Indie studio Vertical Reach is set to release its latest horror game, The Tartarus Key, on May 31st. Inspired by horror classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, the game is a throwback to the low-resolution 3D graphics of the original PlayStation era. Players take on the role of Alex Young, who wakes up in a mansion with no memory of how she got there. The game is a narrative experience centered around puzzle solving, rather than combat. Players must solve increasingly complex puzzles and riddles to escape the mansion, with the added option of choosing to save other trapped people. The game features three different endings and is designed for widescreen, with modern shadow effects, post-processing effects, and more detailed character models.

Gameplay and Narrative Experience

The Tartarus Key is a first-person puzzle game that takes players through the twists and turns of a mansion with an unknown past. The gameplay is centered around puzzle-solving, rather than combat, making for a unique and thrilling experience. The narrative is also centered around puzzle-solving, with players gradually piecing together the mystery of the mansion as they make their way through each room. Players must also make choices that affect the outcome of the game, with the added option of choosing to save other trapped individuals.

Graphics and Design

The Tartarus Key is designed to look like it’s from the PS1 days, but with added modern touches. The game is played in widescreen, and the graphics feature modern shadow effects, more objects in the world, and newer post-processing effects for the games atmosphere. The character models are also more detailed than those found in classic PS1 games, adding to the immersion factor of the game.

Music and Sound Effects

The Tartarus Key’s composer, Josie Brechner, has created an immersive soundtrack that adds to the game’s atmosphere. Brechner has previously worked on games like Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King and Mixolumia, and her experience shines through in The Tartarus Key. The sound effects also add to the horror experience, with creaking floorboards, ghostly whispers, and other spooky noises that keep players on edge throughout the game.

Pricing and Availability

The Tartarus Key is set to release on May 31st for $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam and GOG. The game is being published by the independent California-based Armor Games Studio, which has previously released titles like Bear and Breakfast and The Last Stand: Aftermath. A demo of The Tartarus Key is currently available on Steam, and the game can also be wishlisted.

In summary, The Tartarus Key offers players a unique, throwback horror experience with modern touches. With its focus on puzzle-solving rather than combat and its immersive graphics, sound effects, and music, the game is sure to provide a thrilling experience for horror fans. The added ability to make choices that affect the outcome of the game adds to the replayability factor, making The Tartarus Key a must-play for any horror game enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are the developers of The Tartarus Key?

  The Tartarus Key is being developed by indie studio Vertical Reach, a two-person operation based in Portugal with Leonor Parra and Kevin Colegate.

• When will The Tartarus Key be released?

  The Tartarus Key will be released on May 31, 2023.

• What platforms will The Tartarus Key be available on?

  The Tartarus Key will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam and GOG.

• What is the gameplay like in The Tartarus Key?

  The Tartarus Key is a narrative experience centered around puzzle solving instead of combat. Players will be locked in rooms throughout the mansion until they can solve increasingly complex puzzles and riddles to escape and gain more clues. There are other people also trapped inside the mansion that Alex can choose to save or not. The game will have three different endings.