Shattered Rites: 破狱

Genre and premise

Shattered Rites: 破狱 is a narrative psychological horror game set in the Pacific Northwest during the early 2000s. It explores themes of grief, guilt, and the consequences of attempting to communicate with the dead. You play as Nathaniel Cheng, a folklore professor dealing with the loss of his wife and the mysterious disappearance of his daughter, Melody. In his search for her, Nathaniel discovers a fictional occult rite that purportedly allows him to call souls back from the dead, but the ritual goes awry, leading to further trials.

Gameplay mechanics

The game involves solving environmental puzzles and exploring distorted locations that challenge the player's perception of reality. You utilize a jade mirror to reveal hidden objects and the souls of the deceased that others cannot see. The story unfolds as you lead other characters through challenges that confront their own buried guilt, mirroring Nathaniel’s unraveling journey through grief.