UN:Me: An Psychological Thriller That Blends Survival Horror with Among Us Gameplay
The latest Day of the Devs digital showcase revealed several intriguing upcoming titles, but one in particular has seized the imagination: UN:Me. Developed by Historia and Shueisha Games, this solo adventure seems to fuse together the oppressive atmosphere of a Silent Hill title with the suspicion-driven heart of Among Us.
"This is a unique game where a young woman containing multiple human souls inside her needs to flee from a maze of the psyche," states developer Yasukazu Kawai.
Stepping Into a Shattered Mind
In UN:Me, players assume the role of an unnamed heroine who appears to be of high school age. Within her exist four separate personas, all possessing unique anxieties and motivations. These souls can take over spontaneously, releasing their deep-seated terrors upon her suddenly.
Judging by showcased gameplay, much of the narrative unfolds within a eerie medical facility, though additional clips show the protagonist exploring a abandoned chapel.
An Environment of Personal Horror
"What are you afraid of? What causes you uncomfortable?" asks creative lead Shun Sasaki. "Heights. Small rooms. Authority figures. Elements that seem trivial to other people can trigger a deep instinct inside us. This game delves into that idea — anxieties that are specific to every individual."
The central mechanic involves managing the persona that emerges at any given time. However, these souls will switch against your will during gameplay. During exploration, each soul's fears become exaggerated and assault the protagonist in succession. As the persona shifts, so does the specific fear the player experiences.
Unsettling Aesthetics and a Fatal Choice
At first glance, UN:Me shares noticeable aesthetic parallels with the Silent Hill franchise. The setting is filled with orderlies all sporting the identical visage, with unnervingly wide smiles. Figures in the lobby have enormous blooms growing from their necks should be. Floral motifs are an ever-present theme, contrasting natural beauty with unnatural horror.
Yet, UN:Me presents a unique mechanic. Players are tasked with deducing which of the four souls haunting the protagonist is the "true" one. "All four personas asserts that the body belongs to them," explains a creator. "During the game, you must determine who is real."
Once players believes a soul is an impostor, they are forced to destroy it. However, because every entity can lie or obfuscate the reality, it is incredibly simple to make a mistake.
"Maybe you've already eliminated the real [soul] by your own actions," a voice suggests. "The final entity standing could be a fake. In any case, your decisions are final."
UN:Me does not yet have a publicly announced release date, but it is can be wishlist on platforms.
