Fans of horror games, keep your eyes peeled: an independent gem has just arrived on Steam as a free demo, and it promises to be as scary as it is elegant. Kodoku: As the Moon Mourns offers a Japanese-style survival horror experience, between permanent tension and mysterious folklore, which evokes as much silent Hill that Fatal Frame. An adventure that will not leave you unscathed… and that will cost you nothing.
Launched on January 16, 2026, the game by Hirasaka invites you to explore a nightmarish universe where danger is everywhere… and where direct confrontation is impossible. A frustrating mechanic for some, but ideal for those who love psychological horror in its purest form.
Kodoku, an experience inspired by Japanese survival horror classics
If you grew up with the thrills of silent Hillthe panic of Clock Tower or the strange aesthetic of Fatal Frameyou will find your bearings in Kodoku. The game fully embraces its Japanese roots, offering a minimalist and oppressive atmosphere, supported by a discreet but disturbing sound design.
Its pitch is both absurd and fascinating: “The protagonist, Urohoshi, professor of folklore at the university, ventures into the heart of the mountains in search of a friend who disappeared without a trace, attracted by a grotesque statue of Kannon. After jumping into a huge jar found there, Urohoshi wakes up in another world entirely populated by monsters.”
The universe is inspired by Japanese folklore and traditional religious symbols such as Kannon statues or Torii gates, reinforcing immersion in a culture that is as fascinating as it is frightening.
Oppressive gameplay where fleeing is your only option
In Kodokuthe very idea of fighting is absent. Here you are vulnerable. Your only tool? A mystical jar, capable of activating mechanisms from a distance or distracting enemies. Impossible to kill them: you can only slow them down, just enough time to breathe a little. To progress, you will have to explore the places in search of souls. Once the right number is collected, you will be able to go through the Torii gate to the next level. All without dying… and without looking too much behind you. This mechanic reinforces the player’s helplessness and reminds us that true horror comes not from monsters, but from what you cannot control.
A free demo already available on Steam
If the final game does not yet have an official release date, the free demo allows you to test the first level in its entirety now. Accessible to all PC players, it is already praised for its artistic direction and atmosphere.
Steam is full of little horrific wonders, but Kodoku: As the Moon Mourns stands out for its unique universe and its respect for the codes of the genre. A nice surprise that deserves to be discovered, if only out of curiosity… or to scare yourself without taking out your bank card.