Developer Sonka has revealed a demo for its upcoming survival horror experience, Holstin, and the demo lets you play the opening two hours of the game.
The developer explains: “While the two previous public demos showcased specific slices or mechanics, the new demo offers players a very meaty first look at the game’s entire eerie 90’s Eastern Euro-fueled experience. It begins with the opening segment of Holstin’s story, explaining what drew you into the decaying and possessed Polish lakeside town of Jeziorne-Kolonia.
Get hands-on with the core gameplay, from engaging in intense combat and solving environmental puzzles to scavenging for survival, exploring ooze-infested streets and interiors, and interacting with the not-so-mentally-stable locals who still haven’t fully Turned. The demo also highlights Holstin’s unique camera and lighting system, which seamlessly shifts between multiple perspectives in real-time lit, fully 3D pixel environments.”
The team adds: “Alongside work on the full game and the new demo, Sonka has also been preparing for a major Kickstarter campaign, set to launch later in 2025. The campaign aims to raise funds to complete the final stages of the game and to crowdfund additional features and ideas the team is eager to implement. Players can learn more about what the game will offer and sign up to be notified once the full campaign goes live.”
We got to play the game recently. Chris White said: “The nightmare of Holstin constantly made me want to find out more. I felt anxious waiting for something to try and kill me. The people in the town were moments away from their minds breaking, and I had no idea who I could trust. Sonka has done something different within the horror genre and I love what I’ve seen so far. Despite having weapons, I felt helpless. I wasn’t sure who to trust or what was around the corner. All I know is I want to play more whenever it releases.”
Holstin is planned for PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.
