Late Homework taps into the rich legacy of survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, blending retro aesthetics with modern design. Upon booting up the game, players are greeted by a nostalgic logo animation and a main menu reminiscent of classic console interfaces, offering a simple but ominous choice: begin or quit. The moment you enter the school, the experience is a direct nod to Resident Evil’s iconic moments like its door-opening animations, immediately immersing you in a tense atmosphere.
The gameplay combines fixed camera angles and over-the-shoulder perspectives, enhancing the feeling of unease that these horror classics are known for. The use of "tank controls" further reinforces the vintage horror vibe, with environmental interactions providing flavor text that sets a chilling tone, much like the atmospheric notes scattered through the halls of Silent Hill.
One of Late Homework’s standout features is its dedication to authenticity. The game’s visuals mimic the CRT TV experience, complete with a 4:3 aspect ratio and on-screen artifacting that feels ripped straight from the 90s. The sound design is equally exceptional—whispers echoing through the halls and the static of an approaching anomaly evoke the same sweat-inducing fear that Silent Hill’s radio static caused back in the day.
Although this is a bite-sized horror experience, the game's simplicity doesn't detract from its effectiveness. The sense of safety you feel when ducking into rooms during chases adds a strategic element that mirrors the resource management so essential to Resident Evil. While the game is short and doesn't quite reach the depth of its inspirations, its strong atmosphere and creative callbacks make it a must-play for any fan of classic survival horror.
Late Homework is a love letter to the pioneers of the genre, proving that even a brief experience can have a lasting impact when it’s crafted with care. If you’re a fan of Resident Evil’s methodical gameplay or Silent Hill’s creeping dread, this bite-sized indie game is sure to leave you yearning for more.
If you too want to experience the chilling halls of Late Homework and relive classic survival horror vibes, you can check out the game here: Late Homework on Itch.io.
