Developer ProbablyMonsters is gearing up to release a demo for its upcoming title, Nekome: Nazi Hunter, on Steam from October 19 to October 26. To mark the occasion, the studio unveiled a new trailer showcasing the game's narrative and its primary antagonists, a group known as the Hyenas.
These Hyenas are described as a notorious squad of Nazi agents whose cruelty made them feared across Europe. Players will step into the role of Vano, a protagonist dedicated to hunting down and eliminating these figures, along with countless other Nazis, in brutal and bloody fashion. The game's narrative begins in Vano's adopted home of New York City, where he starts his hunt due to a tragic coincidence before the pursuit takes him to Europe.
Game director Jeronimo Barrera explained in an email interview that the choice of the Hyenas as antagonists, rather than a figure like Hitler, stemmed from the game's desired "grindhouse aesthetic." The team sought "disgusting set of villains that would be fun to hunt down and murder," aiming for an "over-the-top fun" experience rooted in real-world events. Barrera noted that each Hyena boss fight will present a unique challenge.
Regarding the game's tone, Barrera addressed potential interpretations of supernatural or demonic themes. He stated that the game plays on the concept of Nazis as "hideous monsters" and incorporates elements that could be seen as metaphysical, leaving the narrative's deeper meanings open to player interpretation.
The visual design of Nekome: Nazi Hunter draws heavily from the grindhouse film genre, with influences from movies like Inglourious Basterds. Barrera also cited graphic novels as a significant inspiration, aiming for an art style that is "over the top and entertaining" while still respecting the dark subject matter.
Development on Nekome: Nazi Hunter began in 2024, with the core idea stemming from a discussion about creating a game centered on hunting Nazis. The development team, led internally at ProbablyMonsters, includes Brett Bourbin, Brand Inman, Sergei Kuprejanov, Kay Willis, and Barrera, with assistance from co-development partners. Barrera highlighted that the team's AAA experience is being applied to achieve a swift development cycle from concept to release.
Earlier discussions about the game's political nature, particularly a statement that the game is not political, generated significant online conversation. Barrera reiterated the team's stance, stating, "Nazis are bad. That shouldn't be a political statement, just common sense." He emphasized that Nekome is a revenge story about victims of Nazi atrocities, not a commentary on modern politics. "We're telling a story with villains who are unquestionably evil," he added.
Barrera also highlighted a less commonly depicted aspect of World War II history: the persecution of the Roma and Sinti people. The development team has reportedly worked with historians and cultural consultants to ensure Vano's story and the historical context are approached thoughtfully and credibly. The developers aim to tell Vano's story honestly and handle the historical period with care.