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BECROWNED is an indie survival horror game developed by 13th Street Studio, led by Ernest Anpilov. Drawing inspiration from classic titles like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Alone in the Dark, the game aims to revive the atmospheric tension and psychological horror elements that defined late 90s and early 2000s survival horror games.

Setting and Narrative

The game is set in a surreal, nightmarish world where fears manifest into reality. Players take on the role of Richard Torrance, a man whose ambitions have led him into a realm of endless suffering. The narrative explores themes of punishment, regret, and the consequences of one's actions. As Richard navigates through this twisted world, he uncovers secrets about his past and the dark history of those around him.

Gameplay Mechanics

BECROWNED offers a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players will explore various environments, including dilapidated hospitals and eerie landscapes, each filled with hidden passages and optional puzzles. Combat is designed to be challenging, with limited resources and enemies that require strategic approaches to defeat. The game also features a nonlinear storyline, where player choices impact the fate of other characters and lead to multiple possible endings.

Visual and Audio Design

The game's aesthetic is heavily influenced by the PS1 and PS2 era, featuring low-poly models and a VHS-like filter to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The environments are designed to be atmospheric and unsettling, with tight corridors and dim lighting that enhance the feeling of dread. The audio design plays a crucial role in building tension, with eerie sound effects and a haunting soundtrack that complement the visual elements.

Development and Community Engagement

Development of BECROWNED began in 2021, with Ernest Anpilov initially working solo before expanding the team. The game has been in development during the team's free time, leading to a slow but steady progress. Despite being a small indie studio, 13th Street Studio has maintained an active presence in the gaming community, sharing updates and engaging with fans through platforms like Reddit. The team has also incorporated live-action content into the game, filmed with the help of the development team, to add a unique touch to the game's presentation.

Technical Specifications

BECROWNED is optimized for both Windows and macOS platforms, with full Steam Deck support. The game requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and approximately 3 GB of storage space. For optimal performance, a system with an Intel Core i7-6950X processor and an AMD Radeon RX 5700 graphics card is recommended. The developers have also expressed interest in bringing the game to the Nintendo Switch in the future.

Reception and Anticipation

Early previews and demos have garnered positive feedback from the gaming community. Destructoid described BECROWNED as "the manifestation of fans' love for old-school horror," highlighting its atmospheric design and homage to classic survival horror games. TheSixthAxis noted that the game is "as close to an old school Silent Hill as you can get," praising its eerie environments and psychological horror elements. However, some critics have pointed out that the game still needs to carve out its own identity within the genre.

Absolutely! Here's a 600-word article with a personal touch based on your thoughts about BECROWNED and how indie developers have carved out a dominant space in the survival horror genre:

BECROWNED Looks Terrifying — And It’s Proof That Indie Developers Own the Survival Horror Genre

I’ve been keeping an eye on this upcoming indie horror game called BECROWNED, and let me just say — it looks downright chilling. Atmospheric, cryptic, beautifully grotesque — it has all the ingredients that get under your skin, not with jump scares, but with a slow, gnawing tension. And as I was watching some early footage and reading about the game, one thought just kept circling in my head: the survival horror genre has always been ruled by indie developers.

Don't get me wrong — I love the big-budget horror games. Resident Evil, The Evil Within, Dead Space — these games defined survival horror on a grand cinematic level. But in the last decade or so, the soul of true survival horror — the ones that make you feel completely alone, powerless, and questioning your own sanity — has lived in the indie scene.

BECROWNED feels like it's cut from the same haunting cloth as Fear and Hunger, World of Horror, and SIGNALIS. Games that don’t just rely on gore or graphical fidelity, but actually mess with your head. These games understand that horror isn’t just about scary monsters — it’s about atmosphere, pacing, and imagination. Sometimes, the most terrifying things are the ones you never actually see — just hints, whispers, strange sounds, or surreal events that make you doubt what’s real.

And that’s where BECROWNED comes in. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be flashy or overly cinematic. Instead, it feels personal, dark, and thoughtful — the kind of horror that lingers long after you close the game. The unsettling sound design, the creepy environments, and that eerie sense of ritual and mystery — it's the exact kind of unsettling tone that indie horror has perfected over the years.

Let’s be honest, big-budget studios are often scared (ironically) to take risks. But indie developers? They thrive on it. They don’t have to cater to the mass market. They’re free to experiment with weird mechanics, unconventional narratives, and art styles that wouldn’t survive in a boardroom pitch. That’s why we’ve seen so many incredible horror experiences come from tiny teams — sometimes even a single developer.

Games like Amnesia, Outlast, Darkwood, Detention, and even Phasmophobia all started as indie projects and ended up redefining what horror could be in games. They weren’t bogged down by expectations — they were just pure expressions of fear, mystery, and survival, made by people who get it.

BECROWNED seems like it’s carrying that torch. It looks like it’s going to take us into a strange world where nothing is handed to you — where you have to figure things out by yourself, with barely any guidance. That, to me, is the true spirit of survival horror. Not just fighting monsters, but feeling lost, confused, and desperately trying to stay alive in a world that doesn’t want you to understand it.

I really believe indie horror is where the future of this genre lies. It’s where the most creative ideas are coming from, the boldest risks are being taken, and the truest fear is being delivered. BECROWNED might not have the marketing budget of a AAA title, but I guarantee it’s going to hit harder than most big studio horror games this year.

If you’re a fan of survival horror, keep your eye on BECROWNED. It looks like one of those rare gems that will creep into your dreams — not because it’s trying to scare you, but because it succeeds without even needing to try too hard.

Conclusion

BECROWNED stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic survival horror games. With its atmospheric design, engaging narrative, and challenging gameplay, it promises to deliver an experience that both honors its inspirations and offers something new to the genre. As development progresses, fans of retro horror games have much to look forward to.