Video Games
Explore and Escape a Constantly-Changing Manor in ‘Shifting Chambers’ [Trailer]
Those looking for some haunted house gaming should keep an eye on Korpi Games and their upcoming first-person horror exploration puzzle game, Shifting Chambers. Coming to Steam with VR support, the game is set inside a massive, decaying manor where adaptation is key to survival. In addition, Shifting Chambers will feature a demo this Steam Next Fest, where players can play one floor of the manor in single player.
The game sees players trapped in a massive manor where the room layout shifts when a bell rings. As a result, you’ll be exploring a constantly changing layout where you must solve cryptic puzzles, as well as avoid the mysterious guardians who brought you to the manor, and won’t let you leave.
Available in single player, you can also team up with up to two friends in online co-op to work together to survive, or split up to cover more ground. Regardless of solo or co-op play, you must solve environmental puzzles to unlock new areas and reach the elusive escape route. That being said, given the mechanic of the manor’s shifting layout, memorization is useless, with adaptation the only strategy.
You’ll also need to worry about the guardians of the manor that patrol the grounds. Intelligent and adapting, you’ll need to avoid being detected, or suffer the consequences if you are discovered.
With only a few days to go before WildSphere’s Escape From Umbra launches on PC and console on July 10, the devs have released an updated demo to Steam and GOG to woo potential players. The new 10-15 minute demo allows players to get their first look at the game’s story, while also offering a glimpse into the core mechanics of the full game.
Furthermore, Xbox players can now pre-order the game, where early supporters can take advantage of a 10% limited-time discount until July 9th. Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG launches will be accompanied by a discount upon launch.
Escape From Umbra transports players to a labyrinthine town inspired by the mountain villages in Las Alpujarras. Their iconic narrow streets and white facades have been invaded by dark roots and a dense, oppressive fog. Following the trail of enigmatic black cats, players will freely explore every corner of the town to find the way to escape from the nightmare where Umbra has locked them up.
Eschewing artificial inventories or floating backpacks, the game opts for a true “escape room” format. Players must investigate the environment, manipulate objects, and figure out how to use them within the 3D space to escape each area. To do so, they will rely on a mysterious magic book, deciphering its logic-based clues to solve every puzzle and challenge.
However, the town is governed by shadow creatures that watch for any presence to summon the mistress of darkness. Players will carry a unique flashlight capable of condensing energy and unleashing powerful bursts of light, which allow them to defend themselves against specters and reveal secrets hidden by magic.
Additionally, controller vibration becomes a living gameplay mechanic: there are no on-screen indicators; the character’s heartbeat is transmitted directly to the player’s hands, accelerating chaotically as the only radar for imminent danger.