Beneath is solid mix of Dead Space and FEAR with a dash of Lovecraft

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90s-style shooter games are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with their own subgenre called “retro shooters.” Simplistic yet robust gameplay and nostalgic nods to past favorites frequently outdo the high-definition graphics of contemporary games. They offer a great deal of enjoyment, especially because they don’t require online services. Imagine merging these classic elements with modern visual design—think detailed textures, atmospheric lighting, and so on. That combination would yield Beneath, the newest offering from Camel 101 studio, showcased at the Find Your Next Game event. It’s a blend of survival horror and first-person shooter genres.

In previous playtests involving 150 participants, a common remark that stood out was: “‘It reminds me of’ F.E.A.R!” Another fitting comparison is Dead Space, and the developers themselves mention Resident Evil and… Cthulhu! This combination results in a rather distinctive blend. While we’re yet to see how this blend translates into a game, the presentation has already made it clear which particular elements were borrowed from where.

Inspired by the best

In the game titled “Beneath“, we assume the role of Noah, a frequent diver at an Atlantic base. As is common in tales like this, our character encounters a series of unexpected difficulties. Noah contracts an illness, a shadowy organization pursues him, and to top it all off, nightmarish creatures rise from the ocean’s depths. You can probably guess that elements of Cthulhu mythology are woven into the storyline. This game isn’t an official adaptation, but rather draws inspiration from Lovecraft’s tales, featuring ancient creatures rising from the ocean floor. The developers are avid fans of Lovecraft’s stories and aimed to create a similar eerie atmosphere in “Beneath“.

They face an arduous challenge: merging a mystical realm with fast-paced, engaging action, as bullets from contemporary firearms whiz through the interiors nonstop. This scenario mirrors another popular encounter – a battlefield reminiscent of FEAR’s. There will be a variety of weapon types and customizations to select from.

An extra feature could be the simulation of environmental degradation. The bullets will shatter light sources and smaller items. Prepare for a challenging encounter with both strategically-skilled corporate troops and powerful deep-sea creatures. To defeat these opponents, we’ll need innovative strategies that cater to their unique characteristics. However, we’ll have to wait until the launch to determine if the AI algorithms are as sophisticated as they were in F.E.A.R. The game will feature boss battles, but it won’t be excessively difficult.

Underwater, no one will hear your scream

In our game, we’ve drawn inspiration from the level progression system seen in the Resident Evil series. Just like there, you’ll need to discover unique codes for doors, uncover hidden passages, and gather essential items to move forward. This journey will take you through six distinct underwater station complexes, reminiscent of System Shock. Each complex will have a slightly different look and purpose (such as medical or research wings), but they’ll all share the same narrow corridors that evoke a sense of claustrophobia. Additionally, there are separate themed complexes, and you’ll need to traverse underwater to get between them, using both diving gear and a small submersible. As you progress, you’ll also have to manage your oxygen supply, and combat will mainly involve scaring off enemies with flares.

The main character’s psychological condition is expected to worsen. As he delves deeper into the enigmatic occurrences at the research facility, distinguishing the extraordinary sights he encounters from hallucinations and reality becomes increasingly challenging for him. However, contrary to some assumptions, we won’t have direct control over a complex system affecting our character’s mental state or be provided with medications to alleviate it; instead, visual cues will manifest at certain junctures.

In Beneath, the story unfolds using various methods: cinematic scenes, interactions with Non-Player Characters (NPCs), emails, and audio logs discovered throughout your journey. Exploration is certainly rewarding, as you’ll find optional activities too, such as deciphering a secret code for a safe that could hold valuable resources or a useful rifle. The gameplay style harks back to the traditional linear format, leading to one conclusive ending.

For fans of Dead Space?

Although there hasn’t been much hype or marketing, Beneath appears to be a game worth paying attention to, especially for those who were left wanting more after the remake of Dead Space. The game promises a similar ambiance through its use of lighting, narrow hallways, and intense combat against enemies. If the technical aspects hold up, we could be looking at a blend of the best first-person shooter games in an entirely new franchise. It’s worth keeping

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2025-04-15 11:33