Relive your childhood ghost experiences

9 Childs St is a free demo horror game that captures the fright and vulnerability of being a kid. In this simulation game from N4bA, you play as a child who starts noticing strange things from the abandoned house across the street. Despite its short playthrough, this game will keep you on the edge of your seat from the start to finish.

In terms of gameplay and graphics, 9 Childs St is comparable to the likes of Pacify or Among the Sleep. Its impressive use of atmospheric horror plus a chilling backstory will leave you wanting more.

Through the eyes of a child

Although 9 Childs St suffers from a relatively short game time–ranging from 10 to 15 minutes–every moment manages to keep you uneasy and fidgety through its use of atmospheric horror. Its small elements such as notes that change each time you look at it or a silhouette that disappears the next time, the game will always remind you to move slowly and more carefully. 

Story-wise, bits of information that help you build the entire story are scattered throughout the game. From letters to the cliched blood writings on the wall, you will be slowly caught up to speed on what’s happening around you. The most surprising element, however, is in the ending and its use of a time loop mechanic that will keep you wondering until the end.

In terms of gameplay, being a child really factors in. You have a lower perception of the environment and you have to use chairs and platforms to reach higher ground. Aside from its quick playthrough, the gameplay is also linear since it doesn’t have any alternative endings or allow your choices to make an impact on the story. You only get to experience this one-time scare and that’s it.

An exciting teaser

9 Childs St is a great yet brief horror experience that doesn’t rely on scary character designs or distracting audio cues. Its use of atmospheric horror, combined with a gameplay experience focused on playing as a child, comes across as sincerely scary and equally exciting. Although it is really short and linear as a video game, it’s only the demo version and there’s no telling what its full version will offer.