(Image credit: Senscape)
After nearly two decades, a renowned cult horror developer has made a triumphant return with a spiritual successor to the game that originally brought them fame. Read more about it.
Agustin Cordes established himself as a significant figure in the horror gaming world, primarily through his 2006 debut, Scratches. This chilling mystery, reminiscent of Myst, was not only memorable for its frightful narrative but also as the first commercial adventure game developed in Argentina.
Now, 19 years later, Cordes has introduced Asylum, another point-and-click horror adventure, which has endured its own share of challenges over the years. Announced in 2010, Asylum was poised to be the spiritual heir to Scratches, maintaining the horror genre within a meticulously detailed world with full 360-degree camera control. A successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013 secured nearly $120,000 to boost its development, so why the long delay?
According to a Kickstarter FAQ, the project was managed on a very limited budget, with funds coming directly from the developers’ pockets. This led to scheduling challenges as team members could only work sporadically. Furthermore, Asylum is three times larger than its predecessor and boasts a richly detailed environment with over 100 rooms to explore, emphasizing architectural accuracy.
The FAQ humorously notes the team’s decision to develop their own game engine from scratch, despite commonly hearing why developers typically avoid this route. In response to one playful FAQ question, “Are you insane?”, Senscape replied, “Just a little bit.”
On Steam, Senscape describes the game as drawing inspiration from the likes of H. P. Lovecraft, Hammer Films, and thrilling Euro Horror of the 80s. Players will navigate through a labyrinthine institute, interact with bizarre residents, and confront unsettling visions.
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