What's Happening?
Nine Sols, a popular Metroidvania game from Red Candle, has introduced a hidden first-person horror game within its Steam beta. Players can access this separate game by entering 'shanhaiarchive' in the beta tab. The horror game, which involves saving a character named Yuuki Wu, is linked to the game's lore, involving the Soulscape—a virtual reality that can drive characters mad. The ARG (alternate reality game) began with a video titled 'Dark Legacy of the Sun Tribe,' referencing the game's characters and historical figures like Xu Fu. The hidden game explores themes of computational power and virtual reality.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of a hidden horror game within Nine Sols demonstrates Red Candle's innovative approach to game development, blending genres and expanding narrative depth. This move could attract a broader audience, including fans of horror and ARGs, while enhancing player engagement through interactive storytelling. The game's exploration of virtual reality and computational power reflects contemporary themes in technology and gaming, potentially influencing future game design and narrative techniques.
What's Next?
As players continue to explore the hidden horror game, Red Candle may release additional content or updates to expand the ARG experience. The studio's engagement with players through interactive elements suggests a potential for future projects set in the Nine Sols universe. The success of this initiative could encourage other developers to experiment with genre-blending and hidden content, impacting the gaming industry's approach to storytelling and player interaction.
