8Bit/Digi

PIGFACE immediately caught my attention with its striking aesthetic design and compelling premise. At first glance, it resembles Manhunt reimagined as a Half-Life mod. Players familiar with Rockstar’s cult classic and mods like They Hunger or Hearts of Evil will instantly recognize the vibe I’m describing. The difference here is that this is an indie title published by DreadXP, which sets certain expectations from the start. You know you’re diving into something experimental and unapologetically bold.

PIGFACE is a twisted first-person shooter with stealth elements, along with a gritty story. This is a look at the game’s introduction, along with the first mission. Please note that this isn’t a review, but rather a look at the game in its Early Access state, as the game is still in development.

Hello, Exit

Players step into the role of Exit, a ruthless woman whose past has finally caught up. Rather than face execution for her crimes, she’s forced into servitude as an operative for a shadowy organization. Her assignments are whatever they demand, often involving raids on hideouts and eliminating everyone inside. Refusal isn’t an option, thanks to the explosive implanted in her skull. Survival becomes her only choice, as she complies while patiently waiting for the right moment to strike back and reclaim her freedom.

As mentioned earlier, if you’ve played Manhunt, this story will feel very familiar. The influence isn’t hidden either, with one of the game’s signature masks serving as a clear homage to the iconic Smiley mask. While Manhunt leaned heavily into stealth driven action horror, PIGFACE instead emphasizes fast paced gunplay layered with a cloak and dagger narrative. Yet despite the shift in gameplay style, that same unnerving sense of wickedness and dread remains at its core, ensuring tension and terror are never far behind.

Playthrough of PIGFACE

The game opens with Exit awakening in a warehouse, where she’s briefed on her grim situation. This stage doubles as a tutorial, guiding players through the fundamentals of controls, gameplay, and combat. Once the basics are mastered, the real test begins with a trial by combat. Armed for the first time, players must eliminate a group of hostile opponents in a tense firefight. Upon completing the mission, Exit is taken to her new residence, a temporary sanctuary where she awaits the next assignment.

The first mission tasks you with infiltrating a farm to recover drugs and important files. An optional objective challenges you to eliminate every hostile on the property. I begin by heading to the barn, clearing out gang members both outside and within. After securing the drug samples, I push forward toward the farmhouse, methodically dispatching enemies along the way. With the grounds cleared, I breach the farmhouse, eliminate the remaining threats, and secure the files. Objectives complete, I head toward the exit, marking the mission’s conclusion.

Thoughts on PIGFACE

PIGFACE isn’t just a retro-inspired shooter; it’s a love letter to the late ’90s and early 2000s. Its presentation feels like a polished Half-Life mod while carrying the grim tone and narrative style of Manhunt. Players who grew up during that era will immediately recognize its influences, from the use of flip phones and bulky desktop computers to visual filters that replicate VHS grain. These details create a nostalgic yet unsettling atmosphere, blending old-school charm with a sense of gritty authenticity.

My only current complaint is the game’s lack of controller support, though I expect that to be addressed in future updates. Another issue I encountered involved enemies suddenly appearing out of nowhere, only to vanish after being struck. I’m uncertain whether this is an intentional horror element or simply a bug. If it is a bug, I believe it should be refined and incorporated into the experience, as the unpredictability actually enhances the game’s unsettling atmosphere and strengthens its overall horror design.

The Early Access version of PIGFACE is now available to purchase and play. No official launch date has been set; that announcement will be made in the future.  

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used in this preview.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.