An obscure indie soulslike drops us into an underground world of hydraulic machines and Lovecraftian horror

NOVA64 studio is working on HYDROPUNK – an isometric action-adventure with soulslike combat system and immersive sim mechanics, set in a grim underground world of hydraulic mechanisms. Despite a demo available since September 2024, the project remains relatively unknown, though visually it looks extremely atmospheric.

The setting draws inspiration from the Industrial Revolution era and Lovecraft's horror. Humanity built a civilization in the planet's depths, where an unknown powerful entity resides. Hydraulic machines powered by a special mineral that chemically increases water volume became the foundation of technological progress.

Players control a master engineer who must find the source of an unknown disease infecting the environment and survivors. Developers promise a battle not only for survival, but for one's own sanity – a classic Lovecraftian horror motif.

Level design combines metroidvania and immersive sim principles, allowing players to navigate complex locations through various approaches. The combat system takes inspiration from the Souls series and survival horror – players must carefully choose weapons and tools, dodge, roll, parry, find weaknesses and deliver precise strikes. Developers note that brute force is rarely the only solution – the game rewards creativity.

Among recent updates, the team showcased dynamic lighting from fire, a handcrafted world with every corner detailed, and even ceilings for a top-down game that aren't technically necessary but add depth. Enemies are particularly interesting – they look slow, but developers warn: "It's a trap."

HYDROPUNK demo is available on itch.io, with the full game not yet having a specific release date. The game itself can be added to Steam wishlist.