PAX West 2024 Spotlight: Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion
I spent some time with the gruesome Corpse Party sequel, Darkness Distortion, at PAX West 2024.
Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion. Credit: Marvelous / XSEED
I was very excited to try the demo for Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion that Marvelous and XSEED showcased at PAX West 2024. Being a huge fan of the original Corpse Party release on PSP, I couldn't wait to get a glimpse of this sequel.
Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion. Credit: Marvelous / XSEED
For those who aren't familiar, Corpse Party is a horror game about a group of high schoolers who find themselves trapped in a haunted alternate version of their school and must find a way to escape. The original game was incredibly spooky and eerie, especially considering its 16-bit pixel art style. Now, the sequel features more high schoolers, led by a streamer eager to create great content, who get stuck in an abandoned hospital while looking into an urban legend called "Ayame’s Mercy."
One big change is that Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion has shifted to full 3D graphics. I have to admit, I'm a bit skeptical about this change. The 2D graphics in the original game had such a textured, gruesome quality that really added to the horrifying ambiance. The new game's visuals feel somewhat lacking in comparison. The 3D graphics seem a bit basic and outdated, and it seems like the game is compensating for that by using limited draw distance and darkness to create atmosphere.
During the demo, we got to see a glimpse of the early part of the game. The three protagonists—Nemu, Maria, and Haruka—are exploring the hospital, trying to find a way out. They come across a ringing payphone, and when Nemu answers, we witness a chilling scene where she hears a maniac violently attacking someone who sounds like Maria. Later scenes in the demo involve our heroes retrieving key items from a corpse's guts and a disgusting, overflowing toilet. The sequel definitely maintains the series' gory and gross nature.
Despite my reservations about the game's new look, I'm hopeful that the writing, story, and voice performances will still deliver a memorable horror experience. I can't wait to dive in when Corpse Party 2: Darkness Distortion is released in Fall 2024, available digitally on PC, Switch, and PlayStation 4, with physical console editions also on offer.
