Ancient history and culture among many nations around the globe are full of superstition, dark magic, and beliefs in ancient powers and the occult. Eastern nations are well-known for their ancient religions and beliefs in various spirits and superstitions. 

Dark, creepy forests hide more than just wild animals. Image by 'Ikai.'

‘Ikai’ explores the rich world of ancient Japanese folklore. Set in the feudal era, the game tells the story of a shrine priestess who must battle the demons of her past and the spirits of her present, helpless and powerless against their power.

Nobody likes to feel helpless. According to developers, ‘Ikai’ approaches the psychological horror genre in a unique way, forcing players to face the powerful evils that are after them head-on without the power to fight them or run away. Developers have stated that “Every mechanic of the game is meant to raise this relatable feeling of helplessness…”

‘Naoko,’ the priestess, has been left by her uncle the priest to guard the shrine under his charge while he goes to the village to fight the demons of the underworld that are trying to get through to the human world.

Blank signs pointing in all directions. Which way to go? Image by 'Ikai.'

‘Naoko’ is overcome by the monsters and demons of her past and present, leaving the shrine unprotected and open to the demons of the underworld. Naoko’s fight against these evil forces is not a fight that is fought to be won, but one that is fought to be survived. 

Players must solve puzzles, employ every ounce of energy to remain undetected in their flight from the demons that hunt them. Failure means death and darkness for Naoko and everything she cares about.

‘Ikai’ is developed by ‘Endflame’ and is scheduled for a March 2022 release on Steam.