It seems like a wacky nightmare at first: two cheerful mascots named Frankie and Henry Hotline hosting a goofy game show full of colorful obstacles. But when they become twisted terrors, this seemingly bright competition warps into something far darker. The idea of combining parkour with horror had me both curious and slightly on edge, especially since it felt a bit like stepping into a version of those mechanical nightmares from mascot-based horror games I’ve experienced in the past. And yet, it goes beyond a simple “like FNAF with parkour” premise. There’s a unique identity here that makes me feel as if I’ve jumped into a high-stakes free-running challenge, where I can’t afford to relax for even a second.
If you like high-tension experiences where speed is your best friend (and your only weapon), you may find yourself hooked on Finding Frankie. You’re not just running and vaulting; you’re surviving in a living nightmare.
A Cartoonish Game Show Gone Wrong
The twisted show at the core of Finding Frankie starts off as something that might have once been a family-friendly affair. Mascots Frankie and Henry Hotline would welcome contestants to hop around various zany courses. But as the story reveals, these loveable icons have transformed into terrifying hosts who are eager to watch you stumble. It’s not just about winning a prize anymore; it’s about making it out alive while these giant mascots lurk around every corner. Contestants enter with the belief that they’ll pit their parkour skills against friendly rivals, only to discover that the game show has higher stakes than they ever bargained for.
There’s a thrill in realizing that everything once meant to entertain and bring joy is now twisted into a trap. And it’s not only you competing; there are plenty of other contestants in the same boat, doing whatever they can to stay ahead and avoid becoming the next victim. That knowledge only amplifies the tension, as you never know who might crack under pressure or who might beat you to safety by a single vault.
Vaulting, Grinding, and Surviving
What makes Finding Frankie particularly fascinating is the parkour system. Running around at top speed is already nerve-racking, but the developers have gone the extra mile to include moves like wall jumping, rail grinding, and trampoline hopping.
There’s a genuine rush in trying to coordinate your speed with each jump, because any hesitation could leave you stuck in a corridor with Frankie or Henry one step behind. The game also demands situational awareness, which is easier said than done when you’re racing through flashing lights, bouncing on trampolines, and trying to land on tiny ledges. Mistakes feel costly, and that tension gives each movement weight.
Escaping the Nightmares
While the parkour mechanics are essential, the horror elements truly bring it home. You’re not just doing flips and jumps for fun—lurking mascots chase you, set traps, and pop out when you least expect it. The pacing can be unpredictable, making it tough to guess when you’ll face the next big scare. I learned early that the best strategy is to keep moving, but the developers make certain that you’ll have to slow down at some points, which is exactly when you often realize you’re not alone.
One moment, you might be sprinting through an open course with bright decorations and confetti, hearing the roar of an invisible audience. Next, you find yourself in an eerily quiet tunnel with only a flickering light to guide you. It’s that contrast—between bright silliness and murky terror—that left me feeling uneasy in the best possible way. Sometimes the mere echo of the mascots’ distorted laughter was enough to spur me to pick up the pace (or panic, depending on how you look at it). And since the environment is unpredictable, you’ll never be sure if a ladder or a precarious ledge will lead to safety or drop you right into their waiting arms.
Secrets at the Heart of the Parkour Show
The narrative progression sneaks up on you. At the start, it’s just another contest. Sure, Frankie and Henry look unusual, but you might assume it’s all part of the game show. Yet each level you clear and each deeper tunnel you explore reveals a heavier story lurking beneath the flashy sets and neon paint. The best part is you’re motivated not only by your own survival but by the possibility of uncovering the show’s secrets. Why did these mascots suddenly flip from friendly to fearsome? And just how many contestants have vanished in these corridors before you?
Scenes scattered across the environment fill in flashes of the show’s original mood. From tattered posters and scattered fan letters, you get a sense that this place was once popular, possibly even wholesome. But something corrupted it, and now you’re right in the middle of the madness. Every new challenge is a step closer to understanding what truly went wrong. Between frantic dashes and leaps, you’ll see hints and bits of storyline that push you onward with a mix of dread and curiosity.
Inspiration from Mascot Horrors
There’s a lot in Finding Frankie that calls back to that classic mascot-horror vibe popularized by Five Nights at Freddy’s, but it definitely branches out from there. The giant, mischievous characters are reminiscent of animatronic terrors, although Frankie and Henry Hotline move with an alarming agility that caught me off guard. Instead of being stuck in a cramped security office, you now have to roam a twisted labyrinth of courses, leaps, and potential hiding spots. You can see how the developers took the unsettling nature of a friendly-face-turned-villain concept and fused it with a punishing parkour challenge.
Being a big fan of mascot horror, I recognized the familiar wave of dread that comes when a once-beloved character warps into something you’d never want to meet after dark. Yet, it’s not a carbon copy. By introducing athletic free-running, the game adds an energy surge that sets it apart. Instead of passive waiting, you’re actively fighting for your life through platforming precision. For me, that is where the real difference lies: your best defense isn’t a security camera but your own reflexes.
When does Finding Frankie come out?
If you like previewing new games on PC first, you can dive into this suspenseful parkour horror on October 24, 2024. Not a PC gamer? No worries, because once the initial dust settles, Finding Frankie will arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on April 15, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Finding Frankie about?
Finding Frankie is a first-person parkour horror game where players compete in a seemingly fun game show hosted by mascots Frankie and Henry Hotline. However, the show quickly turns dark as players realize they must use their parkour skills to survive against the now-monstrous mascots.
2. When is Finding Frankie releasing?
The PC version of Finding Frankie is set to release on October 24, 2024. The console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will follow on April 15, 2025.
3. What makes Finding Frankie’s gameplay unique?
Finding Frankie blends fast-paced parkour mechanics with intense horror elements. Players must execute moves like wall jumping, rail grinding, and trampoline hopping while avoiding terrifying pursuers. The mix of fluid movement and suspenseful chases creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Who is Deputy Duck, and what role does he play?
Deputy Duck is a quirky companion that provides comic relief and gameplay assistance. He can emit light bursts, scan the environment for threats, and offer humorous encouragement, making him both a useful tool and an amusing presence in an otherwise tense game.
5. How does Finding Frankie compare to other mascot horror games?
While it shares themes with games like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Finding Frankie stands out by integrating parkour-based survival mechanics. Instead of being trapped in one location, players must constantly move, making split-second decisions to avoid danger.
6. What kind of environments can players expect in the game?
The game shifts between vividly colorful obstacle courses and eerie, dark tunnels. This contrast enhances the horror atmosphere, keeping players uneasy as they transition from playful designs to claustrophobic spaces filled with lurking dangers.
7. Where can I stay updated on Finding Frankie?
You can follow the game’s progress on its Steam page, where news, updates, and release information will be posted.
