Ever wondered how to create a PS1-style horror game? Then this interview is for you. Michael Jentsch, an environment artist working on the upcoming indie horror title Heartworm, was kind enough to give us a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, including how he builds lo-fi environments that capture the essence of classic survival horror.

With Departure of Darkness, Red Vault Interactive aims to resurrect the magic of classic survival horror, think the fixed-camera tension of Resident Evil 2 in a new setting: a labyrinthine airport in 2005. I caught up with the developers to talk about their biggest inspirations, how they designed the game’s branching puzzles, and why your every action could turn desperate survivors into your worst nightmare. Q: Departure of Darkness clearly draws inspiration from classic Resident Evil. What specific elements of RE2 did you want to emulate, and where did you deliberately diverge? Our team has a deep connection to the look and feel of the classic Resident Evil games, and we wanted to honor that. We especially loved the pre-rendered backgrounds from Resident Evil 2 , fixed camera angles, and its tight survival horror gameplay loop. The police station setting and its narrative pacing really resonated with us, so capturing that same sense of dread and exploration was a core goal. However, we knew we wanted to push combat further. With modern technology, we can implement precise body-hit detection, so damage depends on where enemies are struck, and a laser sight for more skill-based shooting. On top of that, our narrative introduces various NPCs whose survival depends on the player’s actions, adding weight to every decision. Q: Why did you choose an airport in 2005 as the setting? What about that location and time period made it compelling for horror? Airports are strangely underused in horror games, despite being familiar spaces for so many people. We liked the idea of taking a place everyone knows, check-in counters, security lines, duty-free shops, and twisting it into something deeply unsettling when things go wrong. We chose 2005 because it’s a fascinating time: it was a period when airport security became much tighter worldwide. It also lets us play with technology that feels nostalgic and more analog than today’s always-connected devices. There’s something eerie about an era just before smartphones took over. Q: How do the branching puzzles work, and can you share an example of how player decisions might lead to different outcomes? A core design pillar for us is player agency. Many puzzles have multiple solutions, or can even be skipped entirely if the player prefers to tackle challenges differently. For example, if you don’t want to solve a particular puzzle, you might need to venture deeper into the airport to find an alternate, riskier route. Sometimes that path might expose you to tougher enemies or hidden story bits. We want players to feel clever for how they choose to progress. Q: I noticed in the demo there is a map on the wall, in the final game would you consider letting the player take the map with them? Absolutely. We’ve heard that feedback loud and clear! We’re exploring whether to let players collect and keep maps, or at the very least ensure they’re distributed well enough so players aren’t too lost. Exploration is key for us, and maps are part of rewarding that curiosity. Q: What are some “modern mechanics” you’ve introduced, and how do they complement the retro design? One example is our light RPG system: players can find passport stamps that upgrade Emma’s abilities, tying progression to exploration in a way that fits the airport theme. Our zombies are infected with a parasite that reacts to noise, so players need to manage sound carefully. Finding silencers or opting for melee weapons becomes critical for survival.We’ve also made movement, aiming, and camera transitions more fluid than old-school titles, while keeping the tense, deliberate pace fans expect. Q: What have you learned from being part of Science Park Skövde and CDG-Booster? How have those programs influenced your development approach? These programs have been invaluable. They’ve connected us with mentors, other developers, and business coaches who’ve helped us navigate everything from funding to marketing. The networking opportunities alone have been worth it, we’ve met so many people who genuinely want to see us succeed. Q: How involved is the survivor-rescue mechanic? Will those characters affect gameplay meaningfully, or are they more narrative-driven? They’re very much part of the gameplay. Survivors can help solve puzzles and grant access to areas. But if the player fails to protect them, they’ll mutate into tougher, more aggressive enemies. Your choices have direct consequences, so be kind to the survivors. Q: Is replayability a core goal? If so, how do branching puzzles and survivor outcomes feed into that? Absolutely. Replayability is essential for a great survival horror experience. We’re