With the setting being such an integral part of any adventure game, it comes as no surprise that multiple video games would focus on exploring the strange world of the afterlife. The upcoming title Abelina was first announced four months ago. Developed by Gabe Askew and published by Indieformer, the game got a larger wave of attention with the second trailer to release on the main YouTube channel, with the focus now placed on setting up the main character’s journey and showing off the bizarre terrain and characters that make up the game’s afterlife.
That trailer begins on the ominous note that Vasily died, offering little additional information about the individual’s life or character. The Steam store page offers the insight that since his death, he has focused on finding community in a small settlement of gardeners and mask makers. The adventure the player can be seen going on throughout the rest of the trailer is a result of the tragedy that shakes up the peace and forces others to come searching in the wilderness. The trailer also notes that Vasily won’t be able to move on until he cheats the afterlife, leading to a voice recognizing Vasily as an old friend.
Unlike many games that deal with the exploration of a fictional afterlife, Abelina will feature no combat, instead requiring players to navigate the world with their head and platforming skills. Throughout the trailer, the main character must time jumps, direct rolling balls, and trave on gusts of air all while inside a bird costume. To help find the way forward, players will also be able to get help from various creatures and campfire companions they can speak to around a fire.
Abelina presents a dark but welcoming world full of plant life and magical objects awaiting exploration. Players will first be able to experience the world when the demo releases in November, with the final game coming in early 2027.