Video Games
‘Dark Souls’ Composer Revealed to be Working on ‘Elden Ring’ Score
In a “makes sense” piece of news, Yuka Kitamura, composer on several From Software titles, but most notably Bloodborne, Sekiro and the Dark Souls series, has been revealed as the composer for From Software’s upcoming game with George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring.
Kitamura herself made the announcement on Twitter. When asked by a fan if she’d be working on Elden Ring‘s soundtrack, Kitamura responded matter-of-factly: “Yes, I am.”
Yes, I am🌟
— Yuka Kitamura (@_Yuka_Kitamura_) March 25, 2020
Of course, it’s not known if she’s the sole composer for the upcoming game, but her music fits in with the Soul-like games so nicely, it really is a no-brainer. This is strangely the first bit of information regarding Elden Ring since it was first announced last year at E3. It also brings into question whether the title will even see its release this year.
Elden Ring is slated to appear on the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Video Games
Immerse Yourself in Mystery with Narrative-Driven Folk Horror Title ‘The Polar Darkness’ [Trailer]
Independent developer Horsefly Games has announced their own brand of folk horror with The Polar Darkness, a narrative-driven mystery inspired by Finnish folklore, classic investigative adventures, and cosmic horror. Accompanying the announcement is the first trailer, which offers the first look at the game’s visual style, mystery-driven gameplay, and isolated northern Finnish setting.
Coming to Steam next year, the game is set during the polar night (Kaamos) of 1980s northern Finland. Players take on the role of journalist Emma Järvelä as she travels to the isolated village of Sysiluoma to investigate a controversial revival movement led by a charismatic cult leader and her child preacher. When the child mysteriously disappears during a sermon, and a blizzard cuts off all contact with the outside world, Emma becomes trapped in a community where every resident seems to be hiding a different version of the truth.
The Polar Darkness emphasizes investigation, dialogue, observation, and deduction. Players will question villagers, gather clues, solve environmental puzzles, and piece together a mystery rooted in local history, folklore, and something ancient buried somewhere deep.
“Classic mystery adventures such as Gabriel Knight were a major inspiration,” said Juho Kuorikoski, creator of The Polar Darkness. “I wanted to create a story that captures that sense of investigation, folklore, and slow-burning dread, but through a distinctly Finnish lens.”
The story unfolds across three days using a time-based structure mechanic. Complete tasks and objectives to advance the game’s internal clock. Characters move and events change as time passes, and choices determine what you see and what you miss. Each playthrough reveals a different perspective on the truth.
The game features a distinct visual presentation that combines photographic 2D characters based on real actors to atmospheric 3D environments. Complementing the visuals is a soundtrack heavily inspired by Finnish folk music, composed and performed by Finnish folk artists.