‘Ground Zero’ Brings Retro Survival Horror to Post-Apocalyptic South Korea

A new survival horror game is on the way, and it’s heading to a terrifying version of post-apocalyptic South Korea. Called Ground Zero, the game was just announced by publisher Kwalee and developer Malformation Games. It’s coming to PC through Steam, though there’s no release date yet.

The game is set in a ruined South Korea after a meteor strike has destroyed the country. Two months after the impact, the air is finally safe enough to breathe. That’s when a special Korean operative and her Canadian partner are sent into the ruins to find out what’s left. What they discover is far worse than they expected.

According to the game’s official Steam page, players will face dangerous monsters that hide in the dark and have been twisted by the fallout. These creatures now haunt the shattered remains of Busan. Alongside the horror elements, there’s a deeper mystery behind the meteor. Strange growths are spreading from the crash site, and everything they touch is being corrupted.

The game promises a mix of horror, action, and exploration. You’ll get to visit different parts of the destroyed country, from broken-down cities and temples to foggy coastal towns. Combat is a big part of the experience. You can shoot, stab, and kick your way through enemies as a trained soldier who’s skilled in both guns and martial arts.

You also get rewarded for fighting well. Clean kills give you something called Genome Points, which you can use to get better gear and upgrades. Expect to face off against huge boss monsters too. One of the characters, Seo-Yeon, soon learns that the mutations get worse the deeper she goes into the city.

The developers say the game was made with classic survival horror games in mind. It uses fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds, just like old-school titles. There are also puzzles, extra difficulty settings, and even tank-style controls if you want them. Players who explore thoroughly will find unlockables like secret endings, bonus outfits, and extra game modes.

The game’s title, Ground Zero, refers not only to the meteor crash site, but to the complete devastation that’s left behind. According to Kwalee and Malformation Games, the game is packed with retro horror vibes and modern gameplay systems.

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