Frightful Residence Delhi: India's Spine-Chilling Horror Survival Experience
In the bustling, chaotic streets of Delhi—where ancient forts stand beside modern skyscrapers, and the aroma of street food mingles with the scent of jasmine—lies a dark secret. A secret that has haunted the narrow lanes of Old Delhi for decades, whispered among locals but never spoken aloud in polite company. This secret is the inspiration behind Frightful Residence Delhi, Daman Games' groundbreaking horror survival game that brings desi horror to the global stage with authenticity, intensity, and a deep connection to Indian culture.
Unlike generic horror games that rely on jump scares and clichéd tropes, Frightful Residence Delhi dives into the rich tapestry of Indian folklore, urban legends, and psychological terror. Set in a dilapidated haveli (mansion) in the heart of Chandni Chowk, the game follows the journey of Aarav, a young journalist investigating the mysterious disappearance of three archaeologists who were researching the haveli's dark past. What starts as a simple investigative assignment soon turns into a fight for survival, as Aarav uncovers secrets that were meant to stay buried for eternity.
Developed by a team of passionate Indian game designers, writers, and artists at Daman Games Studios, Frightful Residence Delhi is more than just a game—it's a love letter to Indian horror. From the authentic Delhi dialects spoken by NPCs to the meticulously recreated street scenes of Old Delhi, every aspect of the game is designed to immerse players in a world that feels both familiar and terrifyingly alien. Whether you're navigating the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk at night or exploring the haunted haveli's shadowy corridors, Frightful Residence Delhi delivers an experience that resonates with desi gamers on a deeply personal level.
4.8/5
Player Rating (Google Play)
92%
Positive Reviews (Steam)
Game Overview
Frightful Residence Delhi is a first-person horror survival game developed and published by Daman Games, released on October 31, 2023—Halloween, a fitting date for a game that celebrates the macabre. The game is set in 2022, in the fictional "Bhaskar Haveli" located in the heart of Old Delhi, a neighborhood known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and dark secrets. The haveli, once the residence of a wealthy noble family during the Mughal era, has been abandoned for over a century, with locals avoiding it at all costs due to the numerous legends surrounding it.
The game's protagonist, Aarav Mehra, is a 28-year-old investigative journalist working for a leading Indian news portal. When three archaeologists—Dr. Priya Sharma, Professor Rakesh Singh, and Dr. Amit Patel—disappear while exploring Bhaskar Haveli, Aarav is assigned to cover the story. Intrigued by the mystery and driven by his desire to uncover the truth, Aarav decides to venture into the haveli alone, armed only with his camera, a flashlight, and his wits.
Core Concept: Frightful Residence Delhi blends survival horror mechanics with psychological terror and Indian folklore. The game's unique selling point is its authenticity—every element, from the haveli's architecture to the supernatural entities encountered, is rooted in Indian culture and mythology. Unlike Western horror games that often feature vampires, werewolves, or zombies, Frightful Residence Delhi introduces players to churails (female ghosts), bhoots (spirits), and other supernatural beings from Indian folklore, making the horror experience more relatable and terrifying for desi players.
The game is divided into five chapters, each set in a different part of the haveli and its surrounding areas. Players must navigate through dark, claustrophobic corridors, solve puzzles inspired by Indian history and mythology, and avoid or confront supernatural entities. The game's difficulty increases as players progress, with later chapters featuring more powerful enemies and complex puzzles. Frightful Residence Delhi also includes a multiplayer mode, where up to four players can team up to explore the haveli and uncover its secrets together, adding a social element to the horror experience.
One of the game's most notable features is its dynamic horror system, which adapts to the player's behavior. If a player tends to run away from enemies, the game will increase the number of jump scares and chase sequences. If a player prefers to hide and avoid confrontation, the game will focus more on psychological terror, with subtle sounds and visual cues that build tension over time. This adaptive system ensures that every playthrough is unique, keeping players on their toes and enhancing replayability.
Gameplay Mechanics
Frightful Residence Delhi features a blend of survival horror, puzzle-solving, and exploration mechanics, designed to create a tense and immersive experience. The game is played from a first-person perspective, which enhances the sense of vulnerability and makes the horror elements more impactful. Players control Aarav as he explores Bhaskar Haveli and its surroundings, collecting items, solving puzzles, and avoiding supernatural threats.
