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Draft:Nun Massacre

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Nun Massacre
Developer(s)Puppet Combo
Publisher(s)Puppet Combo
EngineUnity
Platform(s)Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS
ReleaseFebruary 23, 2018
Genre(s)Survival Horror

Nun Massacre is a survival horror video game developed by Puppet Combo, an indie game studio renowned for its retro-inspired horror titles. Originally released on February 23, 2018, the game features a distinct 1980s aesthetic, combining low-resolution graphics and VHS-style effects to evoke nostalgia for classic horror films and games. Its minimalist yet haunting gameplay has earned it a cult following among fans of indie horror.


Gameplay

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Nun Massacre is played from a first-person perspective. Players assume the role of a mother who, after receiving a troubling letter about her daughter’s health, visits a secluded Catholic boarding school. Upon arrival, the school is eerily abandoned, and the player is stalked by a menacing, psychopathic nun.

The gameplay emphasizes tension and survival, with limited resources, no combat mechanics, and a heavy reliance on stealth and evasion. The player must explore the school, solve puzzles, and locate items to escape while avoiding the deadly nun, who roams the premises. Sudden jumpscares, dynamic lighting, and an unsettling sound design heighten the sense of dread throughout.

Key features include:

  • Interactive puzzles: Progress requires solving cryptic clues and manipulating the environment.
  • Randomized item placement: Each playthrough offers a unique experience.
  • Permadeath: Dying forces players to restart from the beginning, increasing tension and replayability.

To avoid getting caught by the Nun, the player has to stay out of her sight by hiding under beds and sneaking. If the player is spotted by the Nun, she will give chase and the player will have to run away. If the Nun sees the player hiding under a bed, she will flip the bed over. Also, if she sees the player getting into the vents, she will follow the player in. The Nun will sometimes hide and wait for the player so she can strike. Heavy static indicates that the Nun is near.

Endings

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Ending A: Mrs. McDonnell goes insane and buries herself alive.

Ending B: Mrs. McDonnell gets trapped in a reality-bending vent and is killed by a small humanoid figure made of light.

Ending C: Mrs. McDonnell slays the Nun by burning her alive, and is forgiven by Bongo the Clown don’t forget to bring your lighter or you won’t be able to finish the ending.

Ending D: Mrs. McDonnell gets herself trapped in a room that the Nun fills with her acidic vomit, killing her. Non-standard ending: Mrs. McDonnell gets herself trapped in a barbed wire pit, and the Nun arrives moments later, killing her. ---

Development

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Puppet Combo, led by indie developer Ben Cocuzza, is known for blending PS1-era graphics with grindhouse-inspired horror. The studio drew inspiration for Nun Massacre from films like The Exorcist and House on Haunted Hill, as well as early survival horror games such as Clock Tower and Silent Hill. The stripped-down visual style and retro presentation were deliberate choices to emphasize atmosphere and suspense over graphical fidelity.

Reception

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Upon release, Nun Massacre received critical acclaim within the indie gaming community for its ability to generate terror using simple mechanics and aesthetics. Players praised the oppressive atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and relentless antagonist. Some critics, however, noted that the game’s difficulty curve and lack of clear guidance might alienate casual players.

The game became popular on streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where reactions to its scares drew widespread attention. This exposure cemented its status as a standout title in the indie horror scene.

Legacy

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Nun Massacre is often cited as a defining example of Puppet Combo’s style and has inspired a wave of retro-styled horror games. Its success contributed to a resurgence of interest in PS1-era aesthetics and minimalist survival horror mechanics.

The game is available on PC and has since been ported to additional platforms, including macOS and certain gaming consoles, to reach a broader audience.

External Links

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References

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