End of Abyss Launches as a Divisive Sci-Fi Horror Metroidvania

Key points

• The game launched on October 1, 2026, developed by Section 9 Interactive, a studio founded by former Tarsier Studios members.
• Players explore a 12-15 hour underground facility, unlocking upgrades like grappling hooks and explosive charges to backtrack and solve puzzles.
• Combat features a soft auto-lock system for shooting, with enemies designed to close distance quickly, creating tension in cramped spaces.
• A significant bug causes the in-game map to incorrectly display locked or unlocked doors, frustrating players who rely on visual cues for navigation.
• The game received mixed reviews, with scores ranging from 6/10 to 9/10, highlighting a divide between its atmospheric strengths and mechanical flaws.

Background

Section 9 Interactive, based in Malmö, Sweden, was founded in 2020 by developers who previously worked on Little Nightmares. The studio’s new IP, End of Abyss, marks their first original title since leaving Tarsier Studios. The game’s development evolved from a top-down shooter prototype into a more atmospheric, exploration-focused experience, drawing inspiration from 1980s and 1990s media for its weathered, eerie aesthetic.

How outlets are covering it

GameSpot criticizes the game’s map bugs as a 'cardinal sin' for a metroidvania, arguing that unreliable navigation undermines the core exploration loop. They also note that soulslike-inspired enemy encounters reduce the horror factor through repetition, making the game feel more like a 'darker Metroid' than a survival horror. Conversely, PlayStation Universe praises the game’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, calling it a 'distilled survival horror' that excels in atmosphere and enemy design. They highlight the minimalist palette and sound design as key strengths, awarding it a 9/10. Xbox Wire provides a neutral overview, emphasizing the studio’s intent to create a tense, atmospheric experience through exploration and gear upgrades, without addressing the critical flaws noted by reviewers.

Why it matters

End of Abyss represents a significant entry in the horror-metroidvania genre, showcasing how blending multiple genres can lead to both innovation and inconsistency. Its mixed reception highlights the importance of reliable mechanics in exploration-focused games, where bugs like faulty maps can severely impact player experience. The game’s success or failure may influence future titles in the genre, particularly regarding the balance between atmospheric horror and mechanical reliability.

What to watch

A patch was released before the final boss to address some issues, but the map bug remains unresolved. Players may experience a more consistent version of the game if the bug is fixed in future updates. The game’s performance in the market will likely depend on how quickly developers address these flaws and whether the atmospheric strengths outweigh the mechanical inconsistencies for new players.