Betrayer

Blackpowder Games first and only release before they apparently disbanded. The game was subsequently removed from the Steam store in May 2021 but can still be found on various key sites.
A relatively short FPS game with simple gameplay mechanics, Betrayer is likely (loosely) based around the so-called "lost colony" of Roanoke.
Set in 1604, our silent and unnamed protagonist washes ashore in the New World to find a colony abandoned, save for one mysterious hooded huntress in red.
She is your reluctant, often sarcastic, guide through the black and white (and red) world of Betrayer, disappearing and reappearing throughout the story at opportune times.
Though the game can be played in full colour, the developers seemingly intended the game to be played in the default black/white/red colour option. The graphics are standard-fare for a 2014 game.
The story itself is told through a series of fragmentary notes scattered around the map and also via communication with the restless spirits of colonists who still wander the wilderness.
Much of the game requires investigation and backtracking, piecing together the tales of woe along your way.
The sound design is particularly outstanding, from the wind's susurration in trees to the eerie groans of supernatural entities plaguing the colony and its hinterland. The only musical track in the game is a one and a half minute drumbeat on the main menu, overlaid by ethereal chanting.
Beyond dog-like barks of the bestial "Spaniard" enemies and the howling of lupine natives there is no voice acting in this game, further adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
Gameplay, as previously mentioned, is relatively simple. Larger enemies hit harder and take more damage before they are dispatched, access to better weapons comes later in the game, and the player is sent back to the nearest "safehouse" upon death. There is also a rudimentary stealth mechanic which becomes increasingly unnecessary as you become more powerful.

As the game progresses it becomes clear that fear, paranoia, mistrust, and above all else: betrayal permeated every aspect of life in the colony - a fitting theme for a story centred around isolated, deeply religious English settlers.

100% achievement review: This game was surprisingly fun. At this point I would tell you whether or not you should buy it for base price, but it isn't even on the steam store anymore. My gripes is the lack of story and color. This game looks pretty without the black and white. I don't know why Blackpowder Games would show it off as this artsy black and white Instagram filter game when it looks great without it. The story is something you have to figure out which I am fine with normally, but is is so specific I had to look it up after spending a few hours trying to. I could just be obtuse, but figuring out certain dialogue options or talking to specters shouldn't be that hard. The achievements are honestly very easy to get. As you can tell it only took me 14 hours to get every last one. I expect more out of this developer, but it looks like my review will be shown to no one.

This game is fantastic... even if it's not sold on Steam anymore, find it and play it. It doesn't get the love it so richly deserves. Forget the negative comments just play it!

17th century colonialism-themed little atmospheric horror action game
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Betrayer immediately comes on strong with its unusual an unique presentation and premise. I remember reading one journalist calling it "undeniably striking", which describes the game perfectly. The first thing everyone will immediately notice is its distinguishing monochrome art style where all elements are seemingly made to blend together with ones you are supposed to pay attention to standing out in contrast by being bright red. This is definitely my favorite thing about the game because it enhances the somber and unnerving feeling of the atmosphere, and makes you feel unwelcome, like an intruder being thrown into someone else' world. It's difficult to describe with words but it's incredibly well-done and it's influence becomes even more prominent when you try to turn on the regular, colored palette.
“Spaniards? I have seen no one but you since I awoke in the forest days ago. I assure you that there are no Spaniards here. Not anymore...”
The general premise of the game is something you don't see too often - in 17th century, a British castaway lands on Virginian shore in Colonial America and finds the entire place abandoned with seemingly everyone gone until he counters hostile specters of fallen Spaniards who attack him. He later discovers an ability that allows him to travel between two worlds - the real worlds and parallel dark world containing shadowy remnants of people who used to live there but died in a violent manner. Slowly, using clues from both worlds, the man begins to piece together the horrid events that have taken place prior to his arrival.
Betrayer's gameplay design is simple yet effective. You mostly travel around the world searching for various landmarks or specific "people" to talk to in order to move the story forward. An interesting decision was to not have any objective markers but rather utilizing the games "Listen" ability where you have have to follow different echoes to find the specific places or people while trying to survive. Combat-wise, the game is nothing exceptional. You have a melee bash move and four ranged weapons that all feel decent to use but that's all you get - after that it's only about getting better variants of the things you already have. It's serviceable enough and in combination with the basic stealth (that surprisingly uses wind as a factor) can be enjoyable.
The only big issue I have taken with the game is that it predictably gets very repetitive, especially in the latter half. What you do in the first 1-2 hours is what you'll be doing for the other 6-8.
Betrayer is yet another hidden gem amongst the tidal waves of indie titles that we get flushed with every year. It's unique approach to its world-building is what makes it different from other action adventures and I wish we could have seen more from its developers. Those, unfortunately, went out of business and the game is no longer available on Steam so get it on GOG for free, if you are interested.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Negatives
+ Distinct and unique art/graphical style combined with stellar level-design
- The game's performance is very finnicky - it runs perfectly smooth in some parts and the randomly decides to stutter in others for no particular reason
+ Unusual story setting and premise
- Gets rather repetitive as you progress
+ Well-written lore, characters and plot points
- Can no longer be obtained on Steam
+ Engaging gameplay with good feedback and effects

+ Sound design is on point - the somber ambiance with realistic weather effects are key components of Betrayer's unforgettable atmosphere

+ Interesting ending

As stylistic as any game comes. It's artistic-styling and approach was something that piqued my personal interest and reason to play, I'd certainly recommend it for that front alone.
Flip-side to the above is that the game feels slow and somewhat underwhelming in progress.
it plays well, looks good and there's reason for each choice stylistically. I'd recommend.

a good and interesting fps adventure from ex F.E.A.R. devs. has aged well after 10 years. the black/white screenshots make the game look worse than it is. no longer on steam but it is free on GOG, def worth

Betrayer is an interesting game that is no longer officially available on Steam. The developers behind the game, Blackpowder Games, also worked on Monolith games like FEAR and No One Lives Forever (another cursed game franchise), but closed down at some point. This game now exists in a state of limbo, which is a real shame.
Set against the backdrop of early 17th century Virginia, Betrayer acts as a callback to lost colonial mysteries like Roanoke and cultural events like the Salem witch trials. Relatively early in the game, you're introduced to a strange, monochromatic spiritual world populated by shades and demonic wraiths of conquistadors and Native American/American Indian warriors. You're left to figure out what happened through clues and brief interactions with the shades, aided by a mysterious Maiden in Red. The story offers a few twists, but it's heavily inspired by the devs' former work on FEAR.
In terms of gameplay, you're given multiple options to dealing with enemies, including stealthily killing them or avoiding them altogether. You're also given pistols, tomahawks, bows, and a few other weapons, which really helps with the atmospheric setting. It's a little janky, but still fairly fun. Navigating the game world can get a little confusing but you're helped by a fast travel system (plus people have made maps of important locations and chests!).
Betrayer is a solid game overall and I hope that developers managed to find work after the studio dissolved (?). It's still worth playing if you can find a copy, even if it can get somewhat repetitive.