Fears to Fathom® - Scratch Creek Review – A Co-Op Horror With Heart and Bugs
A short, atmospheric two-player walking-sim that refreshes the Fears to Fathom formula with co-op and proximity chat — but be warned: bugs and a frustrating chase sequence cloud an otherwise charming episode.
I went into Scratch Creek excited and a little nervous — it’s the first Fears to Fathom entry that forces you to play together, online only. The setup is classic Rayll: small-town dread, lo-fi VHS vibes and slow-building tension, but now split across two players who text, drive and sometimes yell at each other through proximity voice chat. The idea is brilliant on paper and often works: there are cozy couple-moments, unsettling discoveries and genuinely tense solo beats — yet the experience is uneven, thanks to bugs and an infuriating final chase.
Driving Into Trouble
Scratch Creek plays like a narrative walking simulator with a twist: you and a partner — Tessa and Marcus — are meant to experience parts of the map separately, then reconnect through calls and texts. Most of your time is spent exploring decaying roadside diners, a creepy motel and a mysteriously welcoming gas station, interacting with objects, triggering short scenes and occasionally driving between setpieces. Driving is simple but oddly tense when your buddy is in the trailer or you're trying to coordinate who gets towels or tools. Carrying objects and cooperative puzzles are intentionally basic; the game leans on atmosphere and emergent awkwardness between players rather than complex mechanics. If you like slow-burn narrative adventures with light interaction, this scratches that itch.
When Two Players Make the World Stranger
The standout is the co-op structure: proximity voice chat, duo matchmaking and the ability to text the other survivor change the pacing. Separating players amplifies fear — you genuinely worry about what’s happening on your friend’s side — and the phone mini-games (yes, the oddly addictive cow minigame) add tiny moments of levity. Many sequences are designed to trade off information: one player finds the clue the other needs, or one gets a jump-scare to later recount. That social friction leads to some of the episode’s best moments: the “we’re a couple” banter, the panic when a door won’t open, or laughing while you mis-handle an awkward cinematic together. It’s an ambitious attempt at social horror and, when it clicks, very memorable.
Static, Soundtrack and VHS Dreams
Visually the game leans hard into a VHS film aesthetic — grain, chromatic aberration and a muted palette create a specific retro discomfort. Voice acting is a clear strength: characters feel distinct and the narrations land emotionally in quieter beats. The soundtrack and ambient noise do a lot of the heavy lifting; lofi tracks and distant radio chatter build that signature Fears-to-Fathom vibe. Performance was fine on my Windows rig most of the time, but reviews and my sessions show varied results: stutters, softlocks and some multiplayer jank can appear. Accessibility is basic — no singleplayer option is a sore spot for solo fans — but proximity chat and text-based clues help with communication when they work.
Scratch Creek is an inventive step for the series: co-op, phone mechanics and a warm-yet-creepy tone make for many brilliant moments. However, launch bugs, janky multiplayer behavior and a frustrating chase undercut the experience. Play this with a patient friend on Windows, keep expectations tempered, and you’ll probably have a few unforgettable scenes — just don’t go in expecting a polished, solo horror night.
Pros
- Smart co-op twist that actually makes many scenes scarier
- Strong atmosphere, VHS look and great voice acting
- Cute, memorable duo moments and addictive phone mini-games
- Short, replayable episode length — good for duo sessions
Cons
- Significant bugs and softlocks at launch
- Final chase is confusing and relies on trial-and-error
- No singleplayer option; matchmaking can be hit-or-miss
Player Opinion
Players praise the co-op idea: many reviews highlight how separating characters and using proximity voice chat makes the scares and replayability stronger, and several people loved the writing and voice acting. At the same time complaints are frequent and consistent: numerous users report bugs, softlocks, and annoying multiplayer glitches — especially in car and chase segments. The end chase is a recurring sore point: reviewers say it’s unintuitive, checkpoints punish you, and trial-and-error kills immersion. If you loved Ironbark Lookout or Woodbury Getaway, you’ll find comforting callbacks and lore ties here; just expect to patch the experience over time or wait for bugfixes.