During the Horror Game Awards 2024, studio DDDistortion showcased NIGHTMARE OPERATOR, an action-horror shooter set in the haunted ruins of Tokyo. Blending tense survival horror shooting with skill-based mechanics from fighting games, the game delivers a unique combat experience. It doesn’t have a specific release date but it can be wishlisted on PC via Steam.
Set in the year 2036, humanity is in decline, and society is barely holding together under the rule of a Provisional Government. You take on the role of Misha, a Public Safety Operator tasked with protecting the Quarantine City of Shin-Chiba and hunting down terrifying Youkai. These supernatural creatures, inspired by Japanese folklore and urban legends, are twisted versions of the monsters from the old stories.
Combat in NIGHTMARE OPERATOR is fast and precise, using Misha’s Modular Gun. This weapon allows you to rapidly switch between different Weapon Modules through fighting game-style command inputs. Mastering the system is essential for survival, especially when faced with Youkai. Weapon Modules come with powerful elemental effects like freezing, stunning, or bleeding enemies, giving you strategic options to control the battlefield.
The game’s low-poly aesthetic draws inspiration from early 3D gaming, bringing the eerie streets of Tokyo to life. You will explore districts and landmarks, reimagined in the haunting atmosphere of the ruined city. Between missions, Misha and her team unwind at a local izakaya in Shin-Chiba, where you can interact with other characters, learn more about the world, and admire the lovingly crafted low-poly dishes.
