'AI could never make Tenebris Somnia,' the 2D retro survival horror with live-action cutscenes and practical effects

I don't know if you've ever watched an Argentinian horror movie. I have, and they're damn scary. I had to watch the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct 2026 minidoc with one hand over my eyes, because Tenebris Somnia blends 2D survival horror gameplay (which I can handle) with live-action cutscenes made by an award-winning Argentinian film crew (and the make up and effects are so good they terrify me).

Tenebris Somnia expertly blends a retro 2D style with filmed cutscenes. One moment you're walking through a creepy, colourful hallway, the next you're watching an actual person's face distort in a way that defies all logic and reason. Dave Oshry, CEO of New Blood Interactive, the publisher of the game, hypes up the practical effects crew, but I'm pretty certain they just cast real demons.

Executive producer Airdorf says it "feels like you're playing through someone's nightmares," and I agree. One creature has an extra face underneath its face, connected via one mouth. That's horrifying. Those effects are mostly made with practical materials, too, which is why they look so damn good. "AI could never make Tenebris Somnia, let's just say that," says Oshry.

So that's the horror, but what about the survival aspect of the game? Well, that sounds like it's going to be pretty good, too. "You will only ever have just enough health," Oshry says. "You will only ever have just enough ammo. You will very often have to resort to a wrench or a pipe." He's wielding a wrench in the video while he explains this.

As for the story. Well, it's described as being relatable to anyone who's been in a troubled relationship. "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll call your ex," Oshry says. That's the scariest thing about Tenebris Somnia so far.

If this sounds like you're kind of horror, wishlist it now on Steam. Tenebris Somnia launches October 16, 2026, just in time for Halloween.