including all the staples, clear times, grades, alternate endings based on who survives, and so on. But we’re also working on a Resident Evil 3 style “Mercenary Mode”, random item placements, and higher difficulties designed for players who want a real challenge. We want each run to feel fresh and test your mastery of the game. Q: You’re aiming for a mid-2026 release. What does your roadmap look like between now and then? Our focus is on expanding every aspect of the game, more areas, more enemies, more puzzles, adding boss fights. We’re also continuing to polish our core mechanics and narrative systems based on feedback. Expect consistent progress updates as we refine and expand the experience on social media. Q: What kind of feedback have you received on the demo so far, and how has it shaped your roadmap? Are you planning future demos or playtests to involve the community? The response has been amazing, we’ve loved seeing players pick up on the Resident Evil references and embrace the retro look. People have also given us tons of useful feedback on what they like and their main problems. We’re working hard to improve on the experience and really nail the classical feeling whilst minimizing frustration. We’re planning to host regular playtests through our Discord, especially as new areas come online. If you haven’t joined yet, hop in and try the demo on itch.io, we’d love your feedback. If you’re intrigued by what you’ve seen so

You cannot fight. Yet, you must confront your fears. Set to release in late October, Niraya of ■■ is a Japanese horror game with Buddhist aesthetics. Developed primarily by Yuya Yamaguchi, whose past work includes Silent Hill: The Short Message, MGS Snake Eater 3D, and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD. Although largely developed by Yuya Yamaguchi, the game is supported by a team providing art, music, localization, QA, and marketing. His impressive resume includes collaborations on major Japanese titles. Not Classic Survival Horror Niraya of ■■ is not classic survival horror, instead it is what I would class as “Helpless Horror” or “run and hide survival horror” it diverges sharply from titles like Resident Evil. There’s no combat, Instead it takes inspiration from games like Clock Tower and Haunting Ground, where avoidance, timing, and vulnerability are at the core of survival. The game’s tagline, “You cannot fight. Yet, you must confront your fears,” captures its spirit perfectly. You play as Yuni, a defenseless child abandoned in a haunted world. Powerless to fight back, she must learn enemy patterns, manage her stamina, and rely on premonitions to avoid capture. It’s a minimalist experience that builds tension not through firepower, but through sheer helplessness. Inspirations Behind Niraya of ■■ While Western horror often leans on gore or ruined worlds, Niraya of ■■ draws from more cerebral and cultural roots. “Kuon was a big influence,” says Yamaguchi, referring to FromSoftware’s 2004 cult classic set in Heian-era Japan. The game invites players to experience fear from the viewpoint of an ineffectual child—a motif that places it closer to psychological horror, but with the survival mechanics to back it up. The Premonition and Stamina Systems Niraya of ■■ builds tension not through fast-paced action or violence, but through strategic evasion and resource management. Central to this is a dual mechanic: the premonition system and a strict stamina gauge that governs your ability to flee. Before a threat strikes, Yuni receives a premonition—a moment of foresight that reveals the enemy’s next move. This warning gives you a brief window to react, but reacting blindly can be just as dangerous. Every step Yuni takes depletes her stamina, and once exhausted, she’s left completely vulnerable. Enemies don’t simply chase you—they follow patterns. Survival means observation: learning how enemies move, memorizing escape routes, and finding the right timing to rest, hide, or run. Panic leads to mistakes. Calculated movement leads to survival. “The stamina limit is quite strict,” says Yamaguchi, “but it doubles the sense of accomplishment.” The result is a slow-burning horror experience where every encounter feels tense, every escape earned. You’re not solving combat puzzles—you’re surviving them by outthinking the threat. Coming This Halloween At 70% completion, the game is slated for a late October 2025 release, just in time for Halloween. Yamaguchi promises: “It’s a bit eccentric, but just the right game for horror fans—especially those who prefer unknown experiences.” My final question for Yamaguchi was about the cryptic symbols ■■ in the game’s title: “You can find out the meaning behind the ■■ after watching the whole story of the game!” If you’re intrigued by what you’ve seen so far, be sure to wishlist Niraya of ■■ on Steam to stay updated on its release. You can also follow Niraya of ■■ on Twitter/X for development updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.