Dreadline Express, developed by David Konecny, is a first-person psychological horror adventure set aboard the last human train crossing a devastated Earth. With only a handful of humanity's survivors remaining, the train carries unanswered questions about its purpose and the fate of civilization. The game follows a metroidbrainia structure, placing knowledge and discovery at the center of a story about humanity's final days.

Exploring the train and making choices

Dreadline Express allows players to explore the train and decide how to deal with its occupants. Each passenger has a story to tell, and players can choose whether to make them allies or enemies. Obstacles can also be overcome through brute force or tactics, allowing for different solutions depending on the situation. There is no single correct way to handle every challenge, leaving players to decide how they want their journey to unfold.

The game's card-based narrative system tracks achievements and discoveries throughout the journey. Players can browse their collection in a card album, identify connections between cards, and plan their next moves. Each new card opens additional possibilities, encouraging players to consider how the information they gather might help them move forward. Completing the entire album is also tied to fully understanding the story of the last human train, giving players a reason to investigate thoroughly.

An atmosphere of isolation and dread

Dreadline Express takes place inside the final moving remnant of a fallen civilization, surrounded by the scars of a devastated planet. The train's enclosed environment creates a sense of isolation, while the warning that someone is watching adds to the tension. With humanity nearing extinction, the journey carries an underlying sense of dread that reflects the bleakness of the world beyond its carriages.

A haunting mystery worth uncovering

Dreadline Express is worth considering for players who enjoy investigative adventures and psychological horror. The fate of humanity and the secrets hidden aboard its final train provide plenty of questions to ponder as the story unfolds. However, its heavy reliance on narrative discovery may be less appealing to players who prefer more action-oriented experiences. For those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and gradually piecing together an unfamiliar world, the game promises an interesting journey into the unknown.