If you have been looking for a game that balances the grim, cinematic atmosphere of Little Nightmares with the satisfying feedback of a twin-stick shooter, End of Abyss might be the fix. Announced for an October 1, 2026, release on Xbox Series X|S, this debut title from Malmö-based Section 9 Interactive promises a mix of exploration and high-stakes action.
The studio was founded by brothers Mattias and Marcus Ottval alongside Gustaf Heinerwall—a trio of veterans from Tarsier Studios who previously worked on titles like Little Nightmares and Reanimal. During a recent hands-on demo at Summer Game Fest: Play Days, it became clear that the team’s history in crafting spooky, industrial environments is front and center here.
Atmosphere Meets Action
End of Abyss is set in a sprawling, dilapidated underground facility. You play as Cel, a young combat technician navigating this dark, industrial complex. The visual design is striking, featuring a pulled-back camera that highlights the environments, while the protagonist is made instantly recognizable by a large, spherical helmet reminiscent of a classic diving suit.
The gameplay shifts away from the pure helplessness found in many horror titles. While the facility is filled with shambling, misshapen mutants, you are equipped to fight back. Players utilize a 360-degree aiming system, a dodge roll, and a variety of gear that keeps combat feeling expressive. During my session, taking down groups of enemies required balancing the use of a recharging energy pistol, a limited-ammo shotgun for crowd control, and tactical tools like flares and grenades.
Metroidvania Exploration
Beyond the combat, the game leans into traditional Metroidvania mechanics. The demo involved tracking down power cores to bring a reactor back online, a task that required navigating locked doors, finding keys, and utilizing a scanner to update the map with new information.
Progression is tied to a crafting economy. Materials scavenged from the environment or dropped by enemies can be spent at stations to produce more ammunition and equipment, or to unlock permanent upgrades. The movement feels snappy and smooth, allowing for a rhythm of exploration that encourages backtracking to reach previously inaccessible areas as your gear evolves.
For those interested in the aesthetic influences, the team at Section 9 Interactive cited classic sci-fi horror films like Alien and The Thing as foundational to the game’s grim, industrial look. With a release date set for October, we won't have to wait much longer to see what else is hiding in the depths of the facility.