Dark Fracture is an upcoming indie horror title that looks like it could be a perfect fit for gamers looking for more Amnesia content. For those who enjoy a dive into psychological nightmares, it seems as though the main aim of Dark Fracture is to bring players into the depths of madness. This is a concept Amnesia fans are quite familiar with, and the use of some of the franchise's most popular mechanics makes Dark Fracture an indie game certain horror fans may want to keep an eye on.
The first entry, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, has become known as an incredibly influential horror title. Amnesia: The Dark Descent's use of a sanity meter inspired many horror games that followed, as it turned up the dial on tension-building. Because of its influence on the industry, Amnesia has become a full-blown horror franchise that continues to ignite scares in its players.
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Dark Fracture Boasts Some of Amnesia's Best Qualities
Amnesia: The Dark Descent's Iconic Sanity Meter Continues to Inspire
The most obvious similarity to Amnesia is Dark Fracture's use of its staple sanity meter. According to the game's Steam page, keeping track of one's sanity is going to play a crucial role in progressing in Dark Fracture. The story of Dark Fracture centers around a traumatized man named Edward. Working at a body farm, Edward spends every day going through the motions and trying to keep hold of his grip on reality, but one fateful night at his workplace sends him into a spiral. Taking a page from Amnesia's book, Dark Fracture promises a dark exploration of mental health that sets the stage for some serious scares.
Dark Fracture is set to be a single-player game and is being made by indie developer Twisted II Studio.
Using Procedural Generation to Elevate the Game's Oppressive Atmosphere
Amnesia: The Bunker is the most recent entry in the long-running franchise, and the use of procedural generation kicked the scares up to the next level. Paranormal events in Dark Fracture are procedurally generated, too, which is bound to keep players on their toes. Dark Fracture's Steam page warns players to "expect the unexpected during each playthrough." The element of surprise combined with the game's body farm setting promises some horrifying imagery along the way.
Every Amnesia Game, So Far
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent - 2010
- Amnesia: Justine (expansion) - 2011
- Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs - 2013
- Amnesia: Rebirth - 2020
- Amnesia: The Bunker - 2023
The Amnesia franchise has a lot to offer, but for those who have already played through the series once, or even multiple times, Dark Fracture could be the next best thing until a new chapter comes to fruition. Right now, it's unclear if another Amnesia game will ever happen, so Dark Fracture may serve as a great way to still scratch that specific psychological horror itch.
Expect the unexpected during each playthrough.
Dark Fracture is currently planned to launch for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Dark Fracture doesn't have an official release date confirmed, but its Steam page currently has a 2025 launch target. Steam is a great outlet for indie horror, and it will be interesting to see if Dark Fracture is added to the list of big hits. In addition to a sanity meter and procedural generation, Dark Fracture promises more exciting features as well. These include:
- Choice-based gameplay that affects Edward's fate
- Exploration
- Survival horror elements
- Physics-based puzzles
- Dual-wielding
- Visual inspiration from Zdzislaw Beksinski and H.R. Giger
Dark Fracture may not have a set release date, but it appears to be a promising addition to the continuously growing list of indie horror titles making waves. Games like Mouthwashing and REPO are great examples of how powerful indie horror can be, and Dark Fracture hopefully has the same pull.
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