Miasmata boasts one of the more captivating concepts for a horror game I’ve come across recently. Stranded on a lush tropical island, you’re relentlessly pursued by a singular, deadly creature.
As a scientist afflicted with a plague on the forsaken island known as Eden, your survival hinges on finding a cure and locating your vanished colleagues who established an outpost there. Exploring the island involves conducting experiments on collected plants and fungi to assess their medicinal potential.
The game’s stunning visuals are even more impressive considering it was developed by just two brothers, Joe and Bob Johnson, using their custom “MILO” engine. Working under the name IonFX, they’ve poured four years of dedication into Miasmata, creating a visually impressive experience that rivals those produced by larger studios.
The core gameplay mechanic revolves around evading the relentless creature, whose advanced AI reacts to sounds, smells, and sight. You can hide behind natural obstacles like trees and rocks or blend into the environment using tall grass and bushes. Different ground materials affect your stealth, making each encounter a tense and strategic affair.
While the creature is invulnerable, you’ll occasionally need to confront it to create an escape opportunity. Using rocks, sticks, knives, and torches, you can temporarily fend off the predator. Distracting it with thrown objects can also buy you precious time. As the game progresses, the creature becomes more formidable, increasing the challenge.
Navigation is integral to the gameplay, requiring players to use landmarks to orient themselves on the expansive island. By discovering notes and hand-drawn maps, you can pinpoint locations of interest and gradually uncover the map. Triangulating your position and sighting distant landmarks helps reveal more of the island’s secrets.
With an estimated playtime of around 12 hours, Miasmata offers a rich and immersive experience. Already greenlit on Steam Greenlight, it’s set for release on GOG and PC on November 28th.
Watch the new trailer to catch a glimpse of Miasmata in action.
