- Shadows -

Story/Gameplay:

Explore the ominous corridors of Blackwood Manor in "Shadows," a gripping puzzle-horror game. As the adept restorer Linda Hartley, you're tasked with refurbishing a mysterious portrait, but soon you begin to unravel the dark secrets that the estate harbors. Navigate shadow-laden hallways, decipher hidden notes, and solve intricate puzzles to reveal the tragic truths of the Blackwood dynasty.

From a sinister piano playing somber melodies to cryptic messages leading to supernatural gates—every element is interactive and crucial in uncovering the narrative. With each step, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, and Linda is thrust into a desperate mission to break the manor’s curse and escape its confines.

"Shadows" combines profound storytelling with engaging gameplay, inviting players into a gothic mystery that is as enthralling as it is unsettling. Can you escape the curse, or will the shadows of Blackwood Manor consume you?

Features:

• Challenging puzzles that test both your wits and agility.
• A rich narrative filled with historical notes and contemporary assets.
• Visually stunning representations that capture the haunting atmosphere of an aged manor.
• Environment interactions that directly impact the unfolding story.
• Step into Blackwood Manor, where every shadow and whisper could unravel its grim past or seal your fate.

Warning: Typical of the genre, the game includes jump scares!

Age Rating: 16+

This game contains content that is not suitable for persons under 18 years of age. This includes: 

Blood and Gore

Disturbing and Shocking Images

Credits:

Concept, Development, Design

• Bernhard Omata

Thanks to the Professors

For their patience with us students and the many tips & tricks that have immensely helped us over the past weeks/months.

• Kamil Szkucik - GameDev
• Carolin Reich - Game Production
• Benedikt Renz - World Building
• Oliver Schümann - 3D Art

Playtester

• Mario Nikolic For patiently listening to my complaints throughout the semester and tirelessly supporting me with ideas and decision-making assistance.

Additional Acknowledgements

• Class 4C For the inspiration and assistance.
• Yves Köchli (5A - Sidekick) For the tireless help whenever something came up.
• Maisie Chalk For the great work as Voice Over Actress.
• My family, especially my wife Martina Omata, my daughter Lia, and my son David, who all had to go without me a lot in the past weeks.

Software Used

• Unreal Engine 5.4
  • Addons/Extensions: Electronic Nodes, Decal Champion
• Blender 4.1
• Substance Painter
• Substance Designer
• Character Creator 4.42
• ActorCore AccuRIG
• Adobe Photoshop V25.9.1

Assets and Resources

• Quixel Content: All plants (for the intro cutscene), apple, wood dust decal
• Animation: Female Ghost (from a horror pack, adjusted with Character Creator 4.42)
• Textures for fire: Realistic Starter VFX Pack
• Photos/Pictures: Licensed and purchased from Adobe Stock, subsequently turned into paintings in Photoshop and Substance Painter

Download both .rar archives -> unpack -> play and s**t in your pants