Mini Review: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek (PS5) – Scrappy Spooks with Just Enough Spirit

by

Terror in Little Creek” is an honest effort to adapt the scary elements from contemporary horror video games such as Outlast and Resident Evil into a game suitable for kids. The end product may seem rough around the edges and budget-constrained, but it offers enjoyable moments.

I’m the gamer taking on the role of Sloane Spencer, glasses-wearing whiz from the peaceful suburban haven of Little Creek. With eerie happenings causing a townwide curfew, me and my timid pals aren’t about to let fear hold us back. We’re diving headfirst into uncovering the truth behind these mysterious occurrences.

Though the game doesn’t resemble R.L. Stine’s well-known fictional world in many aspects, it manages to embody the essence of his novels by having children conquer extraordinary challenges.

As a dedicated player, I find that the gameplay is skillfully crafted around two main aspects: sneaking and problem-solving. The puzzles might seem simple at first glance, but they subtly demand your full attention to solve. Clues are scattered throughout the game, so keeping an eagle eye on every detail is essential. A helpful hint system is available for younger players, although I’d wager that many kids over 12 will be able to crack these codes without assistance.

In a more active style, you’ll frequently navigate around enemies and utilize your slingshot to cause diversions. These enemies typically follow predictable paths, making them manageable to manipulate. However, the stealth system offers an adequate level of suspense when necessary, creating a sense of tension.

Our main concern is that Sloane’s movements tend to be slow, even during sprints, which can make the frequent backtracking feel tedious. Although fast travel points and shortcuts are provided, you may find yourself feeling like you’re going through the motions as you leisurely traverse the same streets and locations.

The game’s visuals are quite simplistic, featuring minimal geometry and texture detail. A few notable landmarks such as a theater and museum stand out, but overall, expect to encounter repetitive scenery with replicated elements that align with the aesthetic, yet may not captivate your attention deeply.

Even though the game runs for approximately four to five hours, it offers a quick, thrilling adventure that incorporates several classic horror elements suitable for children. The visual style is somewhat unremarkable and won’t captivate anyone older than 15, but as a fun, slightly scary experience for younger players, it has some ghostly encounters to offer.

Read More

2025-08-31 19:06