Released on September 13, 2024, “Edge of Sanity” is a psychological survival horror game developed by Vixa Games.
The game plunges players into the harsh, icy forests of Alaska, where the influence of the Cthulhu mythos is palpable. Its hand-crafted 2D art style and gloomy atmosphere create an intense world that’s both visually and emotionally oppressive.
The game promises a survival struggle against madness, resource scarcity, and monstrous creatures in a single-player experience where decisions must be carefully considered, as any mistake can have fatal consequences.
Story
While an exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, the game hopefully will arrive sometime in 2025. S-Game, the developer behind Phantom Blade Zero, is a relatively new player in the gaming industry that has quickly gained attention with their ambitious project.
The narrative begins with a classic horror setup: you’re part of a supply team meant to support scientists stationed in the Alaskan wilderness. However, instead of humans, you encounter bizarre and deadly creatures that tear the group apart. Alone and with scarce resources, you build a camp to ensure the group’s survival. The story thrives on constant threat and the inexplicable, dark power behind it all. Drawing inspiration from Lovecraft’s works, madness becomes a central theme of the game – both narratively and mechanically.
The somber tale unfolds gradually as you uncover the secrets of a mysterious organization called PRISM. The atmosphere strongly resembles films like “The Thing” or the dark SCP lore. The dialogues are well-written and supported by solid voice acting that underscores the game’s oppressive tone.
Gameplay, Graphics & Audio
“Edge of Sanity” gameplay focuses heavily on survival. Resource management is at the forefront, significantly increasing the game’s tension. You’re constantly searching for food, supplies, and useful items to aid in the fight against creatures and madness. An interesting mechanism is the impact of insanity on your character. Traumas triggered by terrible events alter both the dialogues and the character’s behavioral options.
Combat is simple but functional. Various tactics can be used to defeat enemies, or you can choose to avoid them to conserve resources. Unfortunately, I often found the difficulty level too easy. Upgrading my camp and managing supplies feels rewarding, but over time, the necessary challenge is lacking.
Graphically, “Edge of Sanity” impresses with detailed 2D environments that are highly atmospheric despite the simple style. The dynamic lighting effects and multi-layered backgrounds particularly highlight the handcrafted art. The soundtrack is a highlight of the game, further enhancing the threatening atmosphere. I recommend using headphones, as the soundscape – with subtle, directional sounds – offers an immersive experience
Conclusion
Edge of Sanity is a successful survival horror game that particularly convinces through its dense atmosphere and the influence of madness. Fans of the Cthulhu mythos and lovers of psychological horror games will get their money’s worth here. However, the game suffers from some technical weaknesses, and experienced players might find the difficulty level too low.
Those who enjoy resource management and atmospheric horror will find a solid experience here. While it doesn’t offer revolutionary ideas, it effectively implements familiar mechanics and remains exciting.
Platforms:
Currently the game is available on PC, PS5, Switch, PS4, Xbox (One & Series).