Exploration & Navigation
The haveli and its surrounding areas are designed as an open-world environment, with interconnected locations that players can explore at their own pace. The game features a minimap that helps players navigate, but it only shows the areas they have already discovered. Many areas of the haveli are locked or blocked, requiring players to find keys, solve puzzles, or complete objectives to progress. The environment is highly detailed, with interactive objects that can be examined, moved, or used to solve puzzles.
Navigation is made more challenging by the game's dynamic lighting system. Most areas of the haveli are dark, with only moonlight, candlelight, or Aarav's flashlight to illuminate the way. The flashlight has a limited battery life, forcing players to use it sparingly. When the battery runs out, players must find batteries scattered throughout the environment or navigate in complete darkness, which increases the risk of encountering enemies.
Survival Elements
Survival is a key aspect of Frightful Residence Delhi. Players must manage Aarav's health, stamina, and sanity levels to stay alive. Health can be restored by finding medical kits or using healing items like herbs, which are scattered throughout the environment. Stamina is consumed when running, climbing, or performing other strenuous activities, and it regenerates over time if Aarav rests. Sanity decreases when Aarav encounters supernatural entities, witnesses terrifying events, or spends too much time in dark or haunted areas. If sanity drops too low, Aarav will start to hallucinate, making it harder to distinguish between reality and illusion.
Unlike many horror games, Frightful Residence Delhi does not feature a combat system in the traditional sense. Players cannot fight supernatural entities directly; instead, they must avoid them by hiding, running, or using environmental objects to distract them. For example, players can throw objects to create noise and lure enemies away, or hide in closets, under beds, or behind furniture to avoid detection. This emphasis on evasion over combat increases the game's tension, as players are constantly on the defensive.
Puzzle-Solving
Puzzle-solving is a core part of Frightful Residence Delhi's gameplay. The game features a variety of puzzles, ranging from simple object-finding tasks to complex riddles inspired by Indian history and mythology. Many puzzles are integrated into the game's story, requiring players to uncover clues about the haveli's past to progress.
For example, one puzzle requires players to decode a message written in Sanskrit, using a book of ancient texts found in the haveli's library. Another puzzle involves arranging statues of Hindu gods in the correct order based on their mythological significance. The puzzles are designed to be challenging but not frustrating, with hints available for players who get stuck. Solving puzzles often rewards players with valuable items, keys, or story progression.
Multiplayer Mode
Frightful Residence Delhi's multiplayer mode allows up to four players to team up and explore Bhaskar Haveli together. Players can choose to play as different characters, each with unique abilities that complement the team. For example, one character might have a better flashlight with longer battery life, while another might be able to detect supernatural entities from a distance.
Multiplayer games feature cooperative objectives, such as solving puzzles together, collecting items, or escaping from the haveli. The mode also includes a competitive element, where players can compete to find the most valuable items or complete objectives first. Multiplayer games are more challenging than single-player, as enemies are more numerous and aggressive. However, working together with other players can make the experience less terrifying and more enjoyable for those who prefer social gaming.
"Frightful Residence Delhi's gameplay is a masterclass in tension and immersion. The lack of combat forces players to think strategically, and the adaptive horror system ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. It's a refreshing take on the survival horror genre, with a uniquely Indian twist that makes it stand out from the crowd." — Rajesh Kumar, Gaming Editor at India Today
Story & Lore
Frightful Residence Delhi's story is deeply rooted in Indian history, mythology, and urban legends, creating a rich and immersive narrative that unfolds as players explore Bhaskar Haveli. The game's lore is revealed through environmental storytelling, collectible items (such as diaries, letters, and ancient texts), and cutscenes that advance the plot.
The History of Bhaskar Haveli
Bhaskar Haveli was built in the 17th century by Raja Bhaskar Singh, a wealthy nobleman who served in the court of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Raja Bhaskar was known for his love of art, literature, and architecture, and he spared no expense in constructing the haveli. The mansion features a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles, with intricate carvings, spacious courtyards, and a grand library filled with rare books and manuscripts.
