Developer Hurdy-Gurdy Games has announced Hieronymus, a new first-person shooter that invites players to step into the fantastical and often unsettling artworks of Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch. Revealed during Gamescom's Future Games Show, the game will feature 3D interpretations of Bosch's most famous works, including "The Garden of Earthly Delights."
Players will assume the role of Helena van Aken, who is on a quest to uncover her family's connection to supernatural forces. She will be accompanied by Faust, the historical alchemist who inspired the legendary figure. The trailer showcases a world filled with grotesque creatures, strange architecture, and perilous environments, as players navigate marshlands and evade monstrous beings.
Mechanically, Hieronymus aims to blend period-accurate combat with alchemical abilities. Players can wield weapons such as crossbows and arquebuses, and utilize alchemy to craft projectiles that can stun enemies or influence their behavior. The game will also allow players to capture and tame some of the bizarre creatures encountered.
Initial impressions suggest the game's visual aesthetic is a strong point, faithfully replicating Bosch's distinctive style. However, concerns have been raised regarding the pacing of movement and combat, which appear somewhat sluggish in early footage. The developers face the challenge of translating Bosch's visually complex and often bizarre imagery into engaging gameplay.
One particularly notable element from Bosch's work that fans hope to see included is the 500-year-old "butt song from hell," a piece of musical notation found on a tormented soul in the hell panel of "The Garden of Earthly Delights." The transcription and performance of this piece went viral years ago, and its inclusion in Hieronymus would be a unique nod to internet culture and Bosch's eccentricities.
No release date has been announced for Hieronymus, but it is not expected to launch until next year at the earliest.