Strange Scaffold, the development studio behind titles such as I Am Your Beast and TMNT: Tactical Takedown, has released a new trailer for El Paso, Elsewhere 2. The trailer showcases the game's third-person vampire-shooter action. Concurrently, a demo for the sequel is now available on Steam, allowing players to experience the game firsthand.
The upcoming title follows up on the 2023 release El Paso, Elsewhere, which is also slated for a television adaptation. The sequel continues the story of protagonist James Savage as he pursues monsters like gargoyles, possessed animatronics, and vampires across the United States, aiming to seal away these malevolent forces. According to Strange Scaffold, James is betrayed by a close confidant and is subsequently drawn into the Void to settle a significant debt with an Eldritch horror. A press release stated, "He once killed the monster he loved to save the world. Now, he must save his betrayer to save himself."
The newly released demo includes a single level situated early in the campaign, set in a fairytale forest environment. This level introduces new weaponry to the series, including an M16 and an automatic shotgun. Players can anticipate encounters with gargoyles and vampires, as well as witches and other supernatural adversaries.
The full release of El Paso, Elsewhere 2 is planned to contain over 20 levels, 15 distinct weapons, and a character named Frankenstein. The narrative is described as a "neo-noir tale of supernatural grief and recovery."
Xalavier Nelson Jr., studio head at Strange Scaffold, commented on the development approach, stating, "We looked back to the PS2 not just for inspiration, but for methodology. Just like the games we grew up loving, we're directly using the foundation and assets of the original project to drive a quantum leap in gameplay." He further elaborated that the combat has been enhanced to be "faster, more brutal, and more nimble," and that the game will feature "exponentially more detailed environments."
El Paso, Elsewhere 2 is slated for release next year on Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam.