Fear The Spotlight

September 15, 2023

Nintendo SwitchPCPlayStation 5Xbox OneXbox Series X/S

Fear the Spotlight is an atmospheric third-person horror adventure with a disturbing mystery to unravel. Sneak into school after hours with Vivian and Amy, survive a séance gone wrong, solve tactile puzzles, and, whatever you do, stay out of the spotlight… Sunnyside High has a dark history. When Vivian enters …

Critic Score

80.5

38 critic reviews

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Critic Reviews (38)

Adam Ryan WellPlayed Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

95.0

Gameplay

85.0

Story

80.0

"Fear the Spotlight masterfully captures the look and feel of a classic PS1 horror title while leveraging modern concepts and gameplay features to produce an atmospheric and nostalgic experience that every lover of horror should enjoy."

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A.J. Maciejewski Video Chums Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

85.0

Gameplay

90.0

Story

85.0

"Out of all of the retro-style indie games that I&s;ve played, Fear the Spotlight is one of the most impressive and I hope to play a sequel. 🔦"

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Andrew Agress The Outerhaven Productions Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

85.0

Gameplay

75.0

Story

70.0

"With satisfying and story-related puzzle and genuine chills, Fear the Spotlight delivers a top-notch, bite-sized, lo-fi horror experience. Contrary to its title, it steps into the spotlight as the best indie horror game of the year."

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Axel Bosso TheGamer Sep 2023
70.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

68.0

Story

72.0

"Cozy Game Pals delivered a sweet experience perfect for those who want an effective short Halloween story and have a place in their hearts for how games used to look a couple of decades ago."

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Ben Brosofsky Screen Rant Sep 2023
70.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

68.0

Story

72.0

"More than anything, Fear the Spotlight asserts a strong future for Cozy Game Pals, a studio that could accomplish a lot if it keeps iterating. It&s;s also a nice foray into gaming for Blumhouse, and the willingness to invest in …"

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Benny Rose Gaming Age Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

90.0

Gameplay

90.0

Story

90.0

"I was already a Blumhouse fan and now I’m a Blumhouse Games fan. Fear the Spotlight is an easy recommendation for any retro survival horror fan."

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Brodie Gibbons Press Start Sep 2023
85.0 /100

Graphics

50.0

Gameplay

50.0

Story

50.0

"Fear the Spotlight delivers a nostalgic, classically-inspired horror game that places story, its sense of place, and the breadcrumb trail of a mystery you pursue ahead of combat while maintaining a true sense of unease throughout. From the moment our …"

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Caleb Gayle Cinelinx Sep 2023
100.0 /100

Graphics

92.0

Gameplay

96.0

Story

98.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a fantastic return to horror games of the past. With brilliant visuals, great gameplay, and a twisted story, Fear the Spotlight is a great game to play the Halloween season and one of our favorite indie …"

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Charlie Kelly Checkpoint Gaming Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

84.0

Gameplay

86.0

Story

91.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a fantastic publishing debut for Blumhouse Games and also a triumphant (re)release from Cozy Game Pals. Now with a crucial fleshed-out epilogue that only bolsters the important queer horror story it has to tell, it&s;s a …"

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Dalton Cooper Game Rant Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

60.0

Gameplay

70.0

Story

80.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a creepy survival-horror game that serves as a fun throwback to the genre&s;s heyday."

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David Jenkins Metro GameCentral Sep 2023
70.0 /100

Graphics

68.0

Gameplay

72.0

Story

68.0

"A fun mix of PS1 era horror nostalgia and Life Is Strange style emotional drama, that goes a little too light on the scares but is still a compelling mix of influences."

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Fábio Castanho Emídio Nintendo Blast Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

70.0

Gameplay

75.0

Story

85.0

"With an extremely interesting story, precise controls, well done retro graphics, and a powerful message (that&s;s unfortunately still a thing in our society), this is a new jewel of indie horror."

