Camel 101’s upcoming title Beneath, published by Wired Productions, is shaping up to be a striking homage to the golden age of first-person shooters. With clear inspirations drawn from classics like Half-Life 2 and BioShock, the game brings a sense of nostalgia while introducing its own Lovecraftian twist.
A Love Letter to a Bygone Era
From the very first moments of the demo, Beneath wears its influences on its sleeve, and that’s not a bad thing. The visuals, pacing, and atmosphere all evoke memories of mid-2000s FPS titles. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Fans of Half-Life 2’s tight level design and BioShock’s unsettling mood will feel right at home. The environments are moody and claustrophobic.
Lovecraftian Horror Meets Classic Gunplay
What sets Beneath apart is its bold dive into cosmic horror and military shooter. The Lovecraftian elements, ranging from grotesque creature designs add a refreshing layer of unease.
Despite its horror undertones, the shooting mechanics are surprisingly solid. Weapon feedback is punchy, aiming feels responsive.
Room for Growth, But the Potential Is Clear
As with many games still in development, Beneath isn’t without its rough edges. Some areas could benefit from more polish, in animation and technical optimization. However, these are expected at this stage, and none of them detract from the core experience that’s already shaping up to be highly engaging.
Excited for What’s to Come
Overall, Beneath feels like a game made by developers who genuinely love the genre. It’s atmospheric, intriguing, and delightfully retro in its approach, without feeling completely outdated, a jump button would be appreciated. If you’re a fan of classic FPS games with a horror twist, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Beneath evolves leading up to its full release. With continued development and refinement, it has all the ingredients to become a cult favorite.
