I think I have a niche in my heart just for indie games, because whenever I find one that’s incredible, I tuck in there and want to cuddle with it. As strange as that is, I can’t help but love on the indie games. Recently I stumbled upon one that I’ve enjoyed greatly called Kraven Manor, which was developed over six months by Demon Wagon Studios, a group of thirteen graduate students at The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University.
Kraven Manor is a first-person horror adventure set in an atmospheric mansion with more than a few things that go bump in the night. Your job is to explore what happened there and try to make it out alive. Made with the Unreal Development Kit, you’ll encounter beautiful rooms and textures, interesting puzzles, and some level of control over the environment.
This game reminds me of Amnesia: The Dark Descent in its atmosphere and style, and I love it. The level of detail in Kraven Manor is amazing and satisfying. Personally I adore games that add tidbits here and there, as in excerpts from books or notes that propel the story forward, increasing the immersive feel of the game. The horror element also creates a thrilling pressure when solving puzzles and trying to escape with your body intact.
Essentially, this game was this team of game-industry-hopefuls’ capstone project, meant to be completed in a six-month time frame. However, the response has been thoroughly positive, and many, including myself, wonder if there may be more to Kraven Manor. It’s unknown whether Demon Wagon Studios will continue it, but the group, which includes producer Stephen Northcut and game designer Benjamin Roye (as well as the great artists, level designers, and programmers on the team) are hard at work on their own portfolios.
I have to say this is a talented group of people that will definitely have a place in the gaming industry. The quality of this project as well as their other works in progress show skill and innovation, and they are people to look out for in the indie business. If you want to check out Kraven Manor, you can download it here!
