The fourth week of October has been quite the whirlwind of releases. We saw titles like 'Ninja Gaiden 4', 'RV There Yet?', 'Dispatch', and 'Misery' arrive to 'Very Positive' acclaim. Meanwhile, early access veterans like 'Escape the Backrooms' and 'Farthest Frontier' maintained their 'Very Positive' standing upon full launch. Yet, amidst this deluge of titles, one particular 'Hidden Gems' candidate has caught my eye: 'Species: Unknown'.

Species: Unknown hit early access on the 23rd, and it’s a co-op survival horror experience that frankly, I’d suggest you don't tackle alone. You play as a mercenary sent to a derelict spaceship to fulfil one of four specific contracts. Your goal is simple: get in, do the job, and get out alive. The catch? The ship is invariably crawling with grotesque 'specimens' that are eager to turn you into their next meal.

You have four types of contracts to choose from: eliminating samples, destroying zones, capturing specimens, or extracting data. Naturally, specimen capture pays the best for the sheer trouble it causes, while data extraction or zone destruction are the relatively easier, lower-paying alternatives. You’ll need to upgrade your shuttle with a containment cell if you want to attempt capture missions. The demo currently lets you play the 'data extraction' mission, where you hunt for a black box before legging it.

Once you've signed your life away, you hop on the shuttle to your destination—usually a dark, claustrophobic station echoing with deeply unsettling noises. Each ship or station is procedurally laid out, changing the flow of how you navigate them. The one constant? The persistent threat of those wretched 'specimens' breathing down your neck. On higher difficulties, you're also racing against a clock, with failing gravity or impending ship explosions adding a lovely layer of panic.

These monstrosities are officially dubbed 'specimens', the results of some undoubtedly unethical experiments. Each one has a nasty signature move. Take 'Number 5', for instance—a hulking brute that packs a gatling gun. Others prefer to lurk in the mist, only lashing out when you dare to look their way. You’re effectively walking into a graveyard where the previous crew vanished without a trace.

As you explore, you can check your terminal for a 'Specimen Log'. By cross-referencing your findings with the grisly remains of the previous crew, you can identify what you're up against. Strategy is key here—take 'Number 9', for example; it skitters through vents and has a penchant for removing faces. It’s tough enough to shrug off bullets, but thankfully, it tires out quickly if you keep it moving.

The specimens truly make their presence felt once you restore power to the ship. Doors often require security cards or PC terminal manipulation, and these moments are when the specimens love to strike. Keep a sharp eye out for hidden passages; they’re great for a quick escape, but they’re also where you’re most likely to bump into something that wants you dead.

You aren't entirely defenceless, though. You start with a basic flashlight and a minimap, but you can use your earnings to buy gear like 'Threat Detectors', 'Health Syringes', or shields before you deploy. You can also scavenge shotguns and flamethrowers left behind by the former crew. It makes the lower difficulty tiers manageable, at least until the horror sets in.

Completed contracts line your pockets, allowing for character upgrades. You can reinforce your armour, equip sidearms before missions, or even boost your flashlight battery and stamina. It won't make the experience any less terrifying, but at least you might last a few seconds longer before the screaming starts.

Species: Unknown is currently sitting at 'Very Positive' (95% positive) on Steam. Reviews are filled with sentiments like, "My heart can't take it," "The sound of that monster crawling in the vents is driving me insane," and "It’s terrifying solo but hilarious with friends." Official Korean language support is included, even if it feels a little rough around the edges.