Putting the “light” in “roguelight”
Gearbox is best known for creating the Borderlands games, but it has also published some of the most well-loved indie games of recent years, including Risk of Rain 2, Astroneer, The Banner Saga Trilogy, and even Subnautica. Gearbox Publishing’s newest project, Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom, looks like it’s shaping up to be yet another charming indie project (and it has an amazing title, too).
Gearbox Publishing dropped the announcement trailer today at PAX East 2022, showing off the gothic “roguelight” gameplay from developer Under the Stairs. In the game, players take on the role of the titular Victoria Bloom, who is searching for her lost grandfather in their dark, eerie mansion. Of course, it’s not as simple as it sounds, because the ever-changing hallways are filled with obstacles and adversaries. The idea is that you’re fighting off the dark forces in the mansion with light, which you’ll be able to do with a host of different light-themed weapons, from Matches to a Shotgun Bulb.
One of the game’s designers Filip Neduk said in a press release:
“Eyes in the Dark creates an atmosphere of loneliness and isolation, all while giving you the tools to ultimately come out of the experience as a stronger person. Victoria’s trial — going through the mansion alone and facing her fears — mirrors the player’s need to learn and master the mechanics of the game to progress; you both go through this adventure together.”
In terms of its style, tone, and gameplay, Eyes in the Dark reminds me a lot of Hollow Knight at first glance — although from the looks of it, this game won’t be a rehash of anything we’ve seen before. I’m excited to see a new game in this genre that gives us something fresh, which is what I’m expecting based on the trailer.
Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Care of One Victoria Bloom is set to release on Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 14.