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Garri Bagdasarov PlayStation Universe Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

80.0

Gameplay

85.0

Story

90.0

"Blumhouse Games is off to a great start with Fear the Spotlight. A creepy PS1-era horror game with a great story, incredible atmosphere, and puzzles that will make you remember those fun times back in the day."

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Giovanni Colantonio Digital Trends Sep 2023
60.0 /100

Graphics

38.0

Gameplay

52.0

Story

61.0

"As a work of throwback video game horror, Fear the Spotlight passes, but only with partial credit. It’s a concise creepshow with a dual narrative twist that digs into the psyche of both of its teen heroines. Its attempts to …"

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İdil Barbaros Atarita Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

80.0

Gameplay

65.0

Story

70.0

"With average gameplay and horror elements, Fear The Spotlight offers a movie-like story lasting about 5 hours. It&s;s a game with a strong atmosphere, capable of making you feel both warmth and tension as it draws you into the characters."

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Jade Sayers Push Square Sep 2023
70.0 /100

Graphics

68.0

Gameplay

52.0

Story

70.0

"The horror element is extremely well done throughout the game, and paves the way for an interesting story as you progress through the game, but things can verge on tedious as the gameplay style does feel very back and forth …"

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Jarren Navarrete Sirus Gaming Sep 2023
60.0 /100

Graphics

58.0

Gameplay

62.0

Story

58.0

"I’d recommend Fear the Spotlight for those who like the retro-styled horror and indie game experiences. There is extra content to dive into for those returning but you have to complete the game first before you can unlock it. I …"

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Jon Scarr Cloud Dosage Sep 2023
86.0 /100

Graphics

78.0

Gameplay

82.0

Story

84.0

"Fear the Spotlight offers a nostalgic and engaging stealth-puzzle experience. The game features retro 3D graphics inspired by classic PlayStation titles, adding to its overall charm. The puzzles are challenging but not too difficult. While the AI can sometimes be …"

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Justin Wood CGMagazine Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

85.0

Gameplay

92.0

Story

94.0

"Fear the Spotlight delivers an incredibly impactful and unsettling story that will linger in my memory long after the credits roll."

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Katharine Castle Eurogamer Sep 2023
60.0 /100

Graphics

55.0

Gameplay

70.0

Story

80.0

"Fear the Spotlight is the least scary horror game you&s;ll likely ever play, but there&s;s a tenderness to its storytelling that cannot be overstated here, even if some of it&s;s a bit muddled."

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Kelsey Raynor VG247 Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

75.0

Story

90.0

"If you’re looking to delve into a supernatural story laden with satisfying, tactile puzzles, then Fear the Spotlight is a grand way to spend four to five hours of your time this autumn. Though, if you were hoping for something …"

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Ken McKown ZTGD Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

90.0

Gameplay

80.0

Story

70.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a good first effort from the Blumhouse games initiative. It hits all the notes of a classic horror game with the hint of nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the 32-bit consoles. I …"

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Kyle LeClair Hardcore Gamer Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

85.0

Gameplay

92.0

Story

88.0

"Cozy Game Pals have truly crafted one outstanding ode to classic survival horror games with Fear the Spotlight. It perfectly finds a balance between an atmosphere and story that are all suitably creepy, core stealth gameplay that features one impressive, …"

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Lee Mehr VGChartz Sep 2023
70.0 /100

Graphics

68.0

Gameplay

72.0

Story

74.0

"The oddly-named Cozy Game Pals blends unabashed nostalgia, earnest emotion, and a tense atmosphere to make a retro-horror experience that earns its time under the spotlight."

