Tue Jul 29 06:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**New Indie Horror Game “Heartworm” Offers a Unique Space for Grief in a Post-Pandemic World**

**[City, State] – [Date]** – As the world continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic, including widespread grief and loss, the new indie horror game “Heartworm” offers players a unique, albeit brief, space to confront these feelings. Developed by Vincent Adinolfi and published by DreadXP, “Heartworm” is set to release on July 31, 2025, for PC and Mac (via Steam).

The game, which gained initial recognition as a standout demo on itch.io’s Haunted PS1 Demo Disc 2020, follows protagonist Sam as she grapples with the loss of her grandfather. Driven by grief, Sam seeks a mysterious house rumored to provide access to the dead.

“Heartworm” is designed with a distinct PlayStation One-inspired aesthetic, offering players the choice between modern and “tank” controls, as well as between PS1-inspired and modern graphics filters. This creates a tension between nostalgia and modernity, mirroring the game’s thematic exploration of grief in a world forever changed by recent events.

Players navigate dreamlike levels, solve puzzles reminiscent of classic survival horror games like “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill,” and defend themselves against ghostly entities using a camera. Resource management, particularly of camera film, becomes a key aspect of survival.

While “Heartworm” provides no easy answers or solutions to the challenges of grief, its atmospheric storytelling, compelling protagonist, and unique blend of nostalgia and modernity create a memorable and thought-provoking experience. With three distinct endings determined by player choices and secrets discovered, “Heartworm” invites players to explore the complexities of grief in a way that resonates with the current moment.

“Heartworm” releases on July 31, 2025, for PC and Mac (via Steam).

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