toggleable pixelation and retro effects inspired by the first 3D console era

  • A beautiful and haunting soundtrack

These features combine with an emotional and psychologically-focused narrative to compose a nostalgia-charged love letter to late 90s genre progenitors Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Dino Crisis.

Heartworm is currently slated for release on PC in 2025. The playable demo is available on Steam starting today and will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.

For more information:

Wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1257030/Heartworm/

Follow Vincent Adinolfi on X: https://twitter.com/adinolfi

Follow DreadXP on X: https://twitter.com/DreadXPGames

Join the DreadXP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/sK6bjPQpFb

Press kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mvy5Qz-gJR1mcLIMH_5X3Zy-n3HMQGGl