Finding Frankie Review: Horror Mascot Speedwagon

Finding Frankie is a title in the mascot horror genre that incorporates elements of parkour, puzzles, and a meta game show framework. In the game, players receive an invitation that leads them into a competition set at Frankie’s Parkour Palace, where any mistake can lead to severe consequences. The game presents a contrast between a game show-style atmosphere and the reality of a setting dominated by a murderous mascot, blending elements of camp, horror, and action.

Finding Frankie has been developed by SuperLou Games and published by PERPETUAL (for PS5). The game was released on PC on October 25, 2024, and later launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X on April 15, 2025

An Adventure Cut Short

At its core, Finding Frankie plays with the idea of a deadly game show. Players are lured into a competition for a staggering $5,000,000 prize, but what begins as a promising parkour challenge quickly spirals into a fight for survival. The game’s narrative cleverly intertwines playful, almost absurd game show elements with the darker undertones of a horror experience.

Unlike conventional horror titles that rely solely on jump scares, this game employs an ironic twist: contestants are invited under false pretenses, only to be mercilessly eliminated by Frankie, the sinister mascot, and his equally eerie cohorts. This melding of high stakes, live-streamed spectacle, and unexpected horror creates a unique environment that differentiates it from the more static narratives of its genre peers.

However, considering it only lasts around two hours of playtime, it’s kinda hard to recommend. Still, if you are up for speedruns and are not discouraged by its unconventional puzzles, this cut-short adventure may just be right up your alley.

A Mascot’s Edge

One of the game’s standout features is its parkour system. Drawing inspiration from titles like Mirror’s Edge, Finding Frankie requires you to master a series of intricate maneuvers—sprinting, sliding, and daring leaps—that transform every level into a pulse-quickening obstacle course. The design infuses every stretch of the palace with verticality and speed, ensuring players are constantly on edge.

It is a core mechanic that directly affects your survival as you navigate precarious platforms and narrow corridors where every second counts. It has a subtle difficulty curve, challenging even experienced players to keep pace without faltering.

That being said, this system is heavily bogged down by its rather clunky controls. Like grabbing onto a bar for swinging, it requires you to press a button, but in turn breaks the fluidity of the movements. Similarly while jumping

Puzzles Intertwined with Action

Interwoven with the parkour action are environmental puzzles that demand both quick reflexes and sharp problem-solving skills. As you traverse the various zones of Frankie’s Palace, you encounter switches and interactive elements that must be activated under strict time constraints.

These puzzles add a cerebral layer to the gameplay—they require you to plan your route, manage your momentum, and sometimes even backtrack to complete objectives, all while keeping an eye out for the inevitable chase sequences. This balance of action and mental dexterity not only keeps the tension high but also sets the game apart from more straightforward horror titles that might focus solely on jump scares or linear storytelling.

That being said, these puzzles often become a roadblock in the game’s 2-hour-long campaign. I often had to refer to other playthroughs in order to complete these puzzles. This was often the cause that sometimes the experience even got quite frustrating, as everything seemingly came to a halt because of such constraints.

A Title Designed for Streamers

Finding Frankie has been meticulously crafted with streamers and online audiences in mind. Its short, frenetic runs and the inherent unpredictability of the parkour challenges provide endless moments of excitement that translate perfectly to live content. The game’s structure—replete with unexpected deaths, rapid-fire puzzles, and over-the-top chase sequences—is tailor-made for generating hilarious and suspenseful reactions in real time.

This meta, game show format, where every run is a high-stakes performance, not only enhances player immersion but also transforms each session into an engaging spectacle for viewers. Streamers benefit from the game’s built-in potential for interactive commentary and community engagement, turning each playthrough into both a personal challenge and an entertaining show for their audience.

Why It Isn’t for Everyone

Despite its innovation and charm, Finding Frankie isn’t a title that will resonate with every type of gamer. The brisk pace and relentless pressure of the parkour segments can quickly become overwhelming for those who prefer a more measured or atmospheric horror experience.

Its clunky controls alongside its steep learning curve—demanding precision timing and quick decision-making—may feel punishing for players unaccustomed to reflex-based challenges. Additionally, the blend of goofy game show aesthetics with genuine terror creates a tonal oddity that might leave traditional horror fans unsettled. In essence, the same elements that make the game a hit with streamers and adrenaline junkies can also alienate gamers seeking a more classic or deliberately paced horror narrative.

Real Talk

Finding Frankie is an offbeat entry into the horror genre. It marries the thrill of high-speed parkour and intricate puzzles, but is bogged down by its short and shallow game-inspired narrative. While it may not cater to the tastes of everyone but as a streamer, this might just be your next go-to title.

Final Rating: 70/100