If you’ve been craving a Lovecraftian game that avoids explicit depictions of tentacle monsters, Forgive Me Father 2 may not be your ideal choice. However, if you enjoy exploring a decrepit Victorian asylum, listening for ominous creature sounds, evading bright energy projectiles, and wielding a shotgun akin to the DOOM series set in Lovecraft’s universe, this game might be to your liking.
The Steam Next Fest demo provides access to one level from Byte Barrel’s cosmic horror first-person shooter. In the brief 15 minutes I played, I found it to be a rather unsettling experience. It features firearms that turn most foes into gory messes, environments characterized by vivid and grotesque aesthetics, and a musical score that ranges from jumpscare elements to heavy metal. Unfortunately, I haven’t played the well-received original game, so I can’t make direct comparisons, but it appears to maintain the same style.
Similar to many classic “boomer shooter” games, there are subtle elements hidden amidst the chaos. During the demo, the game equips you with a wind-up flashlight reminiscent of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and you must navigate dimly lit areas behind hospital curtains. There are color-coded key puzzles, secrets cleverly concealed slightly above eye level, and amusing additions like functional toilets. While it doesn’t directly compare to System Shock, it strikes a balance similar to id Software classics, combining visceral satisfaction with clever level design.
The full game, set to release on October 19th, promises a “dynamic madness” system, which appears to be more traditional than the introspective approach to mental health seen in Amnesia. In essence, it seems that in this game, unlocking new features may have a deteriorating effect on your character’s sanity, mirroring a common theme in games.
Personally, I’m more intrigued by cosmic horror that diverges from Lovecraft’s themes and minimizes violence, but I could see myself enjoying a few more levels of this game. If you’re still uncertain, you can explore 12 other Steam Next Fest demos as well.