Beneath News

Creating an action-horror game is all about finding that delicate balance between keeping players on the edge of their seat and giving them just enough power to fight back.

In a game like Beneath, the goal is to make the player feel both vulnerable and capable at the same time.



It starts with pacing. Think of it like a rollercoaster—you don’t want non-stop action or constant terror, or else the player gets numb to it.
Instead, we try to alternate between intense, heart-pounding combat sequences and slower, creeping moments of suspense.

It’s in those quieter moments that the fear really sinks in because the player doesn’t know when the next threat will hit.



Another big part of maintaining that balance is resource management.
In action-heavy games, players can feel unstoppable if they have endless ammo and health. But in a horror game, we want them to feel like every bullet counts, like every enemy encounter could be their last.

It’s that sense of scarcity and uncertainty that makes combat moments even more intense.



Enemy design is where action and horror come together.

On one hand, the enemies need to be challenging to fight, but on the other hand, they should evoke fear.
The best kind of enemies are the ones that make the player hesitate, that make them question if they’re ready to engage or if they should run.



The atmosphere plays a huge role too. Even when the action ramps up, we want the world to still feel oppressive and unsettling. Through lighting, sound, and environmental details, we aim to create a space where the player never feels truly safe, even in the heat of combat.



In the end, it’s all about balance. The player should feel like they’re walking a fine line between survival and disaster.

There’s a satisfaction in overcoming tough enemies, but we want the player to always feel a little on edge, knowing that the world around them is constantly trying to tip that balance back toward fear.

Hey everyone,

The eerie chill of Spooky Season is upon us 🎃, and that can only mean one thing—the return of the highly anticipated Indie Horror Showcase.

Beneath was featured with the reveal of an all-new trailer, offering a deeper glimpse into the terrifying world lurking beneath the surface.

Check it out 👇

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Beneath is running for the DevGAMM Awards 2024, which includes the Community Award, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! 🎉

Now, we need your help to bring home this win.

If you're as excited about Beneath as we are or simply want to support our journey, we would be incredibly grateful if you could cast your vote. Just head over to https://form.fillout.com/t/hZWP7Kgy7Aus search for Beneath, and vote!

Every single vote makes a difference, and your support truly means the world to us. 💖

Let's do this together! 🙌

During his journey, Quinn will face a number of different threats. Some can be avoided, others evaded, but for some, he'll need to rely on his weapons.
The most common enemy Quinn will face are the Omnium security forces. These private military contractors are highly trained and well-armed.

While their exact mission is unclear, they usually shoot on sight. 



Often, Quinn can sneak past them or eavesdrop on their conversations to gather valuable intelligence, but at other times, they may be lying in wait, ready to storm a room and attempt to corner him.



In narrow corridors, cover is scarce, making gunfights particularly dangerous.

However, in larger areas, the enemies will use whatever cover is available and may try to outflank Quinn.



When confronting a group of soldiers, taking cover is essential, but it's equally important to keep moving, as they are equipped with grenades.

Study your surroundings, plan your attack and keep moving!



If you're being pursued by a large group, use the environment to your advantage. Shooting explosive materials can take down several enemies, and if they haven't spotted you yet, taking out the lights will force them to rely on their flashlights, reducing their visibility.
It might give you the edge you need to ambush the enemy patrol.

When you encounter a group of soldiers, decide whether you need to engage.
If you do, make sure to plan your attack carefully before taking action.

Throughout his adventure, Quinn will sometimes be forced to venture outside into the cold depths of the ocean. The underwater bases are located very deep, which means he can’t simply equip a wetsuit and swim around.



Luckily for him, the bases are equipped with atmospheric diving suits that Quinn can use when he needs to leave their supposedly safe confines.



An atmospheric diving suit (ADS) is a specialized, articulated suit designed to allow a diver to operate safely at great depths underwater while remaining at atmospheric pressure. This means that the pressure inside the suit remains the same as it is at the surface, regardless of the external water pressure.

The suit is not equipped with weapons, but it does have flares that can be used to scare away curious creatures



The most pressing danger, though, is oxygen—or the lack of it. There are oxygen stations spread around the area that can be used to refill the tank, but you’ll need to be mindful of where you’re going.
If you venture too far, you might not make it back to an oxygen station in time.



And don’t forget to pay attention to your surroundings. You never know what might be around the corner.