A new indie title called Parasite Mutant has recently been unveiled, and it carries unmistakable echoes of Square Enix’s 1998 classic Parasite Eve. For decades, fans of the original sci-fi horror RPG have been clamoring for a remake or reboot, but with no official plans from Square Enix, this upcoming release may serve as the next best thing.
Parasite Eve remains a cornerstone of late-90s horror gaming, celebrated for its mix of survival-horror atmosphere and innovative RPG mechanics. The ability to customize builds, experiment with combat strategies, and explore its haunting narrative gave it a unique place in gaming history. Despite constant speculation, Square Enix has never confirmed a remake, leaving enthusiasts searching for alternatives—and Parasite Mutant seems to be stepping into that void.
Set to launch in 2026 for PC and PlayStation 5, Parasite Mutant has already generated buzz thanks to its announcement trailer. The story centers on a female operative dispatched to a deserted island where unexplained paranormal events are unfolding. With anime-inspired visuals and a sci-fi horror aesthetic, the game clearly takes cues from Parasite Eve. Its biggest gameplay hook is the "Active Time Chain" system, a modernized evolution of the Active Time Battle mechanic beloved in classic JRPGs.
Players who have seen early footage are already calling it a “spiritual successor,” praising its combat style, eerie monster designs, and nostalgic tone. While some fans remain skeptical about whether an indie project can recapture the depth of Parasite Eve, others welcome it as a worthy substitute, especially in the absence of any movement from Square Enix.
Rumors of an official Parasite Eve remake have circulated for years, most recently surfacing in early 2025 when insiders hinted at a possible reveal during Sony’s State of Play. However, nothing has materialized. For now, indie developers are carrying the torch, with Parasite Mutant standing out as one of the most ambitious attempts yet.
Interestingly, this isn’t the only modern game drawing comparisons to Parasite Eve. In 2025, another indie project titled Heartworm was noted for evoking the same haunting atmosphere, though it leaned more toward the traditional Resident Evil formula. Whether Parasite Mutant will meet fan expectations or be dismissed as just another imitation remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: fans of horror RPGs hungry for something new in the vein of Parasite Eve will want to keep a close eye on Parasite Mutant.
