Terror squid logo

An arcade game with a sinister twist

  • Client Norsk Filminstitutt
  • Project Terror Squid
  • Year 2020
  • Priser Gull i NM i Gameplay

Delivery

Spillutvikling Spilldesign

 

Hypnotic and addictive. Here, players create the bullet hell they must weave through to climb higher on the leaderboard.

TERROR SQUID began as part of NM in Gameplay, a game jam where teams were tasked with creating a game prototype based on the theme "arcade."

The challenge was to design a game that was simple to learn but difficult to master, while maintaining a unique atmosphere and engaging gameplay. The game's concept needed to stand out and engage players by offering something addictive and challenging.

See more of the game here terrorsquid.ink

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The result was TERROR SQUID, which won first place in the competition. The game is based on a simple mechanic—avoiding your own projectiles—but with a unique twist. It uses vector graphics, allowing players to see the bullets through the game board, giving them time to plan their next move. This design choice influenced the entire look and feel of the game.

 

The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, drawing inspiration from cosmic horror, but with a touch of humor. The game also features a hidden mythos involving underground cults, pandemics, and octopus-human hybrids. Players who paid close attention to the promotional material found hidden codes that unlocked the full version of the game.

After its initial release as a prototype, TERROR SQUID was further developed into a full version and released on Nintendo Switch and PC/Mac in 2020. The project was funded by TRY Apt and the Norwegian Film Institute.

The game’s combination of simple mechanics, challenging gameplay, and dark humor created a unique and engaging experience for players, making it a standout title in the indie game scene.

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Kontaktpersoner

  • Kaare Øystein Trædal

    Kaare Øystein Trædal

    TRY Dig

    CCO

    kot@try.no

    +47 970 081 37

    Bio

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