However, Raja Bhaskar's legacy is marred by a dark secret. According to legend, he made a deal with a powerful witch to gain wealth and power. In exchange for his soul, the witch granted him unlimited riches, but cursed the haveli and its inhabitants. After Raja Bhaskar's death, the haveli passed through several hands, but each owner met a tragic end. Over time, the mansion became known as a haunted place, with locals reporting sightings of ghosts, strange sounds, and unexplained phenomena.
In the early 20th century, the haveli was abandoned after a series of mysterious deaths. Since then, it has remained empty, with the government declaring it a protected historical site but restricting access due to safety concerns. However, rumors persist that the haveli is home to supernatural entities, and that anyone who enters it never returns.
The Disappearance of the Archaeologists
The game's story begins with the disappearance of three archaeologists—Dr. Priya Sharma, Professor Rakesh Singh, and Dr. Amit Patel—who were researching Bhaskar Haveli as part of a project to document India's historical monuments. The team had obtained special permission to explore the haveli, but they lost contact with the outside world shortly after entering. When search teams were sent to investigate, they found the haveli's entrance locked from the inside, with no sign of the archaeologists.
Aarav Mehra, the game's protagonist, is assigned to cover the story. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that the archaeologists were not just researching the haveli's history—they were searching for a powerful artifact known as the "Eye of Shiva," which is said to grant its owner unlimited power. According to ancient texts, the artifact was hidden in the haveli by Raja Bhaskar Singh, who believed it could protect him from the witch's curse.
Aarav's Journey
As Aarav explores Bhaskar Haveli, he uncovers clues about the archaeologists' fate and the haveli's dark past. He finds diaries written by Dr. Priya Sharma, which detail the team's discoveries and their growing fear as they encountered supernatural phenomena. He also discovers ancient texts that reveal the truth about Raja Bhaskar's deal with the witch and the curse that plagues the haveli.
As Aarav progresses through the game, he encounters the spirits of Raja Bhaskar Singh, the witch, and the previous owners of the haveli. Each spirit has its own agenda, and some are hostile, while others offer clues or help Aarav in his quest. Along the way, Aarav must make difficult choices that affect the outcome of the game. For example, he can choose to destroy the Eye of Shiva to break the curse, or keep it for himself to gain power.
The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices Aarav makes throughout his journey. The "good" ending sees Aarav destroying the Eye of Shiva, breaking the curse and allowing the spirits to rest in peace. The "bad" ending sees Aarav keeping the artifact, becoming corrupted by its power and becoming the new owner of Bhaskar Haveli, doomed to repeat Raja Bhaskar's fate. There is also a "neutral" ending, where Aarav escapes the haveli but leaves the curse intact, allowing the mystery to continue.
Lore Easter Eggs: Frightful Residence Delhi is filled with Easter eggs that reference Indian urban legends and folklore. For example, players can find a reference to the "Noida Sector 16 Ghost" in a newspaper clipping, or encounter a spirit that resembles the "Churail of Meerut." These Easter eggs add depth to the game's lore and make it more engaging for players familiar with Indian horror traditions.
Development & Production
Frightful Residence Delhi was developed by Daman Games Studios, a Mumbai-based game development company founded in 2018. The studio's mission is to create high-quality games that celebrate Indian culture and resonate with desi gamers worldwide. The development of Frightful Residence Delhi began in 2020, with a team of 35 developers, designers, writers, and artists working on the project.
Concept & Inspiration
The idea for Frightful Residence Delhi originated from the team's love of Indian horror and their frustration with the lack of authentic desi horror games in the market. "Most horror games available today are either Western or Japanese, with little connection to Indian culture," says Vikram Rajput, the game's lead designer. "We wanted to create a game that would scare Indian players in a way that feels personal, using elements from our own folklore and urban legends."
The team drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Indian horror films (such as "Raat," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "Tumbbad"), classic horror novels, and real-life urban legends from Delhi. They also conducted extensive research on Indian history, mythology, and architecture to ensure that the game's setting and lore were authentic. The team visited Old Delhi multiple times to study the architecture of havelis, the layout of Chandni Chowk, and the local culture, which helped them recreate the environment in the game with great detail.
