During the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted 2023, the eagerly anticipated Polish game Holstin took centre stage, unveiling its latest trailer to a mesmerised audience, leaving them eager for more. Developed by the skilled team at Sonka, the game promises a distinctive mix of gameplay mechanics, cultural depth, and an intense survival horror experience.

Highlighted in the trailer is the game’s remarkable ability to seamlessly transition from an isometric, exploratory horror setting to an over-the-shoulder shooter—an innovation rarely seen before. Drawing parallels with the renowned Baldur’s Gate and Resident Evil 4, Holstin captures players’ attention with its inventive gameplay approach.

Taking place in the rural Polish town of Jeziorne-Kolonia in November 1992, the game immerses players in a unique environment where cultural roots and historical context play a pivotal role. The protagonist, adorned with a period-appropriate moustache, embarks on a quest to uncover the fate of a friend, only to confront the living dead and monstrous creatures, setting the stage for an atmospheric and intense experience.

Holstin assures players of a dynamic mix of dialogue, puzzles, and action. Sonka’s president and the game’s director, Rafal Sankowski, promises hordes of enemies, challenging bosses, and mini-boss encounters. The trailer showcases instances where enemy encounters double as puzzles, offering players the freedom to choose their preferred approach, whether through direct combat, tactical use of Molotov cocktails, or stealth.

Contrary to the notion that survival horror excludes combat, Sankowski emphasises that Holstin aims to shift the focus to survival rather than a power fantasy. The game strives to capture the essence of small-town Poland in 1992, a period marked by political, cultural, and technological upheaval. The atmosphere is described as uniquely oppressive, drawing from the developers’ own experiences growing up in the Polish ’90s.

Behind the scenes, Holstin utilises the advanced “2XD rendering” system, responsible for the game’s perspective-switching and detailed visual elements on undead characters. Sankowski sheds light on the meticulous process of creating even simple objects, showcasing the team’s dedication to delivering a visually striking and immersive gaming experience.

The unveiling of the new trailer has heightened anticipation for the game’s release. With a playable demo already accessible on Steam, fans eagerly anticipate delving into the world of Holstin to experience firsthand the combination of cultural richness, technical innovation, and survival horror.

In conclusion, Holstin emerges as a promising addition to the gaming landscape, offering a fresh take on horror, unique cultural storytelling, and technical brilliance that sets it apart. As the gaming community eagerly awaits further updates, Holstin stands as a testament to the creative ingenuity of the Polish gaming industry.