A new first-person shooter, Deepward, is on the horizon, blending the intense action of Doom with the atmospheric horror reminiscent of BioShock and the character variety seen in Overwatch. Developed by EchoFall Games, a studio comprised of talent from Madfinger Games and HGames-ArtWorks, Deepward is slated for a Steam release in 2027. Despite the recent layoffs at id Software, which cast a shadow over the Doom franchise, Deepward emerges as a promising title for fans seeking a similarly hellish experience.
The game features fast-paced roguelite mechanics where player choices and even fatal encounters have lasting consequences. The announcement trailer showcases dual-wielding heroes battling hordes of zombies and engaging with occult elements, suggesting a dark and visceral tone. Players will navigate the 'Depths,' a terrifying environment that merges a haunted mansion with subterranean labyrinths filled with torture chambers and hazardous rivers.
Deepward will allow players to switch between six distinct characters, each possessing unique weapons, abilities, and health pools. The enemies are described as bellowing monstrosities, fitting the game's hellish theme. Beyond combat, the game incorporates a sanity system inspired by Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem. As players delve deeper into the cursed estate, they will contend not only with monsters but also with hallucinations, visual distortions, whispers, and escalating psychological pressure, blurring the lines between reality and madness.
While a precise release date within 2027 is yet to be confirmed, a playtest is anticipated soon. EchoFall Games aims to capture the relentless pacing and dark subject matter that defined earlier Doom titles, offering a fresh take on the genre with its unique blend of horror and action.