Kadokawa Game Linkage and ABC Animation are publishing two indie games this year, one of which is Shinonome Abyss: The Maiden Exorcist, developed by Wodan.
In Shinonome Abyss, you play as Yono, a maiden exorcist (Miko) searching for her missing brother, only to find herself trapped in a haunted house filled with momonoke- that includes various yokai and vengeful spirits. The haunted house seems to change layouts, as every opening of the sliding door will reveal a random room that may or may not be filled with momonoke or traps.
Gameplay-wise, Shinonome Abyss creeps close to something like The Binding Of Isaac in that it has a top-down view of the rooms, and navigating the level opening rooms which layouts randomly change each round.
But Shinonome Abyss has a few tricks up its sleeves. For one, you can hear noises of momonoke in the next room or find traces of them so you can prepare in advance. Rooms can have traps, which can kill Yono and the momonoke.
Interestingly, Yono can also change personalities when in danger, a improving her abilities when things get dicey.
Shinonome Abyss may be an indie game, in looks and in spirit, but the talent behind developer Wodan sure is stacked.
The game director and designer is Kenichi Iwao who has credits on Resident Evil, Final Fantasy XI and two classic PS1 games from Squaresoft: Parasite Eve 2 and the fascinating shoot-’em-up Einhander.
The character designer is Tatsuya Yoshikawa, whose credits include many Capcom games such as the Breath Of Fire series, Devil May Cry 4 and Devil May Cry 5 and the RPG on PSP called Last Ranker.
Programming duties is credited to Hiroshi Ogino who has worked on Shiren the Wanderer: Mystery Dungeon (which is a roguelike, Fate/Grand Order and Culdcept MOBILE.
Shinonome Abyss: The Maiden Exorcist will be released later this year, around Fall (Q4) 2024 on PC (Steam).