There are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Yet, in the realm of gaming, these concepts take on a playful twist in Begraved. Developed by Grip Jaw, a team comprised of former members from the Valheim project, I had the opportunity to experience the co-op game’s demo during Steam Next Fest. Accompanied by co-founder Emilia Oscarsson, community manager Jade Mcintosh, and the intriguingly titled ‘World Weaver’ Robin Eyre—who was humorously dubbed ‘sexy bear’ by Mcintosh—I dove into a world where chaos reigns, beginning with a scene that featured puddles of blood and Oscarsson being set ablaze. Just as one would expect.
Exploring the World of Begraved
For those unfamiliar with Begraved, it fits snugly into the emerging ‘friendslop’ genre, a delightful blend of cozy and horror elements. Players embark on missions to explore dungeons, collecting treasures to sell to the ever-looming Taxman. The gameplay loop is straightforward: select a mission, venture forth, and strive to survive. Admittedly, our survival skills left much to be desired, raising the question of whether our true adversaries were the in-game enemies or, perhaps, each other. If I vanish, you’ll know the reason.
The inception of Begraved stems from the team’s admiration for Lethal Company, coupled with a desire to create a more cohesive gaming experience. Central to the game is a customizable hideout, allowing players to alter their character’s appearance, decorate their surroundings, and even adopt black cats—though Mcintosh humorously pondered their fate over a barbecue. This hideout serves as a hub for missions and a social space, fostering a sense of community.
“We want people to stay,” Eyre shared. “We want you to care about the hideout and decorate it, then go into these scary places, bring experiences back, and almost have, like, these trophies—‘remember when we got this bench?’ You can have an experience that is longer than just a few hours. That’s why we want to have save progression and a storyline that we’re setting up.” This narrative framework not only encourages players to return but also provides a sense of closure.
“It’s cozy vibes,” Mcintosh added. “I’m not much of a cozy gamer, but I appreciate that you can make your hideout look really nice. We want bonuses for that—there are going to be some bonuses applied to things you bring back as well for the more functional, mechanical gamer. We’re not trying to appeal to everyone, but we do really want to give that sense of progression and ownership.” Eyre even proposed the idea of a “pet cemetery,” to which Mcintosh quipped, “for all the burnt cats?” This notion aims to cultivate a genuine sense of home and warmth in a world that can often feel stark and uninviting.
The Thrills of Dungeon Exploration
Of course, the heart of the game lies in its dungeons. As someone who enjoys horror games but is prone to shrieks, I was taken aback by the genuine spookiness of the experience. Eerie, doll-like ghosts materialized unexpectedly, curses sent boxes flying, and lumbering zombies emitted guttural cries that reverberated through the corridors. “Watch the spikes,” Oscarsson warned, just before I inadvertently walked right into one. “I’ve played this game hundreds of times and always forget about them,” she chuckled, only to soon find herself lost.
However, death in Begraved is not the end. Players can revive their teammates at designated restoration points, albeit one at a time. If others have met their demise, they can float around as helpful ghosts, illuminating the path in shades of red or blue. Alternatively, there’s always that one player who thrives on chaos, adding a layer of interactivity that keeps everyone engaged rather than sidelined as mere spectators.
In a delightful nod to tabletop gaming, Begraved also includes a selfie camera reminiscent of the quirky monsters often encountered in D&D campaigns. When Eyre handed it over for a test run, it sparked a frenzied scramble to capture the moment. We snapped selfies with various emotes, and I was unexpectedly enveloped by a wave of joy. As someone who typically gravitates towards competitive titles like League of Legends and Overwatch, or darker RPGs like Plague Tale, the sheer enjoyment of playing something lighthearted was a refreshing revelation. Begraved tugged at my emotional heartstrings in a way I hadn’t anticipated, all thanks to a whimsical, running eyeball.
At its core, Begraved is about “fun.” When I inquired why Eyre and Oscarsson chose to embark on creating a new game and studio amidst the pressures of launching Valheim 1.0, Eyre simply stated, “because it’s fun.” In a gaming landscape that often prioritizes cinematic experiences over pure gameplay, Begraved serves as a reminder of what video games truly represent.
The Begraved demo is currently available and will remain accessible after Steam Next Fest. Interested players can download it directly. It’s important to note that this is an early demo, and some bugs—both literal and metaphorical—may arise. My suggestion? Set them ablaze; it worked wonders for us.