The quality of VR titles coming out of Australia has been steadily improving over the last few years, with Max Mustard in particular making waves this year, securing the AGDA for Excellence in Mixed Reality. Excitingly, an upcoming game from WA-based developer Arch Rebels looks to add more high-quality Aussie experiences into the VR mix, with GHOST CAM. I was daring enough to check it out at SXSW Sydney 2024, and if the chills up my spine are anything to go by, this haunting experience could be thrilling in the best possible way.
GHOST CAM has you exploring an abandoned bedroom, armed with nothing but a Polaroid camera and a torch to help light your way. Of course, in this creepy game full of spooky spirits, nothing is as it seems. As you navigate the room, you’ll take photos of ghostly tracks left behind, which serve as clues that lead you to uncover more of the mystery. You’ll need to be careful though, as if you are caught by a ghost, you’ll be forced out.
“GHOST CAM was able to quickly take me to strange places in clever ways…”
You can attempt to capture ghosts in a Polaroid, too. Regardless of your Ghost Catcher ranking, whether you fail or succeed, you’ll want to make different choices in another playthrough to get a better result. This means playing the experience multiple times might be needed so you can piece together the full story.
What was immediately apparent when I first put on the VR headset and entered into the world of GHOST CAM was that the eerie vibes were absolutely nailed. Even during the tutorial, the ominous whisper of the voiceover guiding you through helped to set the unearthly tone. On a tactile level, snapping a photo, having it printed on a Polaroid in front of you and then grabbing it with your hand to pull it off is incredibly satisfying.
Searching through the bedroom, I was pleased to see it evolve even during my short play session. Packing boxes with ghostly handprints morphed and gave way to a child’s bedroom, complete with (creepy) toys and cute pictures on the wall. VR as a platform can be very transportation when done correctly, and GHOST CAM was able to quickly take me to strange places in clever ways, changing my environment and keeping me on my toes.
While the Gaming Showcase floor at SXSW Sydney might not have been the best atmosphere to appreciate the audio properly, I still had a genuine goosebumps moment just from exploring my chilling surroundings. Talking with GHOST CAM creator Amy Louise Doherty, she noted that they’re not going for full-on jump scares and terror, but are definitely offering some tension-building moments and genuinely spooky vibes. It’s also worth noting it will be available on PC, for those who don’t have access to a VR headset but don’t want to miss out on the creepiness.
While my Ghost Catcher ranking may need some work, I’m eager to soak in the atmosphere when it eventually releases.
GHOST CAM is able to be Wishlisted on Steam now.
About the Author
Luke Mitchell
he/him
Luke spends his time making radio, playing video games, binge-watching TV, getting unreasonably invested in wrestling, hosting bear events and hanging out with his beautiful pets.
