There are no shortage of intriguing indie horror games available on the internet, including some that PC users can download for free. A game called Nightbell is the latest entry into this category, with PC users able to claim it for free up until June 30.
Nightbell is just the latest in an exciting trend of quality horror experiences going free-to-play. For example, the Steam version of Dead by Daylight is fully playable until June 22 at no cost, with players simply needing a Steam account to access this free week. And for those seeking lesser-known indie experiences that won’t have been spoiled by playthroughs, memes, and clips online, itch.io regularly offers some standouts for free. Nightbell falls into this latter category, as players simply need an itch.io account to download Nightbell and keep it forever.
PC Horror Game With Serious Metro Vibes is 100% Free, But You Have to Act Fast
A new horror game puts players in control of Artyom, and that’s not the only similarity the free PC download has to the belove Metro franchise.
Nightbell’s Haunted House Gameplay Looks Deeply Unsettling
For any horror fans who ever had fears about creepy dolls and toys coming to life when they were growing up, this particular game could leave them shaking in their boots. In this immersive first-person horror title, players control a young boy stuck in what was once a cozy home on Christmas Eve. For some reason, once night falls, things take a turn for the worst, and the boy is stuck finding out what has happened while avoiding threats that lurk in the shadows.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Easy (120s)Medium (90s)Hard (60s)
The titular Nightbell will serve as a guide for the boy, telling them where they need to go next and presenting new clues to piece together. While morning approaching will make what the boy saw look like a bad dream, there will apparently be hints that this wasn’t the case, meaning that what players are seeing is very much real. Without combat or similar mechanics, it seems like this particular game can best be compared to the Outlast series, as players are mainly hiding from creatures and moving through an environment as they watch a story unfold.
On itch.io, where the game’s price has been lowered from $3.99 to $0 until June 30, 27 reviews have been left, with the game having an average of 4 and 1/4 stars. Points of praise include the “beautiful” graphics of Nightbell, as well as some genuinely terrifying jumpscares. Others praised the Christmas setting, wishing more games within the horror genre utilized it. As for one of the negatives, not all players appreciate the simple gameplay loop, wishing there was more to do besides walking and hiding. Additionally, gamers may need a decently powerful PC to run the game since its visuals are so impressive for an indie title.
With Nightbell being largely well received by its players, and offering a unique setting with hostile toys and a demonic woman lurking in the halls, it certainly seems like it will be worth a download. Players have until June 30 to make or sign-in to their itch.io accounts to claim the game, and once they’ve done so, it’s theirs to keep and replay forever.
