Killer Frequency: PS5 Review

Developed by Team 17

Published by Team 17

Platform: PS5

Killer Frequency takes the idea of life and death radio to its logical extreme.

Set against an 80s style aesthetic, you take on the role of Forrest Nash, a late night DJ who's been unceremoniously dumped into a small town's local radio station. As you settle in to your shift, the local police call in to let you know they're re-routing all their calls via your talkback settings because there's a serial killer on the loose.

It's the slightest of premises in many ways, but as you try to help callers who dial in in fear of local killer legend the Whistling Man taking their revenge upon them, the game's first player ethos kicks into gear.

Along with your tech support and producer Penny, it's upto you to help each one as they dial in. 

While it's a very simple premise that's executed with ease, Killer Frequency occasionally squanders some of the tension and build up as you try and help out and save the day. It's probably due to some of the fact that from time to time you're required to leave your DJ station and go on some contrived mission to find documents and scraps to help you save callers. It's something that takes you out of the game unfortunately, even though what's going on is fun.

For an indie, Killer Frequency has its moments that truly shine.

For anyone who's ever worked in a radio station or been a frustrated DJ, the chance to throw records on and fire up jingles and commercials doesn't lose its novelty. 

Using a variety of point and click console mechanics you have the chance to be the guy behind the mic, and while it's gimmicky to start off with, it feels natural after just a few minutes or so and pretty soon you'll be turning the tables and chatting to callers before you know it.

While it's understandable that as an indie, it has a smaller scope, Killer Frequency mixes puzzles with the real-time running of a radio station, while negotiating an adventure as well. It's admirable stuff, and while it doesn't always succeed, there's definitely a feeling the game is working well within its confines.

A novel spin on what has become a very tired genre in many ways, Killer Frequency mixes humour and horror with aplomb to create an adventure that freshens up the narrative adventure gaming world.