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The Pines follows former detective Edward Walker as he investigates disturbing secrets surrounding an isolated wellness retreat.
Its Stalker System makes investigative choices dangerous, potentially turning residents into persistent enemies who pursue Edward.
The psychological horror RPG features exploration, character progression and limited ammunition, with a planned PC release in 2027.
A wellness retreat is supposed to offer peace of mind, but what happens when the people around you become your biggest threat? That is the unsettling idea behind The Pines, an upcoming psychological horror RPG from Studio Abattoir.
The game puts players in the shoes of a former detective investigating a mysterious retreat where asking uncomfortable questions can have dangerous consequences.
With its mix of exploration, detective work and survival combat, The Pines is drawing attention from horror fans, particularly those who enjoy games such as Alan Wake.
The Pines follows Edward Walker, a former detective who has been struggling after a case goes cold. Looking for a way to recover, he travels to a secluded wellness retreat on his therapist's recommendation. The location promises peace and recovery, but Edward soon discovers that its calm appearance hides something sinister.
The retreat is home to residents with complicated histories, hidden motives and secrets they would rather keep buried. As Edward investigates, seemingly insignificant details begin to raise questions about what is really happening.
Players will need to gather evidence, connect clues and decide whom to trust. The more they uncover, the more dangerous their investigation could become.
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Another exciting element of The Pines is the Stalker System. As the developers claim, the players’ interactions with the townspeople may have dangerous consequences. The wrong question, insult, or attempt to solve a riddle will make a seemingly innocent citizen an obsessive pursuer.
The stalkers may chase the player, Edward, in the surrounding woods, making the results of previous conversation a question of life and death. This gameplay element adds an extra level of danger to ordinary investigatory choices.
There are other elements in the game like side quests, skills and perks, and an open world full of places to explore. It is unknown how many stalkers the player may meet while playing the game.
Exploration is just a single aspect of the game experience. The game’s participants will get to explore the retreat and its environs, find places of concealment, and learn stories that will shed light on the mystery.
Combat will also be an important aspect of the game. Although there will be guns, their ammunition will be limited, and thus players will have to resort to melee combat and other improvised weaponry.
The encounters may prove to be quite difficult since the enemies will go on pursuing Edward. The game's skill and perk system will offer players options to develop their characters.
With a troubled detective hero, spooky forest setting, and psychological horror elements, The Pines has been compared to Alan Wake. As noted by Rock Paper Shotgun, the game is "like Alan Wake, only about therapy." The Pines, however, has the Stalker System for a hook.
This means that in addition to trying to solve the mystery, players need to think about whether the quest for knowledge may give rise to an additional foe.
Developed by Studio Abattoir, The Pines is scheduled for release on PC in 2027. Players can add the game to their Steam wishlists ahead of launch. A specific release date has not been announced.
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One such example is The Pines, which has managed to uniquely link investigation with survival. With its secluded hideaway, its mysterious residents, and its consequence-based Stalker System, each interaction would come at a cost.
Although the game’s exact implementation is still uncertain, the blend of horror, exploration, and combat certainly makes it look promising. For those fans of dark enigmas and games in which curiosity may kill the cat, this RPG is definitely something to look out for.
What is The Pines?
The Pines is an upcoming psychological horror role-playing game developed by Studio Abattoir, featuring detective investigations, exploration, combat and dangerous encounters within a mysterious wellness retreat.
Who is the main character in The Pines?
Edward Walker, a former detective struggling after an unresolved case, visits a secluded wellness retreat and discovers disturbing secrets that threaten his safety.
What is the Stalker System in The Pines?
The Stalker System connects player interactions with potential threats, allowing certain residents to become dangerous pursuers when players ask sensitive questions or provoke them.
What gameplay features can players expect from The Pines?
Players can expect investigative gameplay, open-world exploration, side stories, character progression, skills, perks and combat involving limited ammunition and melee weapons.
When will The Pines be released, and which platforms will support it?
The Pines is planned for release on PC in 2027. A specific launch date has not been announced, and players can follow updates through its Steam page.
