As the year 2024 ushers in a new era for public domain characters, the earliest incarnation of Mickey Mouse, known affectionately as Steamboat Willie, has taken an unexpected turn.
No longer confined to the wholesome world of Walt Disney, this iconic character has been reimagined in a startling new role: a slasher in an indie horror game. This transition mirrors a similar fate that befell Winnie the Pooh last year, who also entered the public domain and was promptly reinvented in a horror setting.
The game in question, titled “Infestation 88“, is a cooperative horror experience developed by Nightmare Forge Games, a team reputed for their expertise in crafting horror games since 2010.
The game’s premise involves players taking on the role of exterminators dealing with sinister infestations caused by twisted versions of classic characters and urban legends. The first trailer, released alongside the game’s announcement, prominently features a menacing version of Steamboat Willie terrorizing players in biohazard suits.
Set in the year 1988, “Infestation 88” offers an episodic adventure where players face off against “mysterious infestations.” It draws comparisons to other horror titles like Lethal Company but distinguishes itself with the inclusion of familiar characters reimagined in a nightmarish context.
The game is slated for an early access release on Steam sometime in 2024. During this period, which is expected to last six to twelve months, Nightmare Forge Games aims to gather community feedback to refine and expand the game’s features.
According to the developers, “Infestation 88” already boasts a fully playable loop where up to four players can act as exterminators, tackling infestations in various locations using a range of tools. The early access phase is seen as a crucial step in evolving the game based on player input and experiences.