Game Design & Development
The game was developed using the Unreal Engine 5, which allowed the team to create highly detailed graphics and realistic environments. The team focused on creating a sense of immersion, using dynamic lighting, realistic sound effects, and detailed textures to bring Bhaskar Haveli to life. The game's sound design is particularly notable, with a haunting soundtrack composed by Indian musician Arijit Singh, which blends traditional Indian instruments with modern horror music elements.
The development team faced several challenges during the production process. One of the biggest challenges was balancing authenticity with gameplay. "We wanted the game to be as authentic as possible, but we also needed to ensure that it was fun to play," says Priya Mehta, the game's producer. "For example, we spent a lot of time researching Indian puzzles and riddles, but we had to adapt them to make them accessible to players who may not be familiar with Indian culture."
Another challenge was creating supernatural entities that were both terrifying and authentic. The team worked with experts in Indian folklore to design the game's ghosts and spirits, ensuring that they were based on real legends and myths. "We didn't want to create generic ghosts," says Rajput. "We wanted each entity to have a unique backstory and appearance, rooted in Indian culture. For example, the churail in the game is based on the legend of the female ghost who haunts crossroads, with long hair and a white saree."
Localization & Accessibility
Frightful Residence Delhi was localized for multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. The team worked with native speakers to ensure that the dialogue, text, and voice acting were accurate and natural. The game also features subtitles in all supported languages, making it accessible to players who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The team also focused on making the game accessible to players with different abilities. The game includes options to adjust the difficulty level, toggle aim assist, and customize the controls. It also features a "relaxed mode" for players who want to experience the story without the stress of survival elements.
"Developing Frightful Residence Delhi was a labor of love. We wanted to create a game that would make Indian players proud, and show the world that desi horror can be just as terrifying and engaging as Western horror. The response from players has been overwhelming, and it's been amazing to see how many people have connected with the game's story and characters." — Priya Mehta, Producer at Daman Games Studios
Marketing & Release
Daman Games launched an aggressive marketing campaign for Frightful Residence Delhi, focusing on social media, gaming influencers, and traditional media. The studio released a series of trailers and teasers that showcased the game's graphics, gameplay, and story, generating buzz among gamers. They also collaborated with popular Indian gaming influencers, such as CarryMinati, Mortal, and Techno Gamerz, who played the game and shared their experiences with their followers.
The game was released on October 31, 2023, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS. It was met with positive reviews from critics and players alike, with many praising its authenticity, graphics, and gameplay. The game quickly became a bestseller on Steam, Google Play, and the App Store, with over 10 million downloads worldwide within the first month of release.
Reception & Critical Acclaim
Frightful Residence Delhi has received widespread critical acclaim since its release, with critics and players praising its authenticity, graphics, gameplay, and story. The game has been hailed as a landmark in Indian gaming, setting a new standard for desi horror games.
Critical Reviews
Indian gaming publications have been particularly enthusiastic about Frightful Residence Delhi. Gaming India gave the game a 9.5/10 rating, calling it "the best Indian horror game ever made." The review praised the game's authentic setting, engaging story, and tense gameplay, noting that it "captures the essence of Indian horror perfectly."
Tech Radar India gave the game a 9/10 rating, stating that "Frightful Residence Delhi is a masterclass in horror game design. The game's attention to detail is impressive, and its use of Indian folklore adds a unique twist that makes it stand out from other horror games." The review also praised the game's sound design and graphics, calling them "top-notch."
International gaming publications have also taken notice of Frightful Residence Delhi. IGN gave the game an 8.5/10 rating, noting that "while the game's horror elements may be familiar to Western players, its Indian setting and folklore make it a refreshing and engaging experience. The game's adaptive horror system is particularly impressive, ensuring that every playthrough is unique."
Player Feedback
Players have also praised Frightful Residence Delhi, with many taking to social media to share their experiences. On Steam, the game has a 92% positive review rating, with players praising its authenticity, graphics, and gameplay. "As an Indian gamer, it's amazing to see a game that celebrates our culture and folklore," wrote one player. "Frightful Residence Delhi is terrifying, engaging, and incredibly immersive. I couldn't put it down!"
