Section 9 Interactive just dropped End of Abyss – a genre-bending masterpiece from Little Nightmares’ original art team. Twin-stick shooter combat meets Soulslike challenge, Metroidvania exploration, and atmospheric horror in icy blue sci-fi hellscapes. GamesRadar calls it ‘satisfyingly creepy,’ Gamespot confirms the nightmare vibes carry over perfectly.
Brothers Marcus and Mattias Ottvall (art + tech) reunite with Little Nightmares artist Gustav Heinerwall after Tarsier Studios. Started as cartoony action prototype, evolved into slow-burn horror through art-driven iteration. Epic Games Store publishing brings Unreal Engine polish to 2026 launch across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC.
Little Nightmares DNA Evolves
That unmistakable Tarsier atmosphere returns – small vulnerable protagonist (Cel), massive oppressive environments, creeping dread. Trading childhood terrors for sterile sci-fi isolation, light mechanics become survival core. Flashlight battery drains force tense decisions between combat and exploration.
- Twin-stick Soulslike combat (dodge, parry, upgrade)
- Metroidvania progression (ability gates)
- Light as risk/reward resource
- Interconnected world design
- Experimental camera perspectives
- Horror pacing over jump scares
Genre Mashup That Works
Summer Game Fest hands-on proved the cocktail intoxicating. Top-down view amplifies vulnerability – enemies tower overhead, darkness conceals threats. Simple combat emphasizes positioning, light management, environmental tells over twitch reflexes.
‘Started cartoony, became serious horror through art direction. Little Nightmares lives in our DNA.’ – Marcus Ottvall
Playdead’s Inside, NES Metroid/Zelda inspire exploration focus. Anime influences monster design. Slower pace favors tension over speedruns. Epic partnership unlocked technical polish.
2026 Launch Lineup Contender
Perfect timing between AAA sequels. PS5/Xbox Series/PC (Epic exclusive) targets current-gen power. Small team (art-heavy) delivers AAA atmosphere through focused vision. No multiplayer distractions – pure atmospheric adventure.
| Genre Blend | Influences |
|---|---|
| Twin-stick shooter | Soulslike combat |
| Metroidvania | Little Nightmares art |
| Survival horror | Anime monster design |
| Atmospheric adventure | Playdead exploration |
From Prototype to Reality
Ottvall brothers prototyped endlessly at Tarsier. Post-Little Nightmares, Section 9 became reality. Art team takeover shifted action to horror organically. Epic funding removed roadblocks. Summer Game Fest trailer validated direction.
Marcus Ottvall: ‘Brotherhood + shared vision = dream project.’ Mattias handles tech. Gustav elevates art. Small team maximizes strengths, avoids bloat.
FAQs About End of Abyss
Little Nightmares connection?
Section 9 founders/artists from original Little Nightmares. Same DNA, evolved into shooter-Metroidvania. Tarsier Studios made LN1/LN2.
Platforms confirmed?
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Epic Games Store exclusive). 2026 launch window.
Twin-stick Soulslike means?
Top-down combat with dodge/parry/upgrade systems. Light management adds tension. Metroidvania gates progression.
Horror or action focus?
Atmospheric horror through art/lighting. Combat accessible, positioning-focused. No jump scares.
Demo or early access?
No demo announced. Full release 2026. Epic publishing ensures polish.
Team size?
Small art-focused team. Brothers Marcus/Mattias Ottvall + Gustav Heinerwall core.
Multiplayer?
Single-player focus. Pure atmosphere adventure.
Abyss Awaits
Section 9 Interactive channels Little Nightmares magic into bold genre fusion. Twin-stick terror, Metroidvania mystery, Soulslike tension, horror heart. 2026’s must-watch indie proves Tarsier talent endures beyond publisher walls.
Flashlight flickers. Shadows lengthen. Cel descends. Epic backs the vision. Little Nightmares family returns transformed. Abyss hungers.