A grotesque and terrifying journey through desolate mountain landscapes, haunted by horrifying, mutated flesh creatures, all enveloped in a dark, oppressive atmosphere inspired by the cosmic horror of Lovecraft and the apocalyptic world of Shin Godzilla.
GORE is an indie found-footage horror title crafted to plunge players into a deeply shocking and unsettling experience.
You’ll traverse idyllic yet haunting mountain landscapes, shadowy forests, and dimly lit laboratories, all while a creeping sense of dread lingers. This unease stems from a spreading mass of mutated flesh, constantly observing the player and creating a truly oppressive and disturbing atmosphere.
Narrative takes center stage: the story unfolds through the protagonist’s journey, guided by their thoughts and perceptions – leaving players to question what is real and what is the product of a mind under siege.
GORE draws inspiration from the cosmic horror of Lovecraft, channeling the fear of the incomprehensible and the fragility of human sanity. Japanese cinema also plays a key role: moments in the trailer evoke Shin Godzilla, especially the haunting gazes of the flesh mass. The most striking scenes include the creature’s skull-like form with a single massive eye, and the unforgettable “mountain with eyes” sequence, where the disturbing majesty of the flesh entity dominates the screen.
GORE holds tremendous potential – and we’re only seeing the first glimpse of it.
Cosmic Arcade: the solo developer behind GORE
Cosmic Arcade, the independent studio behind GORE, is gearing up for its first PC release with a clear roadmap for the project ahead. From the very beginning, the studio’s commitment to its community has been evident: specific requests, such as the possibility of a VR version, were met with positive and encouraging responses. The developer has also been open and transparent about the story and characters, sharing intriguing details that fuel curiosity and excitement among players.
Launching a first game is always a pivotal moment, but Cosmic Arcade seems well-equipped to navigate it successfully, combining passion, organization, and a player-focused approach.
Found Footage Horror in Video Games
Found footage began as a cinematic genre built around “discovered” recordings, quickly becoming a staple of horror, especially in low-budget productions.
In video games, however, the genre has seen limited adoption, with only a handful of successful examples – such as the recent Unknown Tapes (which we covered here) and the unfortunately overlooked Michigan: Report From Hell on PS2.
Found footage in games offers unique advantages: from the use of free-moving cameras to simulate handheld filming, to virtual camera zooms that allow players to examine small details of the game world with extreme precision.
The biggest challenge remains balancing photorealism with the visual imperfections characteristic of amateur VHS footage.
GORE seems poised to push the genre forward: while maintaining a linear structure, it delivers bright, clearly readable environments, elevating the found footage concept to an entirely new level.
GORE Gameplay: What to Expect
GORE is a horror experience built on atmosphere and narrative, with a strong focus on on creature design and the psychological impact of its inexplicable presence on the player. The game unfolds across two main levels, featuring extended exploration sessions. Players must discover ways to unlock new areas and engage with the protagonist’s inner thoughts, which drive the narrative forward and reveal the rich lore of the game world.
Unlike many other horror titles, even high-profile ones, GORE abandons the traditional stalker-enemy mechanic, instead prioritizing atmosphere and a striking, immersive artistic style. Whether the gameplay will fully realize the potential of this meticulously crafted world remains to be seen, but the initial impression is highly promising.
When Will GORE Be Available?
GORE is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and promising indie horror releases of the year, a title worth keeping a close eye on. On Halloween night, October 31st, it will finally open its doors, ready to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
Support Cosmic Arcade by following their official YouTube channel and adding GORE to your Steam wishlist.
