Countryside 1999 is a free-to-play simulation that lets you relive the classic found-footage horror popular in the 90s. In this indie entry, you follow the steps of a construction worker who suddenly quit his job after seeing an inexplicable sight. In true found-footage style, you set up your videocassette recorder and explore the corners of an old Victorian house.

The pixelated text, blue menu screens, and its VCR filter all make Countryside 1999 a quick horror that will definitely leave a mark. Similarly, you would want to check out found-footage games like The Backrooms 1998 or Our Lady of Sorrow.

A surprise treat for modern gamers

Usually, indie games under the found-footage subgenre are presented in low-resolution polygonal graphics to capture the feel of early Sega Saturn or PlayStation games, but not Countryside 1999. It has surprisingly clear and crisp visuals that are almost lifelike, then processed through the retro VCR filter. Even the animation is so smooth, comparable to AAA titles like Resident Evil: Village in terms of visual quality.

For the sound, it doesn’t feature a soundtrack, which is to be expected. Instead, you are treated to quality atmospheric sound effects that keep up with the visuals. It completes the unsettling atmosphere. Even the footsteps are crisp and audible. The 3D environment works well with the gameplay elements, with intuitive controls and even the slight inconveniences added that reflect the realistic use of a VCR.

Unfortunately, the entire game remains restricted by its short playthrough. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete a run. Also, as it has no objectives or other mechanics whatsoever, consider it a walking simulator. Lastly, the game manages to maintain an unsettling feeling for the rest of the short experience, so much so that its setup is far better than its brief, inexplicable ending.

A quick must-have

Countryside 1999 subverts most expectations associated with indie found-footage games. Its impressive use of incredibly realistic visual quality paired with 3D atmospheric audio makes it a definite must-try. Its short playthrough, if anything, makes you want more materials, either as its continuation or a new project from the same developer. The ending, however, is anticlimactic and can get divisive depending on the player. Still, recommended.