Callout for Windows

Explore underground in this horror game

Callout is a free-to-play horror game with short, found-footage-style gameplay. Set within the dreary confines of a sewage system, the game cleverly plays on the inherent fear of the unknown, as your character's routine maintenance job quickly spirals into a nightmare.

Much like Last Bus Home and The Shopping List, Callout’s short yet haunting environment presents an impactful story that keeps players enraptured throughout the entire experience. While the short duration can leave much to be desired, it’s a great way to maintain a player’s interest, especially if they want something to play in less than an hour.

Building anticipation

Callout keeps you on the edge of your seat. The game is a relentless roller-coaster ride of anticipation, constantly keeping players guessing about what might lurk around the next corner. With each deeper dive into the sewage system, the sense of dread escalates, as horrifying discoveries await. The anxiety is further heightened by the game's ominous message, leaving you wondering if there is any chance of escape.

A noteworthy aspect of this indie game is its found-footage style. It intensifies the authenticity of the experience, making you feel as if you're the one navigating the sewage system's pitch-black corridors. The use of the radio to maintain contact with the outside world adds a layer of realism, serving as the only link to the world above and setting up a sense of isolation and vulnerability for the character.

Despite such strengths, the game does have a few drawbacks. The game's ending is somewhat anticlimactic, leaving players wanting more after such an adrenaline-fueled journey. Additionally, the atmosphere could be enriched further with the inclusion of more unsettling background noises and animations. Such enhancements can add depth to the game's ambiance and more effectively evoke fear and suspense during your underground exploration.

Could be better with some tweaks

Although Callout could use a bit more polishing to fully realize its potential, it offers a solid foundation for a spine-chilling, atmospheric horror game. Its innovative approach and captivating setting set it apart from the generic horror game fare. With some refinements, particularly in its ending and atmospheric elements, this indie title has the potential to rise as an iconic title.