They Speak From The Abyss is a single-player psychological horror RPG developed for PC that draws direct inspiration from classic dungeon crawlers while centering a narrative of personal trauma and self-discovery. Players take control of Vanessa Rivera, a trans woman navigating feelings of displacement after a move to a new city, only to find herself pulled into a nightmarish realm known as the Abyss.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around first-person exploration of hand-crafted, grotesque environments filled with body horror elements and surreal imagery. Players navigate twisting corridors and nightmarish spaces, interacting with objects and inhabitants to uncover lore and advance the story. Sinister puzzles require careful observation and logical thinking to solve, often tied to the game's themes of psychological struggle.
Combat uses an active-time battle system where timing and quick decisions matter. Enemies, including demons and twisted manifestations inspired by classic horror aesthetics, grow impatient during dialogue or menu navigation and may strike first. Some encounters allow for verbal reasoning and de-escalation, while others force direct confrontation. The emphasis remains on managing resources and making choices under pressure rather than grinding or complex builds.
Game Modes
The experience consists of a single narrative-driven campaign with no separate multiplayer or competitive modes. Progression follows a linear yet exploratory structure through the Abyss, blending dungeon crawling with story segments that reflect real-world issues such as grief, depression, and identity. Players encounter literal nightmares and demonic entities, choosing paths that balance dialogue options against combat readiness in a unified single-player journey.
Narrative and Themes
The story follows Vanessa as she confronts manifestations of fear and anger drawn from her personal life. Mature content includes body horror, religious abuse, and psychological distress presented through pixel art visuals that mix beauty with revulsion. The design aims to mirror real trials without offering simple resolutions, focusing instead on growth through confrontation with inner and outer demons.
Is It Worth Playing?
They Speak From The Abyss targets players who enjoy deliberate, atmospheric dungeon crawlers combined with horror storytelling and character-driven choices. The active-time battles and puzzle elements reward patience and attention, while the grounded themes may resonate with those seeking mature narratives over action spectacle. An extended demo has received positive feedback for its unique art and atmosphere, though the full game remains scheduled for release in 2027 with no additional updates or expansions confirmed at this stage. Those drawn to first-person RPGs with psychological depth and horror elements will find the most alignment with its style.
