Demo arises from Dark Atlas: Infernum

• Announcements by Jack Allin
• Published:

Full version of apocalyptic supernatural survival horror coming to PC and consoles in 2025

The term "hell on Earth" may be highly overused, but there's really no other way to describe the setting of Dark Atlas: Infernum, the upcoming apocalyptic survival horror from indie Spanish developer Night Council Studio.

As "society collapses and dimensional barriers shatter, supernatural forces are unleashed into the world," causing carnage and panic everywhere. Curfew warnings urge people to stay in their homes, but Natalia Asensio, the Grand Master of an "ancient esoteric order" has an urgent reason to venture out to find and rescue her son. But Natalia's battles are on two fronts, as she must not only contend with the terrifying "imprints" from another world who are physically roaming the city, but also struggle to remember her identity after being drugged and locked in a decrepit basement. Haunted by a "torturous inner voice," at first she has no choice but to follow its "cryptic orders," but with reality collapsing all around her, players must try to "unravel the dark secrets locked deep in the protagonist's mind and walk the abyss between the soul and the path to hell." And also keep her alive, as Natalia is an academic, not a fighter, so you'll need to be "cautious and cunning to survive." 

Dark Atlas is an original story based on the Saga Radiata, a "literary universe created by Álvaro Aparicio that includes books, podcasts and other narrative formats." It's not necessary to know the background, however, as it stands entirely on its own as a gameplay experience "steeped in psychological horror, stealth, and puzzles." You can freely traverse the nightmarish 3D environments, and there are "multiple routes and opportunities, encouraging strategic movement between different spaces." But be wary of when and where you can go, as terrifying creatures will patrol each area. Being spotted and chased may well result in your demise, so you'll need to "hide in shadowy corridors, listen for footsteps, watch flickering lights, and analyze every room to stay hidden and safe." Or not, if you'd just rather enjoy the chilling atmosphere with limited fear of consequence, as an optional setting allows for removal of enemies other than those integral to the story. 

Following a successful Kickstarter under the game's rather unfortunate original title, the since-rebranded Dark Atlas: Infernum is due to arrive sometime in 2025 for PC, PlayStation and Xbox devices. In the meantime, a playable demo is available during the Steam Scream Fest that ends November 4th, giving players a first frightening taste of the horrors to come.