LIRE is a survival horror game by ZheroIsland that follows the story of Eve Antoinette and her cat, Sebastian. What starts as a simple search quickly turns into a nightmare inside a mysterious mansion filled with restless spirits. So, what’s the game like?
Nostalgia Turns Into Terror
Sometimes, the places we miss the most are the ones that hide things we should’ve never found again. In LIRE, a horror game by ZheroIsland, you’ll follow the story of Eve Antoinette, a quiet girl who returns to her childhood hometown after 10 years of living abroad. She comes back with her beloved cat, Sebastian.
But all her plans for a peaceful, nostalgic trip suddenly twist into a story of pure terror. Eve just wanted to relive her childhood memories, sitting under her favorite tree with Sebastian by her side. But before long, her cat suddenly runs deep into the forest and disappears. Panicking, Eve chases after him only to stumble upon an old, massive mansion that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.
Fear and curiosity blend into one inside Eve’s mind. Even though the mansion feels dangerous and full of dark energy, she knows she can’t turn back now. This is where her fight for survival begins, surrounded by darkness trapped inside this eerie abandoned house.
Survive at All Cost
Gameplay wise, LIRE keeps things pretty simple. You just need to find your way through the old mansion, explore its rooms, and avoid getting caught by wandering ghosts.
But don’t let that simplicity fool you, there are still things that make this game tense yet really fun. Eve has two important bars to manage, stamina and health. You can restore both using potions found around the mansion, giving you a second chance when you’re attacked or too exhausted to run.
And not every ghost you meet is the same. LIRE introduces several types of spirits, each with different behavior. From harmless ones that only want to talk, to berserk ghosts that will chase you without mercy. That’s where one of the game’s biggest challenges lies, to figure out what type of ghost you’re facing and how to deal with it. Should you hide? Or just run for your life?
Beyond the chases, LIRE also offers plenty of puzzles, riddles, and gimmicks scattered throughout the mansion. These elements make it more than just a ghost chase game, they give the game depth, mystery, and moments of quiet tension between every scare.
Classic Horror Vibes
If you’ve ever played The Witch’s House or Ib, you’ll instantly feel a sense of familiarity here. LIRE captures that same eerie RPG Maker horror atmosphere but brings it to life in 3D with a free moving camera. The mansion’s environment looks old and terrifying, with cracked walls, dusty carpets, and shadows that almost seem to move.
And if you’re the curious type, make sure to read all of the diaries if you can. Many of it reveal stories and hints that send chills down your spine the more you read.
What’s more, despite the creepy setting, Eve herself looks absolutely adorable. With her 3D anime style design, she feels completely out of place in such a grim environment. But that’s exactly what makes it work, watching her hide from ghosts can even make you chuckle a bit amid all the fear.
Also read! DreadOut – A Haunting Journey into Indonesian Supernatural Horror
For Classic Horror Fans
Sometimes, the scariest moments come not from what you see, but from the silence, and the curiosity that pushes you forward even when you know danger is near. With its classic tone, strong storytelling, and detailed world, LIRE perfectly combines nostalgia with tension.
Right now, LIRE offers around roughly 2-3 hours of playtime, depending on your pace. The game is still in its early chapter phase, but ZheroIsland, the solo developer, promised more updates and contents to come. And judging by what’s already here, LIRE has the potential to become one of the standout indie horror games out there.
If you’re craving a horror game with mystery, atmosphere, and emotional storytelling, LIRE absolutely deserves a spot on your wishlist. Go download it now! And help Eve find Sebastian before something else does.
