TMXN Games is developing Among Shadows, a dark fantasy action-RPG that incorporates social deduction elements reminiscent of Among Us. The game aims to capture the treacherous atmosphere found in titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, but with an added layer of player-versus-player intrigue.
In Among Shadows, players are members of the Order of the Secret Fire, tasked with venturing into a blighted region to combat corruption. Gameplay involves looting gear, leveling up characters, and undertaking quests. A key mechanic involves escorting a local lord and their people to safety during a "Blood Moon" event, defending against various supernatural enemies spawned by a magical plague. The twist is that one or more players among the group are secretly traitors, working to spread the plague and eliminate others.
Each in-game night, players can convene meetings to discuss their findings and attempt to identify the impostors. While a cinematic trailer and an in-game video are available, the latter is not yet localized in English. The visual presentation in the trailer suggests a departure from the intense combat seen in FromSoftware titles, though the game's aesthetic, including its costumes, has drawn some positive remarks.
Developers TMXN Games are combining popular trends, a practice seen in other games that have adapted successful formulas. However, the integration of social deduction into a dark fantasy RPG framework presents an interesting proposition. The game draws parallels to the inherent mistrust in the Souls series, where NPCs and even player summons can engage in deceptive actions.
Among Shadows is scheduled for release later this year. The developers aim to elevate the sense of suspicion and betrayal beyond what is typically experienced in games within the genre.