Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek Review (PS5)
Summary: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek translates R.L. Stine’s spooky charm into an interactive adventure that’s more fun than frightening. With its kid-oriented scares, campy atmosphere, and simple mechanics, it feels designed to let younger players dip their toes into horror without going too far. Parents will likely appreciate how the game balances lighthearted chills with safe, nostalgic entertainment the whole family can share.
3.8
Reader Beware
The terror in Little Creek proves once again that in Goosebumps, small towns hide big nightmares. Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is an adventure game developed by PHL Collective, published by GameMill Entertainment, and released on August 29th of 2025. Previous games inspired by R.L. Stine’s beloved book series leaned into point-and-click puzzles or mobile adaptations, but they often felt too limited for a property built on atmosphere and mystery. This newest entry finally lets players run through the shadowy streets, sneak past monsters, and solve strange puzzles at their own pace. It’s a lighter, family-friendly take on horror that delivers exactly the kind of spooky playground Goosebumps fans have long imagined.
The story follows Sloane Spencer and her three friends, who sneak out during a citywide curfew that no one quite understands. Each passionate youngster has something to lose if they’re caught, yet curiosity and a streak of mischief push them into the town library, where they meet a cryptic librarian and discover hints of something sinister. With Little Creek’s local events, like the Battle of the Bands, threatened by rumors of monsters, the group dives deeper into the mystery. Sloane soon stumbles upon a monster book, and from that point the line between urban legend and reality starts to blur. The plot is light and approachable, weaving in plenty of references and callbacks to classic Goosebumps tales, making it rewarding for longtime fans while staying accessible to younger players.
The narrative in Terror in Little Creek is surprisingly engaging for a kid-focused title, combining classic Goosebumps twists with lighthearted humor. Players interact with a small cast of quirky townsfolk, from the understanding librarian to the rule-abiding police officer, each adding flavor and occasional clues to the unfolding mystery. Exploration feels rewarding, with hidden rooms, secret notes, and collectible items scattered throughout the town, encouraging curious players to look beyond the obvious. These small touches make the town feel alive and immersive, and they reinforce the game’s theme of adventure and discovery without ever becoming too intense for younger audiences.
Gameplay focuses on exploring the hub-like town and entering different areas, such as the movie theater or library, to progress the story. Sloane carries a trusty slingshot that serves multiple purposes like distracting enemies, smacking spinning weathervanes, or hitting hidden targets like gnomes that drop loot. Different types of ammo, ranging from noisemakers to smokescreens, add variety, though the game is forgiving enough that younger players can comfortably get through with just the basics. Crystal balls are scattered around and give you hints on your objective in a riddling fashion. Typewriters let you save progress, though the game frequently autosaves as well, keeping frustration at bay. Overall, the design encourages experimentation without ever punishing mistakes too harshly.
Later, the Haunted Book adds another layer to the gameplay. By unlocking rune spells, Sloane can reveal hidden passages and secret objects. Drawing symbols with the right analog stick to open these areas feels tactile and fun, and the glowing effects lend the process some real style. Unfortunately, much like the slingshot’s special ammo, these mechanics aren’t as fleshed out as they could be, often serving more as simple gatekeeping for story progression rather than deep puzzle-solving. It leaves the impression of a larger idea trimmed down, but even so, younger players will likely enjoy the sense of uncovering secrets without being overwhelmed.
Visually, Terror in Little Creek strikes a playful balance between cartoonish and creepy. Characters are expressive, monsters have personality without being too frightening, and the town feels alive despite its curfew. The use of lighting and shadows is particularly effective, adding atmosphere without sliding into full horror. Audio supports the mood nicely. Slingshot effects are distinct, chase sequences bring in tense music, and long stretches of silence let players soak in the eerie ambience. Voice acting is another highlight, with Morgan Taylor’s lively performance as Sloane standing out, giving the character both spunk and vulnerability.
Not everything runs smoothly, however. During my playthrough, I ran into some odd bugs like occasional pop-in, missing textures, and even a frozen end boss that required a restart. Thankfully, none of these issues broke the overall experience, partly because the game itself is so forgiving. At around five hours long, it’s a short journey, but the presence of two endings adds replay value for kids who want to see the story unfold in different ways.
Final Thoughts?
Ultimately, Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek succeeds as a gateway horror game. It isn’t designed to terrify; instead, it captures the feeling of kids pushing past their curfew, sticking their noses where they don’t belong, and discovering something just a little too strange. While adults may find the gameplay easy and the scares mild, younger players (and parents looking for something spooky, but safe) will likely find it just right. With its mix of exploration, light puzzle-solving, and approachable scares, this game feels like Goosebumps brought to life in the way it always should have been. If PHL Collective gets a chance to expand on these ideas in a sequel, the future of Goosebumps games looks brighter, and creepier, than ever.
About the Author
Nay Clark Gaming holds a special place in my heart and I never stop talking about video games. I really love all types of games and have an interest in games that have complicated stories and lore because I enjoy untangling the mystery of it all. When I'm not gaming, I unsuccessfully try to control three amazing and incredibly bright kids.
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