We often talk about “immersive sims” with a sense of reverence. Games like Deus Ex and Dishonored set a high bar for letting players choose their own path. But what if you took that complex, choice-driven gameplay and dropped it into a bleak, post-Soviet world ruled by street gangs and concrete brutalism? Enter Glowing Lamps, a new title from Metsys Games that just surfaced on Reddit, and frankly, it looks incredible.
Developed by a small trio of indie devs, this game is pitching itself as a stealth-action experience with “gangster vibes.” It is bold, stylish, and promises the kind of open-ended chaos that genre fans live for. If you have been waiting for a game that respects your intelligence while letting you blow things up, read on.
The “Gopnik” Aesthetic We Didn’t Know We Needed
Most stealth games put you in the shoes of a high-tech spy or a supernatural assassin. Glowing Lamps takes a different approach. It drops you into a world of panel buildings, illicit trades, and street gangs—often referred to as “gopniks” in internet culture. The setting is grim, grounded, and dripping with atmosphere.
The developers cite Katana Zero as a visual inspiration, and you can see it in the pixel art. It is detailed, gritty, and surprisingly vibrant. The contrast between the drab concrete walls and the violent explosions creates a unique visual identity that stands out in a crowded indie market. You aren’t saving the world here; you are just trying to survive the neighborhood.
Immersive Sim Mechanics on an Indie Budget
The term “immersive sim” usually implies a massive budget, but Metsys Games is proving that creativity matters more than cash. The core loop revolves around navigating interconnected levels where how you get from point A to point B is entirely up to you.
- The Ghost Approach: Stick to the shadows. Use vents to bypass guards, hack keypads to open locked doors, and grapple across wires to stay above the fray.
- The Agent of Chaos: Forget stealth. Rig propane tanks to explode, engage in open combat, and turn the environment into a weapon.
- The Tactician: Mix both. Choke out a guard, hide the body, then set a trap for his friends.
A Love Letter to ‘Dishonored’
It is impossible to watch the gameplay trailer without seeing the DNA of Arkane Studios’ masterpieces. The verticality is a huge factor. You aren’t stuck on the ground floor; you are swinging from cables and climbing pipes. This 3D thinking in a 2D (or 2.5D) space opens up puzzle-solving opportunities that feel rewarding.
The developers have emphasized that they want players to feel smart. There is no “wrong” way to play, provided you can live with the consequences. Whether you are cracking codes to bypass a security system or just kicking down the front door, the game adapts to your style.
Gameplay Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stealth | Body hiding, silent takedowns, vent crawling. |
| Combat | Melee brawls, environmental explosions, gunplay. |
| Traversal | Grappling hooks, wire swinging, vertical movement. |
| Setting | Post-Soviet urban decay. |
Why You Should Wishlist It
Indie development is tough, especially for a team of just three people. Projects like Glowing Lamps rely heavily on word-of-mouth and Steam wishlists to gain traction. By supporting this game, you are supporting a return to complex, player-driven game design that doesn’t hold your hand.
Conclusion
Glowing Lamps might have a quirky name, but its ambition is serious. It looks to be a gritty, challenging, and incredibly stylish addition to the stealth-action genre. If you miss the days when games let you figure things out for yourself—and look cool doing it—this is one title you need to keep on your radar.
FAQs
1. What is the release date for Glowing Lamps?
The game is currently listed as “Coming Soon” on Steam. The developers are active on social media and Reddit, sharing updates as they approach launch.
2. Is this a 2D or 3D game?
It features a 2D pixel art style (side-scrolling perspective) but incorporates complex 3D-like level design and verticality similar to Mark of the Ninja.
3. Can I play non-lethally?
Yes! The game supports stealth takedowns and avoidance, allowing you to choke out guards and hide bodies without killing everyone in sight.
4. Who is developing the game?
It is being developed by Metsys Games, an indie trio passionate about immersive sims and stealth games.
5. Is there controller support?
While specific technical details are still being finalized, most modern platformers and stealth games on Steam launch with full controller support.