Dlala Studios, known for Disney Illusion Island, is developing a new roguelike titled Murals, which aims to offer a more accessible approach to the genre. The game, revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live, blends dark fairy tales with an action-focused combat system inspired by titles like Doom and Diablo. Unlike the punishing difficulty often associated with roguelikes, Murals will feature customizable difficulty options.
CEO Aj Grand-Scrutton explained that the studio wants to "prioritize player fun over punishing runs," although traditional difficulty selectors for enemy damage and health will be present. The team is also looking into other customizable elements that affect the player. Grant Allen, design director, noted that a focus on making Disney Illusion Island as welcoming as possible has carried over to Murals, even though it targets a more core audience. "Our goal isn't to kill the player; it's to make sure they have fun," Grand-Scrutton stated. He added that even less conventional playstyles, like button-mashing, will be considered legitimate tactics.
The moment-to-moment gameplay is designed to be fast and frantic, drawing inspiration from the combat in Hades, but the overall experience is intended to be more "persistent, linear" within its fairy tale settings. Allen also cited the indie game Blazing Beaks as an influence, appreciating the experimentation seen in games like Doom and Diablo. He described the development process as akin to a "child's science kit."
Murals presents a world where classic fairy tales have taken a dark turn. For instance, Sleeping Beauty is an insomniac, and Rapunzel's hair is actively hostile. Players will take on the role of an amnesiac protagonist tasked with defeating distorted mythological figures and confronting the mysterious Creator. The game is slated to launch for PC in 2027.