Midnight Murder Club: PS5 Review

Developed by Velan Studios
Published by Sony Interactive
Platform: PS5

The idea of running around and shooting people is inherent to the gaming world.

Whether it's part of the comical Ratchet and Clank series or more serious fare like Call of Duty, the shooter has been the go-to genre for many a year.

But while the idea of keeping shooter games fresh is always tricky, the team at Velan Studios have taken a pinch of inspiration from 2016's Until Dawn VR shooter Rush of Blood and come up with something that's definitely got a more 2025 appeal.

In Midnight Murder Club, up to six friends can hunt each other in the pitch-black rooms of the mysterious Wormwood Manor. Armed with only a revolver and a flashlight, it's up to them to search the shadows for every flicker of light and every bump in the night as they stalk their prey.

It's a simple enough premise and while the Early Access release makes good use of one single location, it proves to be good fun with friends and family. While in truth the single location does grate after a few hours of solid gameplay, the scope for much more here is clearly marked - and not just with a bullseye on its back.

With game modes like Free-For-All where it's one against six or Team Deathmatch where you team up with another player to go crazy and stalk, the simple enough idea is strongly executed. With power ups available from machines scattered around the mansion the game has plenty of promise for fun and shenanigans.

With a lack of a map and only the flicker of other lights to hunt out other players, it's really a game of reflex and wits, which are no bad thing. In truth, the game's better with friends, though the bots from the BETA make for strong enough comrades, even if the AI runs off and leaves you when you're wounded, giving you scant chance to catch up for a revival.

Impressively fun and with a planned roadmap, Midnight Murder Club has its finger squarely on the trigger of gaming - and it more than achieves what it wants to do. Hopefully, there'll be more from it soon.