Sclera
Sclera is a no-save, session-based game of random encounters for fans of older RPGs and interactive horror fiction. While there are scripted events and stories that can occur, much of the game’s content is the result of traditional procedural generation techniques; no two runs will ever be the same.
But above all, this is a passion project bringing together my love of turn-based combat, atmospheric music, and dark fantasy tales. Thank you for checking it out!
The Story:
An unseen cosmic entity has been changing the planet’s inhabitants over time. While some have gained immunity to its hunt, or joined one of the many cults dedicated to its cause, most are repeatedly marked, stalked and preyed upon until their eventual thralldom – often first driven to madness by the knowledge of their impending doom. You are the latest Followed One seeking release from this cycle as the cursed population continues to decline and fragment into factions. What will happen upon your inevitable meeting with the Shadow?
Features:
- High replayability with session gameplay in mind: expect one character’s run to take between 30 and 60 minutes.
- Multiple endings and achievements for various branching paths and conditional states.
- Gameplay and aesthetics influenced by D&D, interactive fiction, turn-based survival horror classics (Laplace no Ma, Sweet Home), modern roguelikes (NEO Scavenger, Darkest Dungeon, FTL), and 90’s RPGs (Fallout, Darklands, Final Fantasy, Earthbound).
- Challenging and strategic turn-based combat.
- A progression system incorporating unlockable abilities and obtainable gear.
- Text-based exploration: both procedurally generated and custom-written interactive fiction (choice-based, non-parser, puzzle-free text adventures/narratives).
- Procedurally generated enemies and towns.
- No meta-progression, as in the vein of traditional roguelikes where only a player’s skill and decision making will determine the outcome.
- A world setting that uses themes of Lovecraftian/cosmic horror, weird fiction, sci-fi, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic urban fantasy.
- An original soundtrack inspired by The Thing and Silent Hill 2, along with ~80 different SFX.
Game Discussion
Steam User 2
Gotten one ending so far, and a lot of deaths on the way. I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface and I look forward to making my way through all the game's interactions. It took a bit to figure out what was really going on - it wasn't immediately obvious that I could target the cultist since they didn't highlight like the thralls do, and thus I had a very frustrating few fights at the beginning. I also didn't understand why I was getting constantly locked out of all actions by said cultist. A bit more clarity might benefit brand new players.
The gameplay isn't exceptionally deep, but it's still been fun testing out various builds. The real standout for me is the atmosphere. The music that plays in certain cities, I wish I could just listen to it for hours. It really sets the tone of "this is a brief comfort. It won't last." The art too, of the enemies and the landscapes. It really *really* works.
It isn't an expensive game, and frequently has sales if you're really looking after your money. I recommend picking it up if it seems interesting to you!
Steam User 1
I appreciate the dedication the creators put into the world, SFX, and multiple endings. When comparing it to other Lovecraft inspired games, this is one of my faves. I can see myself playing it every autumn to get into the spirit of Halloween.
I would highly recommend you play it at night and in the dark. If you are new to the mythos, you're in for a treat. All in all a great game!