If David Lynch made a Sega CD game in 1993, it would probably look a lot like Tenebris Somnia. This upcoming indie horror title blends grainy pixel art with jarringly realistic FMV (full-motion video), creating a terrifying mashup that feels both nostalgic and deeply unsettling. And yes, there’s a demo. Go play it if you dare.
Retro Horror With a Twist
Tenebris Somnia, developed by Argentinian duo Andrés Borghi and Tobías Rusjan, throws players into a retro survival horror experience that swaps traditional cutscenes for full-on live-action video. Think Maniac Mansion meets Silent Hill meets a cursed VHS tape. The pixel art draws you in with cozy old-school vibes—then the FMV slaps you with a jump scare straight out of a nightmare.
The game follows a simple but effective horror rhythm: explore in pixelated 2D, then get yanked into FMV hell the moment something horrific goes down. It’s a visual whiplash that works incredibly well, forcing your brain to bridge the uncanny valley in real time.
Pure Nightmare Fuel
One of the trailer’s most unforgettable images? A malformed woman with two faces and a mouth that looks like it’s about to swallow your soul. It’s horror imagery done right—not just grotesque, but psychologically disturbing. As PC Gamer’s Jody Macgregor puts it, this game’s got “pure nightmare fuel.”
No AI Here, Just Raw Creativity
In an era where “is this AI?” is a legit question about anything weird and uncanny, New Blood Interactive’s Dave Oshry confirmed that everything in Tenebris Somnia is made by humans. No generative AI, just real costumes, effects, and editing wizardry. That level of authenticity makes the horror hit even harder.
Try It Now (If You Dare)
No official release date has been announced yet, but you can get your hands on a playable demo right now on Steam. It’s a short but punchy preview of what’s to come—and a great test of how much vintage-style horror you can stomach.
Should You Keep an Eye on This One?
Absolutely. If you’re into horror games that try something genuinely different, Tenebris Somnia should be on your radar. It’s weird, it’s ambitious, and it’s got a style that sticks with you long after the screen fades to black.
Question for the bold readers out there: Would you play a game that literally jumps between pixels and flesh? Or is that your sign to nope out and sleep with the lights on?
