What’s this, a horror game that’s not a battle royale or a live-service title? How refreshing. I stumbled upon Silver Pines, a survival-horror, side-scrolling Metroidvania (yes, I know, that term is a bit of a mouthful) that’s actually piqued my interest. And no, it’s not a remake or a remaster, but a brand new game from Wych Elm, a studio I’d never heard of until now. I guess that’s what happens when you’re not busy churning out DLCs and season passes for a game that’s been out for years.
The game’s inspirations are quite interesting, with the team citing classic survival horror games like Resident Evil 1 and Silent Hill, as well as the surreal and confusing world of Twin Peaks. And when I say confusing, I mean it in the best possible way, like trying to navigate a Bethesda game’s storyline without a wiki. The game’s story follows Red Walker, a detective who wakes up in a strange town with no memory of how he got there, because what’s a horror game without a bit of amnesia, right? The team wants to create a sense of confusion and dread, which is music to my ears, mainly because I’m tired of games that hold my hand through every step of the way.
A Metroidvania with a Twist
One of the things that sets Silver Pines apart from other Metroidvanias is its visual design and animation. The team used rotoscoping to create the game’s animations, which gives it a unique, noir-inspired look. It’s like they took all the good parts of a classic cartoon and combined them with the dark and moody atmosphere of a horror game. And when it comes to the monster designs, the team got creative, using everything from home appliances to children’s teddy bears to create the illusion of size and weight. I mean, who needs a big budget when you can just use a teddy bear, right?
The game’s world is also worth mentioning, with the team opting to create a believable 3D space and then mapping it out as a side-scrolling Metroidvania. It’s like they took all the good parts of a 3D game and combined them with the challenge and exploration of a 2D game. And with the game’s launch on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on October 8th, 2026, I’m actually excited to see how it turns out, mainly because it’s not a game-as-a-service title that’ll be outdated in a year.
A Game that’s not Afraid to get Weird
Silver Pines is not afraid to get weird, and I mean that in the best possible way. The game’s story is a mix of detective noir and surreal horror, with a premise that’s both captivating and terrifying. It’s like the team took all the good parts of a David Lynch movie and combined them with the challenge and exploration of a Metroidvania. And with the game’s focus on atmosphere and world-building, I’m actually excited to see how it turns out, mainly because it’s not a game that’s trying to be everything to everyone.
The team’s passion for the game is evident, and it’s clear that they’re trying to create something unique and special. And in a world where games are increasingly becoming more and more generic, it’s refreshing to see a game that’s not afraid to take risks and try something new. So, if you’re looking for a game that’s a bit different, a bit weird, and a bit terrifying, then Silver Pines might be the game for you. Just don’t expect it to be a game that’ll hold your hand through every step of the way, because this game is all about challenge and exploration.
A Demo that’s Actually Worth Playing
And if you’re not sure about the game, there’s a demo available on Steam that’s actually worth playing. I mean, it’s not one of those demos that’s just a glorified trailer, but an actual slice of the game that’ll give you an idea of what to expect. So, if you’re looking for a game that’s a bit different, a bit weird, and a bit terrifying, then Silver Pines might be the game for you. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you, because this game is not for the faint of heart.
In conclusion, Silver Pines is a game that’s actually got me excited, mainly because it’s not a game that’s trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a game that’s not afraid to get weird, to take risks, and to try something new. And in a world where games are increasingly becoming more and more generic, it’s refreshing to see a game that’s actually trying to be unique and special. So, if you’re looking for a game that’s a bit different, a bit weird, and a bit terrifying, then Silver Pines might be the game for you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go play some actual games, instead of just watching trailers and reading about “roadmaps” and “battle passes”.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
