Developer Atelier QDB and publisher Shiro Unlimited announced the involvement of legendary Japanese composer Akira Yamaoka in the upcoming horror game, Decarnation.
This 2D, story-rich adventure, set to release on May 31 for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch, will feature ten original tracks scored by Yamaoka, renowned for his work on the Silent Hill series among other projects.
Yamaoka’s illustrious career in the gaming industry includes renowned games such as The Medium and Lollipop Chainsaw. His music, characterized by its haunting melodies and chilling ambiance, makes him an apt choice for the horror-themed Decarnation. This collaboration is expected to infuse the game with Yamaoka’s signature style, enhancing the unsettling narrative of Gloria, the game’s protagonist.
Decarnation’s creative director, Quentin De Beukelaer, expressed his admiration and excitement for the collaboration, attributing a significant part of his creative influence to the Silent Hill aesthetic. Acknowledging Yamaoka’s unique blend of instrumental, mechanical, and organic sounds, De Beukelaer praised the composer’s enduring creative prowess, even 25 years after the first Silent Hill game.
The celebrated composer himself expressed his pleasure in being part of Decarnation’s development. He noted his connection with the game, which draws inspiration from works he holds dear, including “Moju: The Blind Beast” by Edogawa Rampo. Yamaoka shared his hope that players will enjoy the game as much as he does.
Decarnation draws inspiration from iconic 2D adventure-horror games, cult movies from David Lynch, and horror mangas like Junji Ito’s. The game, featuring a mix of over fifteen different types of gameplay adapted to the main character’s situation and state of mind, promises an immersive, spine-chilling atmosphere, accentuated by haunting pixel art visuals.
▍Decarnation Release Date Trailer
▍Decarnation Story
Paris, 1990. Gloria is at the end of her rope. A struggling cabaret dancer dealing with the fraying of her relationships, career, and self-esteem, she takes on a new artistic endeavor sponsored by a mysterious benefactor. Would the generous proposal be Gloria’s lucky break, or something worse?
A survival story with layered psychological stakes, Decarnation explores the contrast between battling limitations in the physical realm, and the subconscious landscapes one can’t escape.
Decarnation is an emotional, startling story-driven experience that will keep you on your toes until the very end.
▍Decarnation Gameplay
Decarnation mixes traditional survival horror elements (cryptic puzzle to solve, inhospitable environments to explore, lethal predators to avoid, terrifying boss to defeat, etc.) with a wide variety of symbolic minigames (puzzles, reflexes, rhythm, etc.) accounting for real-life situations (performing a cabaret show on stage) or metaphorical ones.
Once uncovered, key elements of Gloria’s life aid her in defeating monsters in her dreams in unique battles that marry the grotesque and the sublime to represent her struggle for survival. Overcoming challenges in her dreams strengthens Gloria against real-life difficulties, which creates new challenges in her dreams.
