Bad Cheese, published by Feardemic and developed by Simon Lukasik, makes its PlayStation 5 debut as one of the more unusual horror releases of the year. Its premise leans heavily on psychological discomfort rather than traditional scares, drawing from the unsettling charm of early 20th-century animation. You play as a young mouse left in the care of an increasingly unstable father while the mother is away, and the game’s tension builds not through jump scares but through the suffocating demand to “keep Daddy happy.” It’s a narrative hook that immediately establishes unease and plays out through a mix of mundane household tasks and bizarre twists that highlight the fractured family dynamic.
The narrative works best when it balances the familiar with the grotesque. The idea of performing simple chores – tidying up, finding toys, or grabbing snacks – feels harmless on the surface, but the pressure of failing these duties, paired with surreal distortions of reality, turns routine into dread. This sense of vulnerability and emotional manipulation resonates strongly, making the story far more unsettling than a string of cheap scares. However, the pacing occasionally falters, with stretches of repetition that blunt the impact of its most disturbing moments. When the game hits its stride, though, it captures a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere that makes the player second-guess even the smallest actions.
Mechanically, Bad Cheese is a fairly straightforward experience. Its gameplay revolves around exploration and light puzzle-solving, with objectives often tied to keeping the household in order. This simplicity has its strengths, making the game accessible and allowing the horror to take center stage, but it can also leave sections feeling underdeveloped. The repetitive structure of chores and tasks risks undermining the tension, though the unpredictability of the father’s behavior often helps maintain suspense. Controls are serviceable and intuitive, but movement can feel stiff at times, which may frustrate players used to more fluid exploration.
Visually, the game excels. The hand-drawn art style and film-grain aesthetic convincingly replicate the look of old 16mm cartoons, delivering a creepy yet nostalgic quality. Characters move with an uncanny jitter, as if lifted straight out of a corrupted reel of animation, and the effect amplifies the game’s off-kilter tone. Environments feel both cozy and threatening, with everyday household spaces warped by shadows and grotesque detail. This is complemented by the sound design, which leans into warped music box jingles, eerie silence, and distorted voice work. Together, these elements create an audiovisual package that lingers with players even after they put the controller down.
Still, Bad Cheese won’t be for everyone. Its reliance on atmosphere and uncomfortable themes rather than conventional scares or complex mechanics means it can feel slight compared to bigger-budget horror titles. The slower pace and repetition may put off players expecting constant action or narrative twists, but those willing to embrace its unsettling atmosphere will find a disturbing, memorable experience. The game’s success lies in its ability to make the ordinary terrifying, blending family dysfunction with surreal horror in a way that feels uniquely its own.
On PlayStation 5, the game benefits from clean performance and sharp presentation, which helps highlight its distinctive visuals and audio. While not flawless in execution, Bad Cheese stands out as a horror game that values psychological discomfort over spectacle. It may be divisive, but for those looking for something that crawls under the skin with a sinister grin, this is one of the year’s most intriguing curiosities.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 