Support NeoGAF

[Loudninja]

Hello! I’m Romain, founder of Carnivore Studio, an independent studio based in London.
You may have seen screenshots of Kodoku, the horror game we are currently working on for PS4 and PS Vita. If not, take a look at the images in this post.

For the uninitiated, here is a quick recap. The game is a horror and exploration game, set on a Japanese island. Instead of shooting guns at zombies, you will have to use strategy and stealth to survive all the Lovecraftian creatures – inspired by Japanese folklore – that live on the island. You will also be able to use magic talismans you will learn to craft on the island, in order to find your best way to face enemies.

This game means a lot to us. We wanted an original art direction, a very specific mood and general feeling – decisions which, we think, will lead to a unique horror experience. We grew up with horror games (most of us are huge fans of Siren series) and were fascinated by what we could do with all those legends and stories, so started building the game we wanted to play.

We are taking inspiration from a wide array of topics, from the aforementioned ancient Japanese folklore and legends, up to modern art and Butoh dance. Using on all that, we are building what we hope will be a truly original experience.

Kodoku is game where you will be able to explore an entire island filled with mystery, horror and magic; where the island itself would come to life and take part in the Kodoku ritual; an island where you will be seeking an explanation and struggling to survive. This is the game we are making for you.

http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2014...ku-a-new-survival-horror-for-ps4-and-ps-vita/

 

[NeoGAF.]

I'm running out of excuses to not have a vita.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

I remember seeing a thread about this a few weeks back. Looks compelling.

 

[fr4nz]

look interesting

 

[ramuh]

This looks really cool. I like the artstyle....and that there are no guns.

 

[Dark_castle]

I'm running out of excuses to not have a vita.

It's available for PS4. There.

 

[deadpixel]

Seems like Sony has a tool for porting PS4 games to the Vita easily.

 

[-Horizon-]

I'm running out of excuses to not have a vita.

You should get a Vita. I'm sure there are some good deals out there.

Anyway, this sounds interesting.

 

[Jackben]

Looks like a Junji Ito manga transformed into a video game.

Very cool.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

Sounds intriguing. Does Kodoku mean something in Japanese? I find it distractingly similar to Soduku and now cannot unsee it.

Found this trailer on YouTube. I like the art, and the creature ideas are pretty disturbing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7E2TSAgHSI

 

[NeoGAF.]

You should get a Vita. I'm sure there are some good deals out there.

Anyway, this sounds interesting.

I regret not snatching up the white oled when it was on Amazon a couple weeks back.

 

[BlackBuzzard]

Weird old Asian man in a Kimono, ye thats horror

 

[Jackben]

Sounds intriguing. Does Kodoku mean something in Japanese? I find it distractingly similar to Soduku and now cannot unsee it.

Found this trailer on YouTube. I like the art, and the creature ideas are pretty disturbing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7E2TSAgHSI

That's the same video posted in the OP.

 

[tokkun]

Lovecraftian creatures based on Japanese folklore?

How exactly does that work?

 

[FunkyPajamas]

I'm running out of excuses to not have a vita.

All according to Kodoku.

 

[coolasj19]

I'm a little bitch when it comes to horror games, but I love buying them. Especially if its Cross-Buy. Bring on the unique art style and other cooky Japanese-inspired design choices!

 

[Triggerhappytel]

That's the same video posted in the OP.

Ah, fair enough. I can't access the PS Blog from work, hence why I went to YT to find a video for it.

 

[Dreamgazer]

"Lovecraftian creatures – inspired by Japanese folklore"

what in the world does that mean?

 

[unapersson]

"Lovecraftian creatures – inspired by Japanese folklore"

what in the world does that mean?

Lovecraftian is a kind of cosmic horror inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, generally involving lots of tentacled monsters and unspeakable things. So just that with a Japanese theme I guess.

 

[Jackben]

"Lovecraftian creatures – inspired by Japanese folklore"

what in the world does that mean?

Google image search "Junji Ito".

 

[Callibretto]

Lovecraftian is a kind of cosmic horror inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, generally involving lots of tentacled monsters and unspeakable things. So just that with a Japanese theme I guess.

