Wych Elm’s Silver Pines is a Horror Game for Fans of Alan Wake and Twin Peaks

Image Credit: Dan Morris for Fearzine/Wych Elm/Team17

“A Damn Fine Cup of Coffee”

Survival horror knows no bounds when it comes to gameplay mechanics and approaches. Silver Pines aims to deliver a 2.5D metroidvania-style game injected with survival horror DNA. It comes to life with a striking visual art style and rotoscoped character animation that heightens the surreal experience, screaming its influences instead of wearing them.

After spending several hours with Silver Pines, one thing is certain. Wych Elm understands what makes a good survival horror game, and they can do it in a way that feels akin to classic adventure games like the original Prince of Persia. I was first intrigued by Silver Pines early on by its noir-heavy, contrasted visual style and design. The fact that it is a metroidvania drew me in closer, but I wasn't sure if it would work. I expected the game to lean more into exploration with light horror elements.

The truth is, this Twin Peaks/Alan Wake-inspired game blends the two genres damn near perfectly. I began my quest as Private Investigator Red Walker, waking up in Silver Pines with no memory of how he got there. The game is a 2.5D side scroller, and I walked right to the door, but it was locked and needed a key. I turned left to explore the diner I found myself in. In the diner, I eventually found the key after examining some lore-developing items scattered throughout. I found a coffee machine that prompted “Make Coffee”; the java fiend in me thought – hell yeah! I patiently waited and watched as the machine percolated and filled with hot brown morning juice. Then I could drink the coffee and saw “Max Stamina increased,” Ok, you got me, Silver Pines; let’s see what you are made of.

Image Credit: Dan Morris for Fearzine/Wych Elm/Team17

As I made my way through the town, I came across blocked paths as one would expect in a metroidvania, but here they were more horror-style puzzles – that’s what I am talking about. I soon found myself face to face with a, well, “faceless” monster but I had no way to defend myself, so of course, I ran. Since Silver Pines is 2.5D, in order to get past enemies, you use a dodge button, and Walker will dodge sideways and around danger when timed correctly. I found a box cutter, learned that box cutter does not equate to weapon – I died fighting a faceless, and ran from every foe that came for me. I finally acquired a revolver and found deep satisfaction in gun combat. Reloading requires button presses to add bullets to the chamber, and it feels satisfying, not tedious. When I pulled the trigger of the revolver, it was loud and powerful.

Image Credit: Dan Morris for Fearzine/Wych Elm/Team17

The story focuses on Walker, a PI who receives a call from a nameless man who is looking for a musician named Eddie Velvet. Walker does not remember taking the job or how he got to Silver Pines, but gets on with the job anyways. It quickly becomes clear that there is something very wrong in Silver Pines, but most residents have left because of an impending storm. A few are hanging around, but most do not seem to notice the strange happenings. The closer you get to Eddie, the stranger things become as reality starts to blur and strange characters seem to manipulate the situation.

The voice acting, in particular, stands out as much as the art style. It compliments a rich, atmospheric score that will have you stopping to listen to the quality of the tracks. There are fun easter eggs which include TVs that will pop on and play “episodes” of in-universe shows. How very Remedy of them.

Image Credit: Dan Morris for Fearzine/Wych Elm/Team17

Drenched in style and excellent voice acting, paired with spot-on survival horror gameplay that includes inventory management and backtracking made it hard to put the controller down during play sessions. After several hours with Silver Pines, it is shaping up to be one of the best horror games of 2026, and you can try the demo on Steam to see for yourself.

Learn more about Silver Pines on the official website. Pick up the game on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2 and see for yourself.

A key was provided By Team 17

Find our full review for Silver Pines coming to our Patreon and Fearzine #6.

Are you ready to increase your stamina with this hot cup o’ Joe?