Tenebris Somnia - The Renaissance of FMVs in the Survival Horror Genre

19 September 2023 / by Tom Schwiha
Tenebris Somnia - The Renaissance of FMVs in the Survival Horror Genre

Tenebris Somnia: Retro meets Modern

Hey, gamers! Have you heard of Tenebris Somnia yet? No? Well, sit back and let me tell you about a horror experience you won't soon forget. Tenebris Somnia is an upcoming survival horror game that puts you in the shoes of a woman investigating a creepy house. Sounds classic, right? But wait, it gets exciting!

The game combines retro pixel art with full-motion video (FMV). Yes, you read that right - FMV! These are live-action filmed sequences in video games. Think games like Her Story or Alan Wake. Sounds cheesy? Think again! It can be extremely creepy. And Tenebris Somnia uses it in a very special way.

FMV and Pixel Art: An Unexpected Pair

The world of Tenebris Somnia is reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventure games - yes, I'm talking about games like Day of the Tentacle. Colorful, a bit cartoonish, and not really scary at first glance. But then the game switches to an FMV sequence, and you get a closer look at a gruesome scene or the introduction of a monster that is so deformed it will knock your socks off.

You might be thinking, "That doesn't sound so bad." Think again! These live-action sequences could come straight from a high-budget horror film. The effects, especially the monster - a truly terrifying two-faced woman - are impressive, creative, and truly frightening.

Back to the Pixel World

After the FMV sequence, it's back to the pixel art world. But now you're warned. Now you know what horrors can hide behind these seemingly harmless pixels. The pixelated version of the monster is suddenly much more terrifying because you've seen its 'real' form. The transition may be a bit abrupt, but that's exactly what adds to the suspense. You cling to the less threatening pixel world, fearing to trigger the creepy FMV scenes.

Play the Demo Now!

The best part is yet to come: Tenebris Somnia doesn't have an official release date yet, but you can already get a taste of it by downloading the demo on Steam. And if you're in the mood for more, take a look at our Steam Key page. But be careful - don't let the monster get a taste of you...

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