Madvent Calendar 3: Necrosis is a free horror anthology released in December 2022 by the Haunted PS1 community. Presented as an advent calendar, it delivers a new microgame for each day of December, with over two dozen entries created by different indie developers. Each game embraces a retro PS1-inspired aesthetic, combining surreal imagery, unsettling atmosphere, and short-form experimentation.

The collection thrives on unpredictability. Some entries lean into puzzle-solving or exploration, while others offer brief narrative vignettes or arcade-like action. This variety is part of its charm, ensuring players never know what to expect behind each “door.” The shared launcher, called New Spook City, acts as a moody hub where players navigate to each game, reinforcing the unsettling seasonal theme.

How does Madvent Calendar 3: Necrosis play?

Gameplay changes drastically between entries, since each is made by a different creator with their own vision of horror. One day might present a cryptic riddle, while another drops players into a first-person nightmare or a surreal platformer. The common thread is experimental horror, with each microgame embracing lo-fi visuals and unsettling audio design to create tension and unease. While some games feel more polished than others, the anthology’s diversity and unpredictability keep the experience consistently fresh.

Atmosphere is a major strength throughout the collection. The deliberate low-poly visuals, grainy textures, and eerie soundscapes evoke nostalgia for late-1990s horror while pushing into stranger, more abstract territory that feels unique. Sound design in particular heightens unease, with distorted effects, sparse ambient tracks, and sudden audio stingers keeping players on edge. Not every entry lands perfectly, but even weaker ones contribute to the anthology’s eclectic and offbeat mood.

Replay value lies in exploring the breadth of games on offer. Some players may be drawn to the puzzle-heavy entries, while others enjoy the surreal or purely atmospheric pieces that experiment with form. The uneven quality is a natural side effect of community-driven anthologies, yet fans of indie horror will still find plenty worth unwrapping. 

An unpredictable holiday horror tradition

Madvent Calendar 3: Necrosis succeeds as a strange and varied holiday-themed anthology. Its unevenness comes with the territory, but the creativity of its community contributors makes it memorable. For players who enjoy short-form experimental horror wrapped in a nostalgic presentation, it’s an experience worth unwrapping each December.