While AAA titles likeResident Evil 3are currently dominating the horror genre, some of the most creative mechanics and hits come from independent developers. Titles likeAmnesia: The Dark Descentredefined the horror genrein 2012. Indie developer Team Junkfish’s gameMonstrumis another memorable hit from this era, and it will be making the leap to consoles next month.
Initially released in 2015 for PC and Mac,Monstrumstood out for its use ofprocedurally generated levelsand permadeath. After its debut, players praised the game for its “atmospheric horror” and replayability. And now, a recent press release has announced thatMonstrumwill come to the Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One on May 22.
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According to Team Junkfish and publisher Soedesco, this will be a digital release. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,Monstrum’s physical release for consoles will bedelayed until further notice.After explaining the game’s premise, in which the player must survive on a massive cargo ship, the press release promised that the environments and monsters would change every time the player restarted the game in order to create a “truly re-playable” game. The developer also included a new trailer for the console release.
Although some might question whyMonstrumis only coming to consoles now, a YouTube commenter noted that with the procedurally generated levels and the AI that controls its monsters, porting the game to new platforms was likely a massive undertaking. Moreover, newer platforms like the Nintendo Switch’s indie selection and the Epic Games Store have increased visibility for previously unseen indie titles. With these opportunities, it is an excellent time for indie developers like Team Junkfish to re-release their past titles.
Players should look forward to revisitingMonstrum’s maze-like ship when the game releases next month. Although it may not have the mass recognition of high-profile horror franchises, the game is incredibly inventive. It successfully creates an atmosphere of anxious isolation. If the indie horror title manages to capture some new fans, they won’t have to wait long for additional content. Team Junkfish will be releasinga sequel in the last quarter of 2020.
Monstrumis out now for PC and Mac. It will be available for the Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One on July 06, 2025.
