The co-op horror scene has been buzzing lately, with titles like Phasmophobia and Lethal Company setting a high bar for multiplayer frights. Enter REPO, a new contender from developer semiwork that dropped into Steam Early Access yesterday, February 26, 2025. With its physics-driven chaos, proximity voice chat, and a premise that feels like a twisted lovechild of Dead Space and Overcooked, this game is already carving out a niche for itself in the crowded indie horror market. As a grizzled gaming vet who’s seen more jump scares than I care to count, I dove into REPO to see if it’s got the chops to stand out—or if it’s just another loot-and-scoot clone.

The Setup: Repo Men in a Haunted Hellscape

In REPO, you and up to five buddies play as glorified cosmic repo men, tasked by a mysterious computer overlord to retrieve valuable items from derelict, monster-infested environments. Think pianos that could crush you, fragile ceramics that shatter if you sneeze too hard, and a paycheck that depends on getting it all back in one piece. The catch? Newton’s laws apply to everything—including the grotesque creatures stalking you. If a monster trips over a crate you’ve carelessly flung, it’s as hilarious as it is terrifying.

The vibe here is unmistakably post-apocalyptic, with a dash of sci-fi dystopia. You’re not just dodging claws and teeth; you’re wrestling with a physics-based grabbing tool that feels like it’s on loan from Half-Life 2’s Gravity Gun. Success means teamwork, timing, and a prayer that your pals don’t accidentally yeet a priceless vase into the void. Fail, and you’re monster chow—or worse, broke.

Gameplay: Chaos Meets Strategy

Right out of the gate, REPO leans hard into its physics sandbox. Every object has weight, momentum, and a tendency to betray you at the worst moment. My first run saw me and my crew frantically hauling a grand piano across a crumbling warehouse, only for it to clip a wall and send us scrambling as a hulking beast closed in. The proximity chat amplifies the panic—screams of “MOVE IT!” and “I DROPPED THE LAMP!” cut through the static, making every session a mix of dread and dark comedy.

Combat’s not the focus here; you’re no Doom Slayer. Instead, survival hinges on upgrades and gear you buy with your hard-earned [SURPLUS] cash. Robotic enhancements—like faster legs or a sturdier grip—give you an edge, but they won’t save you from poor planning. With three worlds, 19 enemy types, 29 equipment items, and eight player upgrades in the current build, there’s enough variety to keep things spicy, though seasoned players might crave more depth as development progresses.

The roguelike elements add a sting: permadeath means one wrong move wipes your run, forcing you to start over. It’s brutal, but it fits the game’s high-stakes vibe. Stealth is your friend—monsters react to noise, so knowing when to shut up is as critical as knowing when to sprint.

Early Access: Rough Edges, Big Potential

Let’s be real: Early Access is a gamble. REPO launched in a “perfectly playable” state, as semiwork puts it, and I’d agree—mostly. The core loop of looting, dodging, and extracting is tight, with 749 Steam reviews already clocking in at an impressive 98% positive rating. But there’s room to grow. The three worlds feel distinct (a decaying mansion, a rusted factory, and a glitchy tech lab), yet they’re sparse in storytelling. The promised “meta progression” and “more story elements” can’t come soon enough to flesh out the why behind all this repo madness.

Semiwork’s pedigree shines through, though. Having cut their teeth on Early Access with a previous title, they’re vocal about community feedback shaping REPO’s future. Planned additions like player customization, new levels, and beefier upgrades hint at a 1.0 release that could rival the genre’s heavyweights. Just brace yourself for a price hike when it hits full launch—they’ve already flagged it.

The Verdict (So Far)

REPO isn’t here to reinvent horror, but it’s got a fresh hook that’s equal parts tense and absurd. The physics-driven chaos and co-op shenanigans make it a blast with friends, while the looming threat of failure keeps you on edge. It’s not perfect—yet. The lack of a deeper narrative and occasional clunky moments (thanks, physics engine) remind you it’s still baking. But for $15.99 (or $12.79 with the current 20% launch discount), it’s a steal for anyone who loves a good scare and a better laugh.

If you’re the type who thrives on yelling at your squad while juggling priceless junk in a haunted hellhole, REPO is your next obsession. Just don’t drop the piano on my foot—I’ve got enough scars from Garry’s Mod mishaps. Check it out on Steam, and join the Discord to scream your suggestions at the devs. This one’s got legs—robotic ones, at that.