Switch 2 exclusive horror game has serious Dino Crisis vibes, and it launches next week

The February 5 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase included a number of surprise announcements, including a first look at a brand-new Switch 2 exclusive horror game, Tokyo Scramble, which has serious Dino Crisis vibes but with a gameplay twist. Set to launch on February 11, Tokyo Scramble sends players into the unexplored depths beneath Tokyo on a terrifying journey of stealth, strategy, and survival. Despite stiff competition in the horror space, particularly with Resident Evil Requiem readying for its own February release, Tokyo Scramble looks to stand apart from other indie and AAA offerings with a refreshing blend of familiar storytelling and uncommon gameplay.

Survival games have long been attached to the horror genre, though the two are not explicitly connected, leaving survival horror video games to exist as their own distinct variety. Classic franchises like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dead Space, among many others, have all established familiar identities that have often influenced newer survival horror games over the years, and it should come as no surprise that developer Binary Haze Interactive has drawn inspiration from the iconic dinosaur horror game Dino Crisis. Released in 1999 for the original PlayStation, Dino Crisis was applauded for its mix of action and puzzle gameplay, with Capcom marketing the title as “panic horror” due to the intelligence of the prehistoric creatures hunting the protagonist. While Dino Crisis focused heavily on gunplay, Tokyo Scramble looks to take its own dino-evading gameplay in an unexpected direction.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Studio Has Sad News for Horror Fans

Unfortunately for horror fans, the head of the Silent Hill 2 remake studio has sad news for players who were hyped over a recent rumor.

Tokyo Scramble Trailer Has Serious Dino Crisis Vibes But With a Twist

Tokyo Scramble sees players taking on the role of Anne, a high schooler plunged into the depths of Tokyo, as she battles to survive against dinosaur-like Zino creatures through puzzle-action gameplay. Players must guide Anne stealthily through the Tokyo underground and avoid being devoured by the Zino creatures. Despite Anne’s inability to fight through direct combat, clever environmental strategizing and well-timed gadget use will allow her to utilize various tools and nearby items like construction equipment and even escalators to keep the monsters at bay and neutralize the ever-present threats. Quick-thinking and confident decision-making will be vital to Anne’s survival, encouraging players to analyze the Zinos’ movement patterns and choosing the best course of action for making a quick escape. Whether activating traps to lure Zinos away or ensnare them in nearby machinery, Tokyo Scramble takes influence from games like Dino Crisis while introducing its own unique ideas.

Perhaps the most intriguing new gameplay element offered by Tokyo Scramble is the introduction of single character multiplayer through the Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare. This allows multiple players to simultaneously take control of Anne, with one user handling her movement, another deciding her actions, a third player controlling the gadget apps, and a fourth moving the camera. The 4-player gameplay for Anne is available through both local and online co-op, making for a truly original gameplay experience that sets Tokyo Scramble apart from other upcoming horror games. Pre-orders are now available for Tokyo Scramble on Nintendo Switch 2, with the game set to launch on February 11 at a digital retail price of $29.99.

Tokyo Scramble is certainly far from the first new indie horror game to wear its inspirations on its sleeve while also trying something original in its approach to gameplay. The horror genre has seen a massive resurgence in retro-style games, and it serves to reason that classic entries and powerhouse franchises will continue to influence smaller projects that aim to draw in both veteran and first-time players. Only time will tell if Tokyo Scramble is able to stand alongside its old-school predecessor and modern-day competition, so interested fans may want to stay tuned for any updates following its launch, as well as more news on the latest horror games and Switch 2 exclusives.