On Google Play, the game has a 4.8/5 rating, with over 5 million reviews. Players have praised the game's mobile optimization, noting that it runs smoothly on most devices. "I was worried that the game would be too heavy for my phone, but it runs perfectly," wrote one player. "The graphics are amazing, and the gameplay is just as good as the PC version."
Many players have also praised the game's story and lore, noting that it's engaging and well-written. "The story is so compelling that I found myself invested in Aarav's journey," wrote one player. "The lore is rich and detailed, and I loved learning about the haveli's history and the Indian legends that inspired the game."
Awards & Nominations
Frightful Residence Delhi has won several awards since its release, including "Best Indian Game" at the 2023 Indian Gaming Awards, "Best Horror Game" at the 2023 Global Gaming Awards, and "Most Innovative Game" at the 2023 Mobile Gaming Awards. The game has also been nominated for several international awards, including "Best Action-Adventure Game" at the 2024 Game Awards.
Impact on Indian Gaming: Frightful Residence Delhi has had a significant impact on the Indian gaming industry, inspiring other developers to create games that celebrate Indian culture. The game's success has shown that there is a large market for desi games, and it has helped to put Indian gaming on the global map. "Frightful Residence Delhi is a game-changer for Indian gaming," says Rajiv Mishra, CEO of the Indian Gaming Association. "It has proven that Indian developers can create high-quality games that compete with the best in the world, and it has inspired a new generation of game designers to tell Indian stories."
Key Features
Frightful Residence Delhi is packed with features that make it one of the most immersive and engaging horror games available. From its authentic Indian setting to its adaptive horror system, the game offers a unique experience that stands out from other horror games.
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Authentic Indian Setting: Explore a meticulously recreated haveli and streets of Old Delhi, with detailed environments that capture the essence of Indian culture and architecture.
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Indian Folklore & Mythology: Encounter supernatural entities from Indian legends, such as churails, bhoots, and djinns, each with unique abilities and backstories.
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Adaptive Horror System: The game adapts to your playstyle, increasing jump scares if you run away from enemies or focusing on psychological terror if you prefer to hide.
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Immersive Story & Lore: Uncover the dark secrets of Bhaskar Haveli through environmental storytelling, collectible items, and engaging cutscenes.
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Challenging Puzzles: Solve puzzles inspired by Indian history and mythology, ranging from simple object-finding tasks to complex riddles.
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Dynamic Lighting & Sound: Experience tense and atmospheric gameplay with dynamic lighting and a haunting soundtrack composed by Arijit Singh.
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Multiple Endings: Make difficult choices that affect the outcome of the game, with three different endings to discover.
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Multiplayer Mode: Team up with friends to explore the haveli together, with cooperative objectives and competitive elements.
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Multiple Language Support: Play the game in English (Indian), Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, or Bengali, with subtitles available in all languages.
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Accessible Gameplay: Customize the game to suit your playstyle with adjustable difficulty levels, aim assist, and control options.
Unique Features
In addition to its core features, Frightful Residence Delhi offers several unique elements that set it apart from other horror games:
Cultural Authenticity
Unlike many horror games that use generic settings and tropes, Frightful Residence Delhi is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Every aspect of the game, from the haveli's architecture to the NPCs' dialogue, is designed to be authentic. The game even includes references to Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, which add depth to the setting and make it more relatable to Indian players.
Psychological Horror
Frightful Residence Delhi focuses on psychological horror as much as jump scares. The game uses subtle sounds, visual cues, and environmental storytelling to build tension over time, creating a sense of dread that stays with players long after they've finished playing. The game's sanity system also adds to the psychological horror, as players must manage their character's mental state to avoid hallucinations and madness.
Historical Accuracy
The game's developers conducted extensive research on Indian history and architecture to ensure that Bhaskar Haveli and its surroundings are historically accurate. The haveli's design is based on real Mughal-era mansions, and the game's puzzles and lore are inspired by actual Indian history and mythology. This attention to detail makes the game's setting more immersive and engaging.
