End Of Abyss Commits A Metroidvania Cardinal Sin
End of Abyss is a horror-themed metroidvania debut from Section 9 Interactive, a studio founded by former developers of the acclaimed Little Nightmares series. The game blends atmospheric horror with action-focused exploration and combat, drawing inspiration from multiple classics: the oppressive, isolated atmosphere of Little Nightmares, the demanding boss encounters of soulslikes, and the fixed-camera perspective and audio-cue tension of Resident Evil.
Players descend through an abandoned underground base rendered in blue-hued darkness, solving environmental puzzles and engaging in combat encounters with towering bosses that require precise dodge-rolling to defeat. Like traditional metroidvanias, progression is tied to unlocking upgrades that gradually expand exploratory capabilities. The game deliberately emphasizes vulnerability and disorientation—that childhood terror of being small and lost in hostile, unfamiliar spaces.
Critical reception is mixed. Reviewers praise the atmospheric world-building and successful melding of influences, with much of the experience proving engaging. However, critics identify significant execution flaws, including poor integration of borrowed mechanics and at least one design choice that undermined player trust. While End of Abyss demonstrates ambitious vision and strong foundational elements, it struggles with consistency in translating its diverse inspirations into cohesive gameplay.