DreadOut 2

DreadOut 2 is a third-person survival horror game developed by Indonesian studio Digital Happiness. Following the cult success of the original DreadOut (2014), the sequel was initially released for PC in February 2020 and subsequently ported to consoles in 2022. The game retains the original's commitment to Indonesian folklore and supernatural horror while significantly expanding the gameplay with new mechanics and an ambitious semi-open-world design.

Narrative: Linda’s Lingering Curse

The story continues immediately after the events of the first game. The protagonist, Linda Meilinda, a high school student with the innate ability to sense and interact with the spirit realm, is struggling to return to a normal life. Having survived a horrific school trip where many of her classmates perished, Linda suffers from survivor's guilt and remains an outcast.

She soon discovers that a curse has been placed upon her, making her a target for vengeful spirits and a key figure in a conflict against the Blorong (a powerful serpent mistress and the returning main antagonist). Linda must delve deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world, traveling between her unsettling hometown and terrifying otherworldly locations to find answers and save herself.

Blended Combat and Exploration

DreadOut 2 makes a pivotal shift from its predecessor's purely defensive, Fatal Frame-inspired combat by introducing an action-oriented melee system:

• Smartphone Camera: Linda's signature weapon—her smartphone camera—is still crucial. Intangible ghosts (like the classic Kuntilanak or Pocong) can only be damaged and banished by snapping pictures of them, often requiring quick timing and a charged shot. The phone’s flashlight can also be used to stun most enemies.

• Melee Combat: The sequel introduces physical entities (sometimes referred to as zombies or warped humans) which are immune to the camera. Linda must now use physical weapons, primarily an axe or knife, to fight these monsters. The implementation of this melee combat was noted by critics as clunky but added necessary variety to the encounters.

• Semi-Open World: Between linear, intense levels set in locations like schools and hospitals, the game features a semi-open world hub: Linda’s quiet, yet mysterious, hometown. Players can explore the town, talk to the eccentric (both living and deceased) residents, and complete optional side quests. This unique juxtaposition of laid-back exploration and intense, linear horror provides moments of respite and helps flesh out the local lore.

Indonesian Folklore Bestiary

The game excels in its presentation of a diverse and terrifying bestiary, with nearly every enemy rooted in Indonesian urban legends and mythology. Linda uses a Ghostpedia app on her phone to document and learn about the spirits she defeats, revealing fascinating details about creatures such as the monstrous Genderuwo (a large, evil spirit) and the chilling Gore Surgeon, giving the horror a distinct cultural flavor.