Video Games
‘The Flayed Man’ Developers Announce Horror Visual Novel ‘Thorner’ [Trailer]
If you were a fan of Snoring Dog Games’ The Flayed Man like we were, the developer is back with their sophomore title in Thorner. Coming to Steam later this year, this pixel-based visual novel has players heading to the wilderness to escape their past, but some things have a habit of following you.
You are Colin Snead, a military veteran. Haunted by your time in the service, you flee to the Scottish wilderness attempting to leave your past behind. However, you will find that spilled blood is not easily forgiven, and you are not alone. The land knows what you did. The land judges. Thorner awaits.
Sporting multiple endings (three, to be exact) with each tailored to your personality. The ending you receive will be based on the choices you make regarding Colin’s thoughts, words, and actions.
As mentioned, Thorner features pixel-based artwork, which aims to stick with gamers long after they finish playing. It’s combined with the weird and grotesque “nature-based horror” that will make you think twice about going for a walk in the woods.
As an added bonus, the game’s original soundtrack will be included with all purchases.
Video Games
Bloober Returns to ‘Star Trek’ With Psychological Thriller ‘Star Trek: Shadow Frontier’ [Trailer]
Bloober Team weren’t done dropping news this week. After surprising everyone with SAW: Genesis at Summer Game Fest yesterday, they’ve now announced a new horror-slanted Star Trek title with Paramount Games Studio in Star Trek: Shadow Frontier. This is the second Star Trek title Bloober has developed, having released the VR body horror title Star Trek: Infection earlier this year.
“We’ve long admired the way Bloober Team crafts deeply immersive, atmospheric experiences that keep players on the edge of their seats,” said Paramount Games Studio senior vice president and head of creative and production Shawn Kittelsen. “For Star Trek: Shadow Frontier, it was essential to partner with a studio that could both honor that legacy and push it forward. We have full confidence in Bloober’s ability to deliver a game that does justice to the ‘Star Trek’ name while bringing something bold and new to the beloved franchise.”
Launching for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, the Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam in 2027, Star Trek: Shadow Frontier is a story-driven action-adventure that sees players step into the role of former Lieutenant Ro Laren (voiced by Michelle Forbes). After crashing onto a distant planet overtaken by a strange consciousness, Ro Laren must survive in an environment that is as breathtaking as it is lethal. Ro’s mission is driven by duty and purpose. But here, discovery comes at a terrible cost. The more she uncovers, the deeper she is pulled into a corrupted labyrinth where her memories twist and the planet threatens to sever her connection to reality.
The hostile ecosystem of the planet poses a constant threat to Ro’s existence. It seeks to absorb Ro’s consciousness, burrowing deep into her mind and plaguing her with haunting visions. Environmental hazards and obstacles lurk around every corner. Exploration is both your only path to salvation and your potential undoing. Players will be able to use their Tricorder to scan and analyze items, and of course rely on their Phaser to solve puzzles and fend off enemies.