Released on September 19, 2024, Timore Narhelma blends horror with philosophical puzzles. Developed by Vidas Salavejus, this game invites players to explore the depths of the human psyche while facing eerie challenges. Players are tasked with not only overcoming their fears but also questioning their very actions in a beautifully crafted, terrifying world.
Salavejus revealed the thought process behind some of the eerie sounds featured in Timore Narhelma. In one particularly haunting moment, players have a choice involving a gunshot. Instead of a typical sound, he created a strange, echoing synth effect, transforming a simple gunfire scene into something more surreal: “It doesn’t look or sound like what you’d expect”, Salavejus explained, adding to the game’s unsettling atmosphere.
Some of his most thought-provoking ideas come to him late at night. One of the strangest? A game that asks players deep, existential questions — such as how they would feel if they lost an arm. This inspired elements of Timore Narhelma, which presents players with tough decisions and philosophical dilemmas, making them reflect on their humanity.
Although Salavejus aims to scare, he avoids overusing jump scares: “Too many jump scares can make the game less scary”, he noted. Instead, he focuses on creating an atmosphere of constant danger and dread. One of the most unconventional techniques Salavejus uses is distorting voice recordings. By altering voices from actors, he creates glitchy, monstrous sounds that heighten the game’s terror. It’s this attention to sound that sets his games apart, building tension in unexpected ways.
Timore Narhelma is a game deeply rooted in human psychology. Salavejus explained that the game explores questions of identity—whether we are our minds, our bodies, or something else entirely. The game doesn’t just offer jumps and scares but challenges players to reflect on existential questions that may linger long after they’ve finished playing.
In the end, Salavejus hopes that players walk away from Timore Narhelma with a sense of how powerful and impactful their choices can be, not just in the game but in life as well. Through the existential dilemmas and eerie atmosphere, he aims to leave players pondering the deeper aspects of life, all while being entertained by the chilling experience he’s crafted.
Timore Narhelma can be found on Steam.
The interview was showcased as a part of #FixIndieGamesShowcase – more info on this link.
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