SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist

WARNING: If you are confused between the two versions of SHINONOME : Rainy Night Manor and SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist I recommend buying this version instead. Despite being cheaper it offers more content like new Mononoke types, new items, new dungeons and a transformation mechanic. SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist is a mix between Roguelite, Mystery Dungeon and Horror survival where you play as an Exorcist in a haunted mansion. Instead of rushing in, you carefully observe and listen what could be in the neighbouring rooms and use your items resourceful to advance further. What makes it very unique is the way sound works, so I recommend using headphones because depending in which room a Mononoke is you can hear it on the left or right ear and depending on the sounds they make you can determine which type and how many Mononoke you are facing to plan your next move. Be aware that many actions you do also alert neighbouring Mononoke like: creaking floorboards, alerts on doors, shooting your gun, killing an enemy in this room or using your voice. There are many ways to deal with the threats: You can lure them in firepits and spikes, place your own traps, fight them with …

I love Yono and want her to survive !

After about 10 hours with Shinonome Abyss: The Maiden Exorcist, I can confidently say that this is one of the most atmospheric indie survival horror experiences I've played in years. Rather than chasing constant action or cheap jump scares, the game embraces a slower, more methodical philosophy that rewards patience, observation, and careful planning. What immediately stands out is its deep appreciation for Japanese folklore. The supernatural elements don't feel like generic horror monsters placed into a Japanese setting; instead, the game draws from traditional beliefs, ghost stories, and the unsettling ambiguity that has always characterized classic Japanese horror. Every encounter feels rooted in cultural mythology, giving the world an identity that is both authentic and memorable. The visual presentation is equally remarkable. Tatsuya Yoshikawa's artwork gives the game a distinct personality, blending elegant character design with a subdued, melancholic aesthetic. The illustrations capture both beauty and unease, reinforcing the feeling that every character belongs naturally within this haunted world. The art direction manages to be expressive without sacrificing subtlety, so…

As good as the trailer! Its fun!

Extremely cool game and very difficult. There are lots of solutions to all sorts of problems and it's very fun making things up on the fly with what's available to you at any given moment. However, It is exhausting to play and punishing to die, so I only recommend if you can handle the heat. My only real criticism is that there isn't enough music. I would've enjoyed more, both more tracks and how often they play. What's already there is quite nice to listen to and very atmospheric without getting in the way of listening to what is behind doors. A place to see all the art would be great too as what we do get (mostly in the credits of story mode) is excellent. Finally there should probably be a demo available to get people to try it and see if they like it. This is a very unique experience so it's hard to know just from the trailers and page descriptions if it's right for you.

I don't know exactly what genre this game belongs to, but to me it's like a Souls-like strategy puzzle game with roguelike elements. You play as a Japanese shrine maiden (miko) exploring places invaded by yokai and sealed behind supernatural barriers. Unlike typical fantasy games, you're not a mage or wizard and don't use magic spells to fight monsters. Instead, you rely on tools, weapons, seals, talismans, and various items with unique interactions to survive, purify the yokai, and escape. The gameplay revolves around entering rooms one by one in houses, storage areas, estates, and other locations. Every door hides something, but you can't see what's inside. Instead, you have to listen carefully through your speakers or microphone for sounds coming from the next room. It could be a yokai, a trap, or simply a safe room containing useful items. If you read the situation correctly, you can use tools, traps, or the environment to deal with whatever appears. You can even shout to lure enemies or open the door and fight them head-on. The choice is yours. The gameplay sounds simple, but it's actually very punishing. I died many times because of small mistakes, bad planning, miscalcul…