Hmm...

 

[RaikuHebi]

The game is a horror and exploration game, set on a Japanese island.

What Tomb Raider 2013 was supposed to be!

This sounds mighty cool. As someone who just got into SMT's wider lore and Japanese mythology, and as a Sony fanboy, seems like a perfect fit.

EDIT: Ahh yh the character art reminds me of Persona. I think I've seen a screenshot of this game before.

Hello! I’m Romain, founder of Carnivore Studio, an independent studio based in London.

Holy shit, they're local!

 

[Nikodemos]

Hmm...

You, sir, have an exceedingly filthy mind.

Spoiler

I thought exactly the same thing.

 

[Vashetti]

I totally read "Introducing Kotaku, a new survival horror for PS4 and PS Vita"

lol

 

[silver.tongue]

That is freaking wierd... Might be good, but I'll wait to see what the gameplay is like.

 

[unapersson]

Hmm...

So you noticed

 

[ShaoranWright]

"Lovecraftian creatures – inspired by Japanese folklore"

what in the world does that mean?

Well, we already have examples of Lovecraftian creatures inspired by Japanese folklore, like:

A Nyarlathotepian:

A female Cthughan:

A male Hasturan:

 

[The Cartographer]

look interesting

Kill it with fire.

 

[Green Wiggly]

Google image search "Junji Ito".

Well, that was a bad thing to do while eating breakfast.

 

[_Ryo_]

I love Japanese culture and folklore, and horror... so this is ultra interesting.

 

[Orniletter]

Tasty tasty indie games !

The only thing I don´t like is the portrait of the protagonist.

It looks like someone took inspiration from the Dafoeverse .

Eager to see more !

 

[joe2187]

 

[Cave Johnson]

Like something out of a Junji Ito manga. Hell, I bet that was their main inspiration..

 

[Carl]

Read it as "Kotaku" and was confused.

 

[eliochip]

Expected a survival horror puzzle game

 

[Steel]

I totally read "Introducing Kotaku, a new survival horror for PS4 and PS Vita"

lol

Glad I'm not the only one.

 

[Zukuu]

I totally read "Introducing Kotaku, a new survival horror for PS4 and PS Vita"

lol

you and me both.

 

[afternoon delight]

I love survival horror and their pitch definitely resonates with me. Small screens, but I love the art style.

Lovecraftian creatures based on Japanese folklore?

How exactly does that work?

I actually think it's perfect to be honest, and a venue that could totally work if done right.

And very comedic if done wrong.

 

[Crash Station]

So Youkai + Lovecraft? Sounds good to me.

 

[Replicant]

Seems like Sony has a tool for porting PS4 games to the Vita easily.

Isn't that their intention for switching/moving away from Cell in the first place? Because they saw that in the long run it'd make things easier for them to port PS4 titles to other platforms in the present and future.

 

[AmethystEnd]

Can't wait for this. I'd love cross buy, but if not, ps4 first.

 

[MKP64]

Seems like Sony has a tool for porting PS4 games to the Vita easily.

Cerny.

 

[Krafter]

Damn, this looks right up my alley. Keep the Horror games coming.

 

[Revan]

Read it as "Kotaku" and was confused.

Came here to say this. Every time I see this thread I keep thinking "Is it possible to make Kotaku even more horror filled then it already is?"

 

[Jackben]

Like something out of a Junji Ito manga. Hell, I bet that was their main inspiration..

That's exactly what I said in this very same thread.

 

[B.O.O.M]

All according to Kodoku.

haha good one

OT: game looks very nice. Not a genre I enjoy tho...but will keep an eye on it

 

[Koppai]

Well this sounds cool, gonna subscribe so I dont forget it

 

[IncandescentPrecept]

Google image search "Junji Ito".

I remember reading all Uzumaki volumes in 1 night. That was freaky.

 

[AmethystEnd]

I remember reading all Uzumaki volumes in 1 night. That was freaky.

I did this exact thing. I can't remember how long ago that was.

 

[Samir Sedlar]

Okay, this is really exciting, for some odd reasons this is so appealing to me.


A few screenshots: