The video game Creepypasta ruled internet horror threads once upon a time. From Ben Drowned to  Pokémon Black, there are all kinds of tales out there that start with someone picking up a cute and innocent game that throws them into a spiral of horror. While you might not want to be in their position, you can capture the mood with a whole new story. Monstronomy is an upcoming game that hides cults and wicked schemes under a cheery pixel art facade.

Gamers Playing Ill-Advised Games

If you’re familiar with game-related horror stories you’ll find Monstronomy’s backstory sounds immediately on brand. You find a monster-catching game while surfing the deep web, and because you are apparently not too concerned about your computer’s safety, you go ahead and download it.

The game appears to be a top-down monster-catching title very similar to some we could name. It has a lot of the mechanics you might expect. You catch monsters, you battle them, you wander around in the long grass, and you talk to NPCs. The usual.

It’s not a complete Pokéclone. There are a few different monster types, with some designs you wouldn’t necessarily see on Game Freak’s roster.

The monster collecting might distract you for a while, but eventually, you’re going to figure out that there’s a problem.

Pokémon Gone Wrong

The trouble is something is… off. The bad guys are a little.. too bad. People actually turn up dead. Sinister figures in robes lurk everywhere. If only that was the worst of it.

As you explore, you find things that link to a bigger and more worrying mystery. Videotapes scattered round the world give you a glimpse of realistic footage.

What terrible secrets hide under the veneer of cute creatures battling? It’s up to you, if you can stand it, to peel back the layers and expose Monstronomy’s dark heart.

Sound like your kind of game? Monstronomy is set to release before the end of the year for PC on Steam.

Want some other spooky games to help your Halloween withdrawal? Take a look at our news on Saturnalia.