[REC] Shutter is a free first-person horror video game wherein you must explore the halls of an abandoned asylum. Developed by Steelkrill Studio—formerly known as KGames—this strategy game employs using a camera to see around the environment, which may be reminiscent of the popular Outlast game series and the found footage movie subgenre. You have to do the classic map exploration and puzzle-solving to progress while avoiding any dangerous paranormal encounters.

A classic horror setting

In [REC] Shutter, you play as Connor O’Neill, an insomniac reporter who’s constantly been plagued with harrowing nightmares. His recent one was about a haunted insane asylum called Pennyhill that he eventually received as a potential place to investigate. Like most horror games, you will be wielding your trusty camera a lot, since it acts as your flashlight, your night vision goggles, and almost your only weapon in one neat little package. 

The atmosphere of the game is immediately apparent the moment you start. The graphics of the game assets are nice enough for the intended environment and the sound design, while a bit strange at times, is bound to get you anxious as you explore. As you move around, your camera will sometimes go static and alert you of potential dangers. You need to use its various controls in order to see safely into the darkness. 

Be careful not to get attacked too much, as the game makes use of an insanity or panic bar that can make things harder for you. You can try hiding in the shadows with a dedicated button if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Also, take care not to drain your camera’s battery. The game can be challenging enough with the darkness but the camera interface is quite imposing on the screen and may even block your view. 

Feels unpolished

Overall, [REC] Shutter is a nice enough found footage horror game. The gameplay mechanics are great, with the tutorial slowly being activated as you move about. However, sometimes, the controls are taught too late. The subtitles are also chock full of grammatical errors. Plus, the camera screen looking tilted can be off-putting. Nonetheless, the jumpscares are actually horrifying with the setting and this is a recommended game for horror fans to try out.