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- Image of Parasite Mutant, Courtesy of IceSitruuna

Parasite Mutant Evolves Beyond Its Predecessor with New Breed of Terror in 2026

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By David Gilbert | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 9:40 PM ET

The gaming world desperately needs a new parasite mutant to shake up the survival horror genre. For many players, Square Soft’s Parasite Eve is a cult classic that launched on the original PlayStation in 1998. Including the strategic depth of turn-based combat, the game creates a weird and wonderful experience. Not only that, but it also perfectly captures the atmospheric tension of Resident Evil. So, why then, has such a unique franchise remained dormant for so long after a single sequel and a disappointing PSP spin-off?

Parasite Mutant Stalks Gamers

In the original story, players followed heroine Aya Brea through a snow-drenched New York City as she fought to prevent an apocalyptic event. Furthermore, an entire generation of gamers immediately fell in love with the lo-fi adventure, which left a lasting impression. Throughout the years, fans’ desire for a true successor has only grown stronger. Although Square Enix has shown no interest in reviving the series, indie developer IceSitruuna has decided to step in and fill the void with a new project called Parasite Mutant.

For awhile, the classic survival horror formula felt outdated among players, who grew tired of cumbersome tank controls and illogical puzzles. However, recent indie titles like Signalis and Crow Country prove that this formula has enduring appeal, as they have successfully modernized it. As Developers update the gameplay for today’s audience, these games reveal that they can tell horrifically compelling stories within this framework. That said, how does Parasite Mutant plan to distinguish itself within this nostalgic resurgence?

The Horror Has Mutated

Image of Parasite Mutant, Courtesy ofIceSitruuna

Parasite Eve always stood apart due to its combination of fixed camera angles and a dynamic battle system. Maintaining this unique feel in Parasite Mutant has been the priority, as the development team strives the allow people to perform a variety of actions, including:

swift movements through compact environments
dodge enemy attacks
chain abilities together for devastating combos

The game deliberately mimics its inspiration at every turn, from its rain-drenched, neon-lit environments to its hard-boiled psionic agent protagonist named Nova. Taking the role of the character, players must investigate a world infected by an alien virus, while battling fleshy monstrosities along the way. The Steam page further confirms a classic progression system where players level up and use modules to enhance their equipment. Parasite Mutant holds such clear reverence for the source material, that the biggest question surrounding it will the game be innovative enough to feel fresh and not merely like a copy.

A Mutant Worth Remembering

Fans of the original Mutant Eve will get hit with a nostalgia hard, given its overall presentation, including its music and visual style. Nonetheless, one potential concern about Parasite Mutant involves the generic anime character designs. Players may feel that more attention was placed on the female cast’s sexualization rather than their depth and personality.

Even an announced outfit system risks amplified this issue further, standing out even more in an industry filled with dormant horror franchises. So, does the game prove its better to have a lovingly crafted imitation than no revival at all? Parasite Mutant reveals its inspiration to the original game, even down to its logo. As a result, the game offers a compelling alternative to simply letting these classic experiences fade into memory.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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