After watching the announcement trailer for Whispers of the Eyeless, it’s crystal clear that the atmospheric horror aesthetics are on point, but the voiceover? Not so much. However, aside from the overly theatrical narration that feels more outlandish than a Shakespearean hamster convention, the game offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world brimming with intricate lore, dark narrative arcs, and strategic gameplay elements.
The Devs Behind the Scenes
Whispers of the Eyeless is a creation brought to life by Evil Gingerbread Studios and Venris, the latter well-known for the Total War: Warhammer 3 mod, SFO. This game ventures into entrenched folklore and time-honored mythos, focusing on a grim tale set in the city of Aranthor. You’ll play the critical role of the last descendant of the Old Faith and the premier Prophet of the New Age. Aranthor is no utopia; it’s run in pieces by a host of self-appointed Living Gods, each claiming dominion over its varied districts.
The Dark Tale Unfolds
Guiding your nefarious cult from below the city’s rotten foundations, the story seeks to resurrect three ominous Dead Gods: Wrath, Desire, and Madness. This dark and twisted RPG incorporates elements of strategy, turn-based combat, and art evocative of the grim-dark style seen in Darkest Dungeon. For those with a penchant for haunting mythologies, the game also draws from Loop Hero, Children Of Morta, and Polish folklore.
Strategic Cult Management
Set against a backdrop of shifting power dynamics, players must navigate the intricate demands of cult leadership. The Steam store’s blurb sets the stage, detailing “Defeated, exiled, and nearly forgotten, the Dead Gods have been silent for generations. But finally… the Whispers have returned. The ‘Dead’ Gods were not dead, and it is up to you to reinstate them to their full glory.” These words echo the game’s thematic core and promise players an opportunity to shape the destiny of these deities.
The gameplay loop focuses on a blend of single-character expedition and cult management. While it seems you’ll be making your lone journeys through the city’s webbed districts filled with distinct enemies, you aren’t entirely alone. The recruitment of NPC cultists and ordaining disciples to carry out missions fleshes out the gameplay dynamics, allowing for a multifaceted approach to the overarching objective of divine resurrection.
Building a Dark Empire
One intriguing aspect lies in the personalized touch you can give your dingy lair. Each Dead God you choose to favor will bring different blessings and modifications to your underground base, enhancing both its look and functionality. The game allows for customizations that reflect your chosen deity’s influence—adding yet another layer to the immersive experience.
Late Development & Future Teasers
According to publishers Camlann Games, Whispers of the Eyeless is nearing the final stretch of its development. The development teams are aiming to launch an Early Access version on Steam either in late 2024 or early 2025. A demo is also anticipated to drop at one of Valve’s Steam Next Fests, narrowing the window to October 2024 or February 2025.
To get a taste of what Whispers of the Eyeless has in store, check out the trailer:
Closing Credits
In the gothic realm of Aranthor, Evil Gingerbread Studios and Venris promise an intoxicating blend of strategy and narrative depth in Whispers of the Eyeless. As the game creeps closer to its Early Access phase, players can look forward to delving into its cult-building mechanics and grim lore, albeit hoping the developers take a softer touch with their voiceover work by the time of its full release. Keep an eye out this winter or next spring for more whispers from this thrillingly dark RPG.
