Sanity-eroding survival horror meets procedural generation
New Zealand-based indie studio Eyemobi has released itsKickstarteredsurvival horror roguelikePhantasmal: City of Darknessonto Steam Early Access.
If you’re unfamiliar with the project,Phantasmalis described by its creators as a procedurally-generated action horror game. Influences on the title include videogame horror stapleSilent Hill, iconic roguelikeThe Binding of Isaac, as well as the writings of celebrated weird fiction author H.P. Lovecraft.
Phantasmalis set in a fictional version of the infamousKowloon Walled City, before its destruction in the ’90s. It’s a darkly beautiful-looking title, with atmospheric environments created by Hollywood lighting director Brian Bell, whose work includes films such asThe Life of Pi, Riddick, andThe Ring 2.
Eyemobi’s twisted take on the FPS roguelike strongly encourages stealth over combat and incorporates a Lovecraft-inspired sanity meter which diminishes your mental and physical states as you encounter the title’s numerous, shambling horrors.
Phantasmalalso plays with an interesting light mechanic, forcing you to sacrifice your ability to see your nightmarish pursuers by extinguishing your flashlight when in their presence or alternatively quickly go insane if you face them in your light’s glare.
If you’d like to learn more about this delectably creepy take on the roguelike, please make sure to drop by itsSteam pageor the officialwebsitefor more information.Phantasmalis currently available for the PC and is priced at $14.99.
