Today’s Niche Spotlight is Stirring Abyss, a Lovecraftian squad-based tactical RPG with management elements by Sleepy Sentry and Slitherine Ltd.
The game follows the crew of the USS Salem, a US Navy submarine that sinks to the depths of the ocean during the early years of the Cold War. The surviving crewmembers find themselves stranded in the ruins of a lost civilization, and they are not the only living beings down there.
Manage the crew of the Salem and send them out on expeditions to find missing crewmembers and resources. Uncover the mysteries of the fallen civilization, embrace bizarre mutations, and keep everyone sane enough to find a way back to the surface.
You can find the pair of launch trailers below.
Stirring Abyss is available on Windows PC via GOG and Steam for $24.99.
You can find a rundown (via Steam) below:
A tactical RPG filled with Lovecraftian fear
Stirring Abyss is an indie tactical squad-based game with strong RPG elements in which you uncover the ancient mysteries of the depths depicted in the classic vein of Lovecraftian horror.
You take charge of the surviving crew of the USS Salem, a U.S. Navy submarine that sinks while on a top secret research mission during the early years of the Cold War. They find themselves surrounded by the ruins of a forgotten civilization, their vessel too badly damaged to escape the seabed.GRIPPING STORY MODE
In Story Mode, you slowly unravel the mysteries of the depths in a desperate quest to rescue your missing crewmembers and fix the crippled Salem. The choices you make determine the fate of your crew – and the entire world.ADAPT AND MUTATE YOUR CREW
Every expedition lives or dies by the strength of its crew. You have a diverse array of character traits and skills at your disposal, each opening exciting new options in both combat and in story events. As you delve ever deeper, you may also subject your crew to powerful but grisly mutations; the price of survival is high, and no one escapes the abyss unchanged.SURVIVE MADNESS
The horror and the void which hide in deep waters can become too much to bear, and your crew may experience episodes of exhaustion and insanity. Will their psyche get stronger, or will it be forever damaged? A game of dice with Fate itself will determine the outcome.SCAVENGE AND IMPROVISE
Salvaged resources can be turned into weapons, armor, or other useful supplies – or they can be used to repair and upgrade the Salem, giving your crew a crucial edge in the fight for survival. The more you explore the abyss during the missions, the more chances you have to find the lost treasures of the deep.EXPLORE THE MYSTERIES OF THE ETERNAL DARK
The hauntingly beautiful environment holds many secrets and mysteries to explore, but danger lurks just outside the feeble circles of light you bring with you. Be wise, and use your skills to scout the black waters and light up the path: unseen terrors may be hiding just out of sight.ROGUELIKE ENDLESS MODE
The Endless Mode pits your crew in a roguelike battle against an army of neverending enemies that only grow stronger as you progress. It is the ultimate test of strategic ability, as you not only choose how to improve your own squad, but also pick your poison as to what powers your foes gain.
If you’re a developer and want your game showcased on Niche Spotlight, please contact us!
This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!
Image: Steam
