I am working on one that has a couple jump scares through the whole thing, but doesn't rely on them. If you want *none*, it might not be a fit but very few are planned. The game development had been paused because we had some financial issues, but it's been gaining attention so we might resume if we get enough wishlists:
Viewing post in Psychological/Thriller game with no jumpscares?
Cheap jumpscares or just jumpscares? There's a difference. If you get jumpscared out of nowhere for no reason it's cheap. If you know a killer or something is around and he pops up around a corner it's not cheap. Most puppet combo games I've seen don't have cheap jumpscares (though their normal jumpscares are so loud and insane I still wouldn't play them).
Also as a "player" I can give a recommendation: focus on the atmosphere. In horror games especsially, if the atmosphere is good, it changes a lot. I would never have played a horror game, espesially cry of fear, if its atmosphere, vibe, feel wasn't so unique and attractive. I literally stop playing cuz I'm scared, go back because I want more, repeat. Your game looks nice, I'll wishlist and wait :=)
Jumpscares, not cheap. We have an epic sound designer and I studied psychology, and the build up makes sense and pivots the plot.
Also, thank you for the feedback. I feel like we focus heavily on atmosphere.
We have a sound folley artist and I work directly with him to program volumetric audio, foot steps on different surfaces make different effects/penetration, ect. His skill level is out of this world (literally ;D.) I think atmosphere is our strength so we leaned into it.
I will also check out cry of fear. Appreciate the feedback!
Thank you for the wishlist :)