Where to get it

2023 · Adventure · Indie

Decarnation

Nintendo console exclusive

Decarnation is a story rich adventure horror game. Solve cryptic puzzles, fight disturbing enemies, explore a phantasmagorical world of dreams and nightmares, and face the most terrifying monsters from the darkest parts of your soul.

Released: 31 May 2023
Platforms: Nintendo Switch Windows
Genres: Adventure Indie Puzzle Role-playing
Developers: —
Publishers: Shiro Games
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Themes: Action Horror Drama
Age ratings: ESRB T PEGI 16
Languages: Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Spain)
Time to beat: 5.5hmain story7hcompletionist

About

Decarnation is a 2023 adventure video game developed by Atelier QDB and published by Shiro Unlimited for Windows and Switch.

›Story

Paris, 1990. Gloria is at the end of her rope. A struggling cabaret dancer dealing with the fraying of her relationships, career, and self-esteem, she takes on a new artistic endeavor sponsored by a mysterious benefactor. Would the generous proposal be Gloria's lucky break, or something worse?

A survival story with layered psychological stakes, Decarnation explores the contrast between battling limitations in the physical realm, and the subconscious landscapes one can't escape.

Decarnation is an emotional, startling story-driven experience that will keep you on your toes until the very end.

Players say

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Players control a down-on-her-luck Parisian cabaret dancer in 1990. As her career prospects sour, her self esteem and mental health follow. Following a lead that could restart her career, she becomes involved in a psychological horror story. Players must avoid monsters, play minigames, and solve puzzles. It features retro pixel art graphics reminiscent of the fourth generation of video game consoles.

Development

France-based studio Atelier QDB initially developed Decarnation in RPG Maker, but it was later ported to Unity. Shiro Unlimited released it on Windows and Switch on May 31, 2023.

Reception

On Metacritic, Decarnation received positive reviews on Windows and mixed reviews on Switch. Gamezebo called it "incredibly thought-provoking" and praised the story. Nintendo World Report enjoyed the pixel art, atmosphere, and monster design, but they criticized the minigames and puzzles, which they said hold it back from being a good game. They also felt Decarnation went on too long past the climax, which they said unnecessarily drew out the game for another hour.