When a game is made by a studio called “Studio Abattoir”, you can probably guess it’s gonna be grizzly, and that’s what The Pines seems to be.
Described as an “open-world, psychological horror RPG“, this new trailer shows off “a picturesque therapy retreat that plays host to unstable residents, dangerous secrets and deep conspiracies.”
The developer says that “The Pines blends the freeform exploration and character progression of an open-world RPG with tense, oppressive psychological horror, intuitive investigative gameplay and brutal combat; delivering a cinematic, dynamic and darkly humorous experience where every choice has a consequence”, adding: “Players will step into the boots of Edward Walker, a former detective seeking solace at The Pines – a remote forest retreat that promises peace, therapy, and recovery. But behind the facade of warm smiles, cheerful signage, and carefully crafted image lies something far more disturbing, which will pull Edward headfirst into a surreal, paranoid and dizzying mystery with echoes of his past.”
Here’s some more details on The Pines, from the press release:
Featuring a richly detailed and lovingly handcrafted open-world, players are free to explore the retreat and its surrounding locations as they wish: either by delving into the main investigation or by following the weird strange side rumours they uncover while meeting the quirky residents that reside at The Pines – each of whom carries their own history, trauma, and secrets.
In The Pines, narrative, exploration, roleplaying, and tension constantly feed into one another. Every action taken will not only shape Edward and his investigation, but also the fates of those that he meets. A customisable skill and perk system gives players the opportunity to expand their skillset and character build in multiple facets, giving a much-needed advantage as they fall deeper down the rabbit hole. This customisation is further reinforced by branching, choice-drive dialogue with NPCs, allowing players to be the detective they want to be: empathetic, aggressive, manipulative, or something in between.
Throughout the game, players will take advantage of Edward’s detective prowess to investigate a number of crime scenes. Here they will gather evidence and make crucial connections and to uncover hidden truths and ultimately, decide who to trust. There is no wrong approach to the investigation, but there will always be consequences. Say the wrong thing or dig too deep, and a resident who once seemed harmless may return as a Stalker – a persistent, powerful enemy that haunts players throughout the forests of The Pines. An unexpected visit from a Stalker can transform routine exploration into a heart-pounding fight for survival in the blink of an eye.
Thankfully, Edward can engage in fast, fluid and grounded combat – dodging, parrying, and striking with bats, axes, and many other weapons. His survival depends on swift timing, acute awareness, and sometimes… something very sharp.
It all sounds pretty cool, and the key features definitely have it on our radar:
- A fully handcrafted open world filled with secrets, stories, and conspiracies.
- Branching dialogue and meaningful choices that shape both Edward’s journey and the lives of The Pines’ residents.
- A unique Stalker System. Say the wrong thing, cross the wrong person, or dig too deep, and a resident who once seemed harmless may return as a stalker, haunting you throughout the forests of The Pines.
- Investigate like a detective. Gather evidence, connect clues, and decide who to trust.
- Fast, fluid and tactical combat. Dodge, parry, and strike at the right moment.
- A deep skill and perk system to shape the way you play.
- Scavenge for weapons, clothing, and useful items to survive your time in The Pines.
The Pines is coming to PC via Steam in 2027, and it’s available to wishlist now.
