Having narrowly escaped becoming just another forgotten relic, the Nintendo DS exclusive Dementium: The Ward is back in the spotlight, climbing into the top 15 trending horror games on Steam like a newly severed worm writhing in its own aftermath. This revival comes courtesy of indie studio Atooi, led by Jools Watsham, who co-founded Renegade Kid, the original makers of Dementium. The remastered version launched on October 27, reviving the spine-chilling essence of the game, which had first re-emerged on the Nintendo Switch earlier in 2023. As one Reddit user expressed, “I’m surprised someone still remembers this franchise.” Clearly, Dementium still resonates deeply, with another fan noting, “Oddly enough I woke up having a fleeting thought on the best way to play this game on PC then here it is.”
Reviving a Cult Classic
Dementium: The Ward is a peculiar artifact in gaming history, and I can easily see why it inspires such sentiments. Watsham previously shared on Twitter that this psychological horror title was originally pitched to Konami back in 2007 as a potential Silent Hill DS game, but the pitch was dismissed. He recounted, “They said they wouldn’t let a ‘team like us’ handle the Silent Hill property.” However, the deep-seated themes of guilt and fear encapsulated in Dementium managed to establish it as a cult favorite, standing out as one of the few truly unsettling horror games on the DS—more so than Luigi’s Mansion, featuring stitched-together specters and overwhelming waves of shame.
What’s New in the Remaster?
The updated edition of Dementium: The Ward brings with it modest improvements—primarily refined controls and full 4K resolution support. For those fond of nostalgia, there’s also an option to enjoy a 240P retro CRT filter that provides an authentic throwback experience. In essence, players are treated to the genuine horror ambiance of 2007, a delightful offering for fans and newcomers alike.
Moreover, following a two-year hiatus, one of the standout horror titles of 2023 is set to expand its universe. A co-op spinoff promises an exhilarating blend reminiscent of Dead by Daylight and REPO: “Get ready to test the bonds of your friendship!”