Explore the analogue sound-world of the abandoned station, out soon on PS4, PC and VR formats.
Finnish development studio, 3rd Eye Studios, is treating expectant players to another look inside the high-concept, sci-fi world of Downward Spiral: Horus Station. In the accompanying dev diary, 3rd Eye Studios introduce Can Uzer, the game’s sound designer, who describes the challenges and creative decisions underpinning Downward Spiral: Horus Station’s audio.
For a game ostensibly dialogue-free, sound plays a huge role in crafting atmosphere and directing narrative. Uzer talks us through the team’s desire to create an “analogue” and “utilitarian” soundscape, one that aligns the game with the canon of classic sci-fi including Solaris, Alien, and Moon. The air pressure of hydraulic mechanisms fizz and whir while the Bolt Pistol is an industrial tool transformed into a makeshift weapon, combining the audio characteristics of both.
Downward Spiral: Horus Station is a first-person, sci-fi thriller which lures players through a lost vessel abandoned by its crew. Solving the mystery of the space station will take wits and ingenuity as you fight or avoid dangers unknown. Use the ship’s maintenance hardware – like bolt throwers, rail guns, and arc welders to take out threats, solve puzzles and find the truth of why Horus Station has been left drifting in space.
Downward Spiral: Horus Station will launch this Spring on PlayStation 4, PC with optional PlayStation VR, Oculus Touch, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality support.
