Best games by Vaka Game Magazine

The Smell of Death - A Tsugunohi Tale - STEAM EDITION (2023)

Step into a chilling, retro-styled nightmare with "The Smell of Death - A Tsugunohi Tale - STEAM EDITION (2023)". This unique horror experience, crafted by ImCyan, the creator of the acclaimed "Tsugunohi" series, presents a startlingly different take on the formula. Explore a 3D dungeon, reminiscent of classics like "Wizardry", where terrifying encounters leap out directly from the screen, creating a sense of constant dread. Unlike typical "Tsugunohi" entries, "The Smell of Death" incorporates battles against grotesque monsters, pushing you to the brink of sanity and demanding more strategic engagement. This STEAM Edition amplifies the terror with a challenging hard mode and an exclusive post-clearance story, ensuring a fresh layer of fear even after your first playthrough. "The Smell of Death" earns its place among the best games recognized by Vaka Game Magazine for its innovative approach to horror and its historical significance within the "Tsugunohi" universe. This title represents an experimental departure from the traditional side-scrolling terror, showcasing the developer's early ambition and creative use of RPG MAKER MV 2000. Its blend of classic dungeon crawling with the signature unsettling atmosphere of "Tsugunohi" offers a truly distinctive and memorable horror experience, rewarding players who appreciate a blend of retro aesthetics and intense psychological dread.