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Mario Vadillo Comunidad Xbox Sep 2023
73.0 /100

Graphics

38.0

Gameplay

52.0

Story

64.0

"In the run-up to Halloween, there&s;s nothing better than a low-pol title to enjoy a couple of nights of suspense and tension on our sofa. Blumhouse Games and Cozy Game Pals bring us a title with clear retro reminiscences, where …"

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Mark Delaney GameSpot Sep 2023
70.0 /100

"Fear The Spotlight is far from the scariest game you could play this Halloween season, but what may be read as a detriment for some is instead its best quality for others. With classically designed but more contained puzzles and …"

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Nathan Carter Gaming Nexus Sep 2023
100.0 /100

Graphics

96.0

Gameplay

82.0

Story

73.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a short but fantastic classic Survival Horror experience. Filled with an intriguing story, great characters, fun puzzles, this game delivers lots of tension and a lot of love, care, and passion for the games that we …"

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Nathan Hermanson video games are good Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

80.0

Gameplay

75.0

Story

90.0

"Fear the Spotlight is one of those games that&s;s just so well-roundedly good that it&s;s hard to pinpoint its particular highs and lows. It&s;s well-written — tense but tender — the horror is approachable and enjoyable for horror fans of …"

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Nathaniel Stevens Digital Chumps Sep 2023
85.0 /100

Graphics

82.0

Gameplay

78.0

Story

73.0

"Fear the Spotlight from developer Cozy Game Pals and publisher Blumhouse Games is a frightfully fun romp that balances out puzzles and stealth inside of a horror experience. While it won’t redefine the horror genre in gaming with its narrative, …"

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Noah Kupetsky SteamDeckHQ Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

70.0

Story

85.0

"Fear the Spotlight became one of my favorite horror games, and I almost immediately played it this year. The story is engaging, even if it is semi-predictable, and I love how you interact with the world and how the physics …"

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Oliver Reynolds Nintendo Life Sep 2023
90.0 /100

Graphics

70.0

Gameplay

85.0

Story

85.0

"Fear the Spotlight is an excellent narrative horror experience that proves to be the perfect companion for Halloween season. It&s;s a game loaded with atmosphere and dread throughout, with immersive, tactile puzzles and an overarching storyline that is engaging and …"

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Oscar Taylor-Kent PC Gamer Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

70.0

Gameplay

65.0

Story

85.0

"Nailing its low-poly aesthetic, smart visual and audio choices combine to create luxurious moments of tension. While a lack of friction makes action a bit straightforward, the well-crafted vibes make for an experience you won&s;t forget anytime soon."

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Paul Hunter NextGen Player Sep 2023
85.0 /100

Graphics

75.0

Gameplay

85.0

Story

90.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a captivating addition to the horror genre that successfully blends nostalgic visuals with modern gameplay. The dark, detailed environments create a sense of dread that is palpable as you explore the abandoned school, and the clever …"

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Ray Tarara Seasoned Gaming Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

85.0

Gameplay

75.0

Story

80.0

"While it may not deliver heart-pounding challenges or intricate game mechanics, its charm lies in its simplicity, accessibility, and narrative depth. Cozy Game Pals have crafted a game that evokes the spirit of ’90s survival horror without feeling like a …"

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Richard Walker Xbox Achievements Sep 2023
80.0 /100

"As an opening gambit and statement of intent from Blumhouse Games, Fear the Spotlight gets things off to a strong start, delivering a 3D retro horror experience that, while in thrall to its &s;90s influences, also manages to carve out …"

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Robert Andalon Smash Jump Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

70.0

Story

85.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a chillingly fun playthrough that is perfect for those craving a late-night spooky romp that can be finished in about five hours. The ominous and cryptic plot that unfolds had me hooked from start to finish. …"

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Yuna Briggs Noisy Pixel Sep 2023
65.0 /100

Graphics

70.0

Gameplay

60.0

Story

80.0

"Fear The Spotlight is a brief, nostalgic love letter to 90s horror games, blending simple stealth and puzzle mechanics. While it doesn&s;t break new ground in the genre, its atmospheric visuals and sound design provide a few hours of engaging …"

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Zachary Miller NintendoWorldReport Sep 2023
80.0 /100

Graphics

65.0

Gameplay

70.0

Story

68.0

"Fear the Spotlight is a fun time, though it&s;s quite short and a smidge underwhelming–for somebody who has played every Silent Hill and most of the mainline Resident Evil games. For a newcomer curious about this genre, Fear the Spotlight …"

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