Stardew Valley, but from hell. In Neverway, we will become a farmer in a world straight out of a nightmare

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In a chilling twist, players were introduced to a horrifying take on Stardew Valley through the unveiling of the Neverway trailer. This game presents a familiar life simulation experience but with an eerie and unsettling setting that deviates from the norm in horror-themed gaming worlds.

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Players were introduced to a frightening version of Stardew Valley through the unveiling of the Neverway trailer, offering a unique blend of life simulation set in a nightmare world that’s unlike any other in the genre.

The Triple-I Showcase unveiled a number of intriguing updates on indie games, some of which were not entirely new but certainly piqued the interest of gamers. One such game is from Coldblood studio, whose name hints at the thematic direction their “life simulation” game will follow.

Life simulation games are often labeled as “comfort games,” which refers to games that prioritize tranquility and exclude violence. However, not all games strictly follow this description; even exceptions to the rule incorporate numerous “cozy” aspects. For example, in Stardew Valley, there’s a combat system and dungeon exploration, but these elements are still part of a broader experience that emphasizes relaxation and calmness.

Contrary to the Coldblood team’s assertions, Neverway doesn’t attempt to pass off as a comforting game. Instead, it blends the style of a “life simulation with a hint of RPG” with an unsettling horror ambiance that subtly pervades reality, gradually revealing a world teeming with unimaginable horrors.

In the game titled Neverway, Fiona, our protagonist, quits her job to start a new life on her own farm. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary ‘farmer’s life sim’. However, Fiona is not an ordinary girl; she’s the immortal herald of a deceased deity. The game world, contrary to expectation, leans more towards a monochrome palette rather than vibrant colors. This may seem unexpected given that Pedro Medeiros, known for his stunning work on Celeste, was involved in the visual design collaboration. Medeiros had previously worked with Extremely Ok Games but left when their new project was scrapped. The game’s atmosphere will be further enhanced by the musical score from Richard “Disasterpeace” Vreeland, a composer renowned for his work on games like Fez and Hyper Light Drifter among others.

Despite the dark visuals, ominous settings, and somewhat eerie independent characters, it’s important to note that Neverway retains its life simulation genre akin to Stardew Valley. You’ll find familiar elements such as farming, fishing, decorating your farm, and even developing relationships with more than a dozen unique characters, each with their own stories and quests, in Neverway.

Simultaneously, this game appears to prioritize adaptable battle mechanics, allowing players to tailor their fighting approach according to personal tastes. From what we’ve seen, it seems that the challenge of survival will not be an easy feat.

It’s important to note that the project you’re referring to isn’t the first one with a similar idea. Other games like “Welcome to Elderfield” by Chris Cote and “We Harvest Shadows” by David Whele also exist, but they don’t emphasize pixel art like “Stardew Valley” and “Neverway” do.

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2025-04-14 16:02