Abelina is a Surreal New Platformer Set in a Strange Afterlife

If you are looking for your next atmospheric platformer, a new title called Abelina has surfaced, offering a surreal journey through a mysterious afterlife. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, the game centers on Vasily, a man who died some time ago and now finds himself navigating a nature-filled realm named Abelina. Unlike traditional platformers that focus on high-speed combat or linear progression, this project focuses on Vasily attempting to rediscover happiness alongside a small group of other inhabitants who are doing the same. Within this strange space, Vasily spends his time tending to gardens and carving masks, all while attempting not to dwell on the true nature of his surroundings.

A unique aesthetic and team

The game draws inspiration from a distinct aesthetic that recalls Soviet stop-motion animation, creating a visual style that stands out from typical genre offerings. Mechanically, the gameplay involves navigating otherworldly locales through a variety of movement options, including precise platforming, flying mechanics, and what is described as dungbeetle-esque object rolling. Players will traverse branching paths and open vistas that offer a multitude of ways to move forward, often guided by a mysterious creature described as a rabbit-cat. The design encourages players to put thought into their movement as they seek to uncover truth within the afterlife.

The project boasts significant creative talent behind the scenes. It is led by Gabe Askew, an animator who has worked on CG cinematics for major titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and the Love, Death + Robots series. The atmospheric soundscape is being crafted by composer Ryan Holladay, who is known for his work on the recent Resident Evil film and the movie Weapons.

Why it matters

For fans of platforming games that prioritize artistic vision and mood, Abelina represents a project to keep on your radar. While the game is still in development, the pedigree of its team suggests a high level of polish in both animation and audio composition, which is often what sets these surreal indie titles apart from the pack. Currently, the game is available to wishlist on Steam. Players will need to wait a while to dive into this natural afterlife, as the developer has set the release window for 2027. Keep an eye on store updates for more specific details as the release date approaches.