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 :)
I recently released a horror visual novel, I wouldn't say it has anything within it like a traditional jumpscare. 
Vacation Terminal is a short 2D Psychological thriller, horror and survival based visual novel with evading based puzzle elements. Following the story of two strangers, Gavriil and Yeva, who suddenly find themselves stranded in the snowy wilderness after a brutal train crash. To survive, they must put trust each in each other and lean on the hope for eventual rescue. 
Gavriil and Yeva, two strangers who happened to meet by chance, both travelling together, on the same train, in the same cabin, but really with not much to talk about. But when their train derails in the middle of nowhere, they're suddenly forced to work together. Gavriil wakes up alone in a cold, pitch-black cave—his leg missing, and Yeva claiming she saved his life. There’s no sign of rescue. No way to call for help ... This was supposed to be just a short vacation. - 9 k words - 1 hour play time - 3 endings total
This is the first game I have ever developed and written, so the mechanics, and storytelling might feel a little off, but I'm still pretty happy with the fact I was able to finish this with the help of many wonderful people, as listed above, please check them all out!
