Step into the eerie realm of Ghost Town, a cinematic supernatural thrill ride that's now available on PSVR 2. It's a game that captivates from the very beginning, whisking you away to a moonlit South London car park amidst driving rain. The atmosphere is instantly immersive, with fog drifting over litter-strewn tarmac and police sirens wailing in the distance. As you explore, a concrete council block looms overhead, evoking a sense of place that feels eerily familiar, despite the game's fantastical elements. This is the essence of Ghost Town's allure - its ability to transport you to a specific time and place, in this case, 1983 England, an era of Thatcher, the coding boom, and the birth of the New Romantics. It's a gritty, grey portrayal of the 80s that stands in stark contrast to the overplayed nostalgia of Stranger Things. The game's attention to detail is remarkable, from the haunted theatre to the fishing boat bobbing on the North Sea, and the back alleys of London are so vividly realized that you can almost smell the urine. This level of authenticity grounds the game, making it feel fantastical yet relatable. The story follows South London witch, ghost hunter, and protagonist Edith Penrose, who is desperately searching for her missing younger brother, Adam. While Ghost Town's take on urban fantasy isn't particularly radical, it's a gem in the telling, with a rich and immersive world where magic coexists with the mundane. The game is a puzzle at its core, with Fireproof Games expertly translating the tangibility of The Room's puzzle boxes into a first-person supernatural mystery adventure. The evolution from The Room series to Ghost Town is clear, with interactivity and physicality intertwining to draw you deeper into its world. The game's pacing is relentless and effortlessly cool, with surprising new ways to present its action, from conversations playing out across two planes of reality to a sequence set on the sea bed. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every little element coming together to create a cohesive and engaging experience. Ghost Town is a must-play for anyone with the means to experience it, whether on PC VR, Meta Quest, or PSVR 2. It's a game that will leave a lasting impression, with its many brilliantly orchestrated moments and immersive storytelling.
