Radiolight

About Radiolight

Radiolight is a first-person adventure game set in 1985 Ashwood Creek, blending supernatural mystery and survival elements. Developed solo by Krystof Knesl, it drops you into the role of a cop investigating a missing teen while navigating a national park saturated with eerie radio signals. The game thrives on its 80s aesthetic and minimalist design, using a handheld radio as both a narrative tool and survival aid. Released in 2025 for PC, it’s a slow-burn thriller where exploration and intuition matter more than combat. Think of it as a ghost story told through static, fog, and fragmented memories.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time walking dense forests, scanning radio frequencies for cryptic messages, and picking up clues scattered in trees or abandoned campgrounds. The radio lets you interact with the environment, tuning into signals reveals hidden paths or triggers visions of past events. But beware: some signals trap you in looping dead ends or summon hostile entities. The gameplay loops between investigation and evasion; you’re rarely armed, relying on stealth and quick reflexes to avoid faceless threats. Controls are simple but precise, with a UI that keeps the radio screen front and center. Sessions often feel like solving a puzzle in a living atmosphere, where every creak and static burst raises tension.

What Players Think

Community ratings hover at 4.2/5, with 65% of players completing the 8-hour base story. Average playthroughs hit 10-12 hours due to backtracking and optional lore. Players describe the vibe as “creepy but calm,” with 70% noting the radio mechanic as both clever and occasionally frustrating. Reviews highlight the haunting sound design but criticize sparse enemy encounters as underwhelming. The top mood tag is “eerie,” followed by “nostalgic” and “puzzling.” One user wrote, “The forest feels like it’s breathing, but the pacing drags in the middle.” Achievement completion rates are low (40%), suggesting a focus on exploration over collectibles.

PlayPile's Take

Radiolight is best for fans of atmospheric puzzles and slow-burn horror. Priced at $29.99, it offers decent value for its distinct radio-based storytelling and engaging setting. The lack of combat and weak enemy design might deter action-oriented players, but the eerie mood and clever environmental storytelling shine. Achievements are minimal, so don’t expect a trophy grind. If you enjoy figuring out mysteries through ambient tension and fragmented lore, this is a solid pick. Otherwise, its deliberate pace and sparse scares might feel underwhelming.

Storyline

Step into the shoes of Ethan, a police officer in the quaint town of Ashwood Creek—a place where the trees whisper, the mountains loom, and secrets hide just out of sight. What begins as a routine investigation, quickly spirals into a haunting journey through the unknown. Ashwood Creek feels frozen in time, untouched by the chaos of the outside world. But under the surface, something dark is stirring. A teenager has gone missing. A strange signal is cutting through the static of local radio stations. Lured deeper into Ashwood Creek National Park, you’ll need to tune in to every frequency and every echo of the past in the hopes of uncovering the truth. As you explore the vast, eerie expanse of Ashwood Creek National Park, you’ll find that your radio is more than just a piece of electronics — it’s your key to survival. Pick up supernatural signals and tune into otherworldly transmissions. But not all signals will guide you to safety… some are meant to lead you astray, deeper into the shadows, where the past waits to confront you. Guided by the voice of Robert, your childhood friend and the town’s chief of police, you’ll venture through dense forests, foggy valleys, and forgotten trails. Together, you’ll piece together clues, follow mysterious broadcasts, and uncover the secrets that Ashwood Creek would rather keep hidden. But the closer you get to the truth, the more you’ll realize that some things are better left buried.