Last week, graphic novel artist Ida Hartmann and Niila Games announced their new game with a reveal trailer, and boy… what a reveal it is.
The game is called Stilstand, and it is centered around the theme of mental health awareness in modern society. Specifically, Stilstand follows a “grim yet hopeful journey of one woman trying to stay afloat in Copenhagen, with help from the shadow monster in her apartment.” The game is touted as a darkly comedic interactive graphic novel, and judging from the trailer, that seems to be a pretty accurate description.
The scratchy, chaotic art design makes the entire trailer feel incredibly foreboding, reminiscent of 90s animation, or even another slightly twisted game about mental health, Neverending Nightmares. It’s a bit uncomfortable to watch (especially when considering the context of the plot), but like a train wreck, it’s hard to look away. What makes it more impactful is the fact Stilstand is based on the hand-drawn comics and personal writings of Ida Hartmann herself. Knowing that the struggles found within the game are things that Hartmann has gone through will make Stilstand that much more real.
While Copenhagen, Denmark-based Nilla Games may not be a household name, it sounds as though it was the perfect indie studio to bring Hartmann’s creations to life, as they “strive to make games that challenge and distorts the boundaries of the medium.”
Visual novels in gaming are pretty much just that. Players shouldn’t expect too much in the way of traditional gameplay. However, some games - much like Neverending Nightmares - adds in a layer of interactivity to the visual novel to create an experience that is a bit more immersive thanks to the player’s actions dictating the outcomes of the game.
It’s hard to tell from just the reveal trailer, but if Stilstand has any sort of interactivity to go along with its darker narrative, it could make for an immersive playthrough experience that sticks with players long after the credits roll.
Stilstand is slated to be released this summer for PC and iOS and Android mobile devices.
NEXT: That Nightmare Creatures Remake Ain’t Happening
