If you’ve been waiting for a return to classic PS1-style horror games, Walk might be just what you’re looking for. After creating a buzz as part of the Haunted PS1 Demo Disc 2021 — a popular collection of retro-style indie horror games available on itch.io — Walk by Kazumi Game Studios has officially landed on Steam. A whole Kickstarter campaign is also on the way, giving fans a chance to support the game’s development.
A haunting journey through folklore-inspired Japan
In Walk, you step into the shoes of a young girl who finds herself lost in a dreamlike version of Japan. With no weapons and no combat, the game requires stealth, careful choices, and smart resource use to make your way home. As you explore eerie temples, dark alleys, and abandoned shrines, you’ll need to avoid dangerous monsters — some of which may surprisingly become your allies.
While the world is empty of other people, it is far from safe. The developers have leaned heavily into Japanese folklore, using mythological themes to bring the setting to life. Traditional shrines act as save points, while haunted locations must be cleansed to unlock new shortcuts and paths. Players can also create safe zones in specific areas, offering relief during your unsettling journey.
No game over – only deeper horror
Perhaps the most chilling feature of Walk is how it handles death. When you fail, the game doesn’t reset you to a checkpoint. Instead, the world continues, becoming darker, stranger, and more difficult. Areas you’ve passed through before may shift, changing familiar paths and creating new obstacles. The girl remembers each time she dies, adding an emotional weight to every mistake.
This system avoids the traditional “game over” screen, instead building tension and fear over time. Your failures change the atmosphere, deepening the horror with each attempt to escape. It’s a clever twist that raises the stakes meaningfully.
Walk stands out not just for its gameplay but for its presentation. The developers use fixed camera angles, PS1-style graphics, and visual effects like static screens and distorted lenses to create an unsettling atmosphere. Combined with a soundtrack featuring traditional Japanese instruments, the game pays tribute to old-school horror titles like Silent Hill while offering something new.
Cutscenes help tell the girl’s story, adding emotional depth through surreal visuals and thick fog. Even though the graphics are retro, the mood is carefully crafted — with every detail designed to make you feel uneasy.
Coming soon to Steam and Kickstarter
Right now, Walk is still developing for PC and will be available on Steam. The playable demo is included in the Haunted PS1 Demo Disc 2021, which is still available to download on itch.io. If you’re curious, that’s a great place to start. And with the Kickstarter campaign set to launch soon, fans will soon have the chance to support this unique take on survival horror.
Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or just curious about indie games rooted in folklore, Walk promises a chilling, unforgettable experience.
