Technology wasn't nearly as advanced in the past as it is today. Back then, some games even required players to use paper and pencil to draw maps, much like the 3D maze in Moon Wind Demon Legend. In the new title Engraving, players not only have to escape but also hand-draw maps while managing their character's fatigue. This concept is truly exhilarating.
Developed by independent German creator Raffaele Picca, Engraving is a first-person perspective adventure game. In this game, players take on the role of a tomb raider who initially embarks on a quest to uncover ancient artifacts in the forest. However, they soon realize that the moment you close your eyes, the very structure of the forest reshapes itself. Armed only with ink, paper, and sheer will, can you uncover the ancient secrets hidden beneath the roots and rocks and successfully make your escape?
Players will have the freedom to explore the forest in a non-linear manner, unlocking new areas by solving puzzles. A standout feature of the game is that players must create their own maps, sketching out the terrain based solely on what they can see within their field of vision. With no quest markers to guide them, players must meticulously note every suspicious location to uncover clues for the puzzles.
As players delve deeper into the exploration, their characters will be affected by the curses of the forest, with a growing sense of fatigue intensifying with each step forward. However, when you choose to rest, the layout of the various areas will change randomly. This means that the paths to the ruins will continuously evolve, making it crucial to manage your fatigue levels and decide when to take breaks during each adventure.
As a horror game, players will inevitably face a forest filled with lurking threats, where enemies could appear at any moment to hunt you down, and a moment's inattention could lead to your demise. It is said that death carries severe penalties, making survival and progress particularly critical, while managing fatigue adds an extra layer of challenge.
Engraving is currently still in development, and the release date has not yet been confirmed; it will be available on the PC Steam platform.
