While horror games provide plenty of shrieks and scares, an upcoming release aims to blend that spookiness with an aww-inspiring premise. Haunted Paws, revealed this week for PC via Steam, lets two players team up cooperatively as a pair of courageous puppies venturing into a haunted mansion on a mission to rescue their human friend.
Developed by Lazy Flock, Haunted Paws promises a distinctive horror adventure experience fusing unsettling supernatural elements with heartwarming cozy comforts. As the furry protagonists, players will be able to engage in all sorts of typical puppy antics like digging, sniffing out clues, and barking up a storm while simultaneously confronting the eerie manor’s evil denizens and uncovering their dark backstories.
Beyond the narrative’s novel setup, a major hook allows players to design their in-game puppy partners to visually resemble their own real-life dogs. A wide array of breed options are available to choose from, with fur colors and distinguishing features all customizable. Outfitting the virtual canine companions with fun accessory items like hats and bowties adds even more personalized flair.
“We really wanted to capture that blend of creepy and cuddly with Haunted Paws by putting players in the adorable roles of puppies having to deal with supernatural distress,” said Amanda Roberts, lead developer at Lazy Flock. “Who could be braver and more determined than a couple of loyal pups willing to face any danger to find their missing human?”
While predominately designed as a cooperative experience supporting local and online play, Haunted Paws will feature accessibility options like color blindness modes and text size adjustments. The gameplay itself looks to involve solving puzzles, uncovering clues, and evading or combating the mansion’s hostile paranormal forces across its varied haunted environments.
No firm release date has been announced yet for Haunted Paws, but the unique genre mashup can already be wishlisted on Steam for those eager to one day soon leash up for the cozy yet spine-tingling co-op romp. If the early premise and details are any indication, this haunted house will be going barking up the right tree for horror fans seeking a disarmingly delightful twist.
