Injection π23: Ars Regia is a survival horror game developed and published by Abramelin Games, released on October 22, 2023, as the second entry in the Injection π23 trilogy. Set in a decayed town inspired by real locations in Málaga, Spain, the game thrusts players into an eerie world of esoteric symbolism, cryptic puzzles, and hostile creatures. Drawing inspiration from classic psychological horror, it rejects the overuse of jump scares in favor of an atmosphere shaped by paranoia, dread, and surreal dreamlike design. Its story continues the series’ exploration of fear, isolation, and the fragility of the human mind.
Created by the Spanish indie studio Abramelin Games, Ars Regia continues the series’ dedication to reviving the essence of classic survival horror while modernizing its delivery. As Part II of the trilogy, the title builds upon the foundation of the first game (Injection π23: No Name, No Number, 2019), expanding its universe with layered storytelling and mechanics inspired by alchemical and occult concepts. The game’s structure leans heavily on exploration and puzzle-solving, rewarding keen observation and persistence. With multiple endings, unlockable features, and modes, it aims to provide depth and replayability while staying true to its unsettling tone.
Gameplay
In this title We take control of a lonely and isolated person who is looking for his lost dog and finds himself involved in some dark secrets. Injection π23: Ars Regia offers players the choice of multiple camera perspectives first-person, third person, and classic fixed-camera angles reminiscent of early Resident Evil titles. This flexibility allows players to tailor their survival horror experience. The gameplay revolves around resource management, exploration, and deciphering interconnected puzzles hidden within environments. Combat exists but is intentionally limited, requiring careful decision making when using weapons or conserving scarce resources. Enemies serve more as obstacles to heighten tension rather than as fodder for action, ensuring every encounter feels threatening. Progress is tied closely to exploration, memory, and abstract problem solving, often forcing players to think beyond the obvious.
Visuals & Style
Visually, the game blends gritty realism with surreal, symbolic horror. The Spanish town setting is depicted in crumbling architecture, narrow corridors, and oppressive streets that ground the experience in reality while blurring the line between nightmare and the physical world. The muted color palette and shadow heavy lighting intensify the oppressive mood, while creature designs lean into grotesque and uncanny forms that evoke unease without relying on excess gore. The soundtrack and ambient soundscapes are deliberately minimalistic, creating tension through silence, distorted audio, and sudden auditory cues. Together, the visuals and soundscape craft an atmosphere of constant paranoia and psychological strain.
Importance in Survival Horror History
Injection π23: Ars Regia stands as part of the indie revival of survival horror, a movement dedicated to preserving the genre’s roots while pushing into experimental territory. It’s a love letter to the Silent Hill franchise; it’s so well-crafted it triggers that nostalgia that only the OG games of the genre deliver. Its use of multiple camera systems pays homage to different eras of survival horror, uniting them into one package that appeals to both purists and modern players. By combining cryptic puzzles with surreal storytelling and symbolic design, it distinguishes itself from mainstream horror titles that favor cinematic spectacle and action. As such, it contributes to the survival horror legacy as a niche, yet important example of how indie developers reinterpret and safeguard the genre’s identity.
Reception vs Historical Value
Upon release, the game received praise from dedicated survival horror fans for its uncompromising design, dense atmosphere, and willingness to embrace complexity. Critics and casual players, however, noted its steep difficulty curve and highly cryptic puzzles as potential barriers to accessibility. While unlikely to reach mainstream recognition, its historical value lies in its commitment to psychological depth and classic mechanics. Ars Regia resonates most strongly with enthusiasts who crave cerebral and unsettling experiences, earning it a place in discussions about indie horror’s role in keeping the genre alive.
Availability & Collectibility
The game is available digitally for PC (Steam), as well as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles. With its cult following and unique blend of surrealism and traditional horror design, Ars Regia represents both a continuation of Abramelin Games’ ambitious vision and a key chapter in the indie horror landscape.
Get it on:
Steam: Injection π23 ‘Ars Regia’ on Steam
PSN: Injection π23 ‘Ars Regia’
Xbox: Buy Injection π23 ‘Ars regia’ | Xbox
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