Kaplan Games dropped a huge bomb on fans of the Sara is Missing/SIMULACRA series. They announced SIMULACRA 2, the next installment in the “found phone” horror series. Coming to PC, iOS and Android. In this game, players take the role of an investigative journalist looking for the scoop of a lifetime.
Detective Murilo is obsessed with the case of a dead influencer. Her untimely death is being ruled as an accident but Detective Murilo suspects that something is amiss. He recruits the player to help in investigating the case, and hands you a crucial piece of evidence; the victim’s phone.
In this game, players the (all too) familiar phone interface to tell a creative horror tale that puts the player at the center of the experience. By using familiar apps and exploring a realistic interface the player uncovers the mystery.
However, not everything is at it seems and the phone’s interface itself may play some tricks on you while you explore the victim’s cellphone for clues. SIMULACRA 2 aims to expand on the “Found Phone” horror genre with new inventive apps, a more complex narrative, a larger live-action cast, and a deeper look into a creepy alternate universe where nothing is as what it seems.
The players will take on a role of an undercover detective, or an investigative journalist as they get to the truth by going through the victim’s past on her phone, interrogating suspects on group chats and SMS messages, or even doing things like checking out her photo/video gallery or social media accounts.
For those who need an introduction to the Sara is Missing/SIMULACRA series of games. I would definitely recommend taking a look at Nick Nocturne’s deep analysis videos on the subject. The growth of the series is mostly attributed to him for this very reason.
We can only hope that SIMULACRA 2 offers an immersive experience that’s only made richer by Nick’s advice. He is quite knowledgeable on the subject of horror in media, after all. Especially since his field is covering more interactive media pieces like Alternate Reality Games.