8 June 2025, Warsaw, Poland | Polish developer Sonka has just shadow dropped a new trailer and a massive demo for their highly anticipated psychological survival horror game, Holstin. The demo is available now on Steam.
While the two previous public demos showcased specific slices or mechanics, the new demo offers players a very meaty first look at the game's entire eerie 90’s Eastern Euro-fueled experience. It begins with the opening segment of Holstin's story, explaining what drew you into the decaying and possessed Polish lakeside town of Jeziorne-Kolonia. Get hands-on with the core gameplay, from engaging in intense combat and solving environmental puzzles to scavenging for survival, exploring ooze-infested streets and interiors, and interacting with the not-so-mentally-stable locals who still haven’t fully Turned.
The demo also highlights Holstin's unique camera and lighting system, which seamlessly shifts between multiple perspectives in real-time lit, fully 3D pixel environments.
The announcement of the demo came alongside a brand new trailer that was aired as part of the Future Games Show Live from LA during Summer Games Fest, and showcases all-new gameplay from the demo.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3ofy7-iFY&ab_channel=Sonka
Presskit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lltihihfocj31n3/AACbFM8a688j0EoeUHA96Zc6a?dl=0
Trailer Download: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cLBAH__y-k0Hs6QokxDeK7n14sUiCt8n?
Kickstarter Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sonkagames/holstin
Steampage: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2235430/Holstin/
THE HOLSTIN KICKSTARTER SIGN-UP CONTINUES TO GROW
Alongside work on the full game and the new demo, Sonka has also been preparing for a major Kickstarter campaign, set to launch later in 2025. The campaign aims to raise funds to complete the final stages of the game and to crowdfund additional features and ideas the team is eager to implement. Players can learn more about what the game will offer and sign up to be notified once the full campaign goes live.
PLAYING ALL SORTS OF TRICKS ON YOUR EYES
Holstin uses Sonka's custom 2XD RENDERING technology, enabling the team to create real-time lighting in detailed pixel art environments, as well as multiple camera modes in a way that has never been seen before. The game features various perspectives, including isometric 3D, over-the-shoulder third-person shooting, first-person driving, top-down exploration, and side-scrolling platforming.
Heavily inspired by the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series, with the narrative team aiming for a darker Twin Peaks feel, Holstin will be coming to PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/S/X and both Switch 1 and 2.