Publisher Shiro Unlimited and developer Atelier QDB has announced that the upcoming psychological horror adventure game Decarnation will launch on May 31 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Additionally, the game will have a soundtrack featuring ten tracks from Silent Hill series composer Akira Yamaoka. A release date trailer was also released.
Akira Yamaoka commented on the announcement in a press release, saying:
“I am delighted to have been able to take part in Decarnation‘s development, which draws its inspiration from works that are extremely dear to me, such as Moju: The Blind Beast by Edogawa Rampo. It is one of my favorite novels and has inspired many of my personal creations. In many ways, Decarnation reminds me of this work, and I have developed a special connection with this game. I sincerely hope that players will enjoy it as much as I do!”
The game’s details via the publisher:
Explore a haunting world, both real and metaphorical, and find the keys needed to battle inner and outer monsters. Get caught up in an intensely emotional story unfolding in a malignant, elaborate setting. Experience diverse gameplay featuring twisted puzzles, threatening creatures, Lovecraftian environments, and metaphorical minigames.
Decarnation takes inspiration from the best 2D adventure-horror and survival–horror games from the past eras, as well as cult movies from Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue) and David Lynch (Mulholland Drive).
Story
Paris, 1990. Gloria is at the end of her rope. A struggling cabaret dancer dealing with the fraying of her relationships, career, and self-esteem, she takes on a new artistic endeavor sponsored by a mysterious benefactor. Would the generous proposal be Gloria’s lucky break, or something worse?
A survival story with layered psychological stakes, Decarnation explores the contrast between battling limitations in the physical realm, and the subconscious landscapes one can’t escape.
Decarnation is an emotional, startling story-driven experience that will keep you on your toes until the very end.
Gameplay
Decarnation mixes traditional survival horror elements (cryptic puzzle to solve, inhospitable environments to explore, lethal predators to avoid, terrifying boss to defeat, etc.) with a wide variety of symbolic minigames (puzzles, reflexes, rhythm, etc.) accounting for real life situations (performing a cabaret show on stage) or metaphorical ones.
Once uncovered, key elements of Gloria’s life aid her in defeating monsters in her dreams in unique battles that marry the grotesque and the sublime to represent her struggle for survival. Overcoming challenges in her dreams strengthens Gloria against real life difficulties, and her real life issues create new challenges in her dreams.
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