Swedish independent developer Niklas Hallin has announced that Evil Moon: Unspoken, a first-person action game combining retro-inspired shooting with Metroidvania exploration, will receive a playable demo on Steam on October 19, 2026. The upcoming title places players in the role of a silent nun battling supernatural enemies across a cursed city, blending fast-paced combat, interconnected environments, and unconventional traversal mechanics.
Developed as a solo project, Evil Moon: Unspoken draws inspiration from classic first-person shooters and exploration-focused games, particularly Nintendo’s Metroid Prime series.
Evil Moon: Unspoken Introduces a Supernatural First-Person Adventure
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — October 7, 2026 — Evil Moon: Unspoken takes place in Abbadox, a city affected by a supernatural phenomenon known as the Malediction of the Moon.
Under the curse, only devoted religious sisters who have taken vows of silence can move freely through the city’s streets.
Players assume the role of Siléncia, an armed nun tasked with fighting through hordes of hostile followers serving the Moon.
The adventure unfolds across winding cobblestone streets, mysterious locations, and dangerous environments populated by supernatural enemies.
Rather than following a strictly linear progression system, the game incorporates Metroidvania-style exploration, encouraging players to discover routes, navigate interconnected areas, and use specialized equipment to overcome obstacles.
Developer Niklas Hallin Combines Metroid Prime Inspiration With Retro Shooter Design
The project is being developed by Swedish solo creator Niklas Hallin, whose previous work includes the Alruna series of compact, two-dimensional Metroidvania games.
Hallin described the challenge of adapting the exploration-focused design of Metroid Prime into an independently developed first-person game.
“Why are there no indie attempts at Metroid Prime?” asks Swedish solo developer Niklas Hallin. “Because it cannot be done! Retro Studios can barely do it with Nintendo money. But, and hear me out here, what if you did it with Boomer Shooter graphics?”
The approach combines the interconnected level design associated with Metroidvania games and the visual presentation of classic first-person shooters.
From Alruna’s 2D Worlds to First-Person 3D Exploration
Hallin previously developed Alruna and the Necro-Industrialists, released in 2024, and Alruna: End of History, released in 2026.
Another entry, Alruna: No Man’s Land, is also planned, although its release date has not been announced.
These projects established Hallin’s approach to compact environments and unconventional level design.
With Evil Moon: Unspoken, the developer is translating those ideas into a three-dimensional environment viewed from a first-person perspective.
The shift introduces new opportunities for vertical exploration, combat encounters, and environmental navigation while retaining the series’ emphasis on discovering paths through carefully constructed levels.
Steam Next Fest Demo Features Blaster Pistol, Grappling Hook and Boss Fight
The upcoming playable demo will introduce the opening area of Evil Moon: Unspoken, allowing players to experience its core gameplay systems before the full release.
Scheduled for October 19 during Steam’s October Next Fest period, the demo will feature several important mechanics and an early boss encounter.
Blaster Pistol Introduces Retro-Inspired Combat
Players will gain access to a blaster pistol, one of the game’s primary weapons during the introductory section.
The weapon provides a first look at the game’s combat mechanics as Siléncia confronts enemies occupying the cursed city.
The first-person presentation draws on the visual style of traditional boomer shooters, a genre associated with fast-paced action and graphics inspired by classic PC shooters.
Rosary Bead Grappling Hook Expands Exploration
Another notable feature included in the demo is a grappling hook made from rosary beads.
The equipment introduces an additional traversal mechanic, allowing players to navigate environments beyond conventional walking and jumping.
Its inclusion reflects the game’s combination of religious imagery, unusual equipment, and exploration-focused level design.
The grappling hook also provides an early example of how specialized tools contribute to movement through Abbadox.
Cemetery Boss Fight Concludes the Opening Area
The demo will also feature the game’s first boss encounter, set within a cemetery.
This confrontation serves as an early test of the player’s ability to use the available combat and movement systems.
The developer has not disclosed detailed information about the boss or its attack patterns.
Evil Moon: Unspoken Expands the Boomer Shooter Metroidvania Genre
The combination of first-person shooting and Metroidvania progression places Evil Moon: Unspoken within a developing category of independent games that reinterpret established genres.
Its design emphasizes exploration alongside combat, rather than relying exclusively on straightforward shooting encounters.
The game’s distinctive setting, centered on a silent nun confronting the Moon’s followers, also provides a narrative framework for its supernatural environments.
Hallin’s decision to use retro-inspired graphics reflects the project’s independent development approach while supporting its three-dimensional exploration systems.
Evil Moon: Unspoken Steam Demo Arrives October 19, 2026
Players will be able to try Evil Moon: Unspoken through its Steam demo beginning October 19, 2026.
The game is available to wishlist on its official Steam store page, where players can follow development updates and future announcements.
A release date for the complete game has not yet been confirmed.
With its combination of retro shooter combat, interconnected level design, and supernatural storytelling, Evil Moon: Unspoken offers a distinctive interpretation of the first-person Metroidvania formula. The upcoming demo will provide an initial opportunity to explore Abbadox and experience the mechanics behind Hallin’s latest independent project.
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