Pixel art puzzle adventure game Chasing the End for PC to be published by Neowiz

Due out in Early Access in late 2024.

Lies of P publisher Neowiz will publish Chasing the End, an upcoming pixel art puzzle adventure developed by solo South Korean developer JINO, the companies announced. It will launch in Early Access for PC via Steam in late 2024 with English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language support. A demo is available now.

“Since the game’s demo presence at various events in Korea last year, we’ve been impressed by the positive feedback it’s garnered from players,” said a NEOWIZ spokesperson in a press release. “We eagerly anticipate working closely with JINO on the successful global launch of Chasing the End.”

JINO CEO Kim Jinho added, “I am delighted to collaborate with Neowiz and appreciate their unwavering support in publishing indie gems like Chasing the End. My game started as a passion project, and it feels surreal that we’re now tracking toward an Early Access launch. I hope the first chapter of this series provides a memorable experience for players.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Neowiz:

About
Chasing the End is a narrative-driven puzzle platformer adventure developed by the innovative one-person studio, JINO. Set in a dystopian Seoul on the brink of destruction due to an impending asteroid collision, the game invites players to unravel the mysteries of a clandestine space evacuation project. Dive into the eerie ruins of Seoul, navigating through a maze of puzzles and adversaries while experiencing a narrative rich in humanistic values and exceptional craftsmanship.

As Rion, an ordinary student, you embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind a covert evacuation project. The once vibrant city is now a treacherous maze, filled with outlaws, dangers, and hidden truths waiting to be unearthed.
In this atmospheric game, every corner of the decaying urban environment tells a story, with serene sounds contrasting the chaos. Inspired by daily urban life, the puzzles blend seamlessly with the environment, challenging you to think and act strategically as you progress. Chasing the End is a poignant adventure that resonates with the essence of human survival and resilience in the face of impending catastrophe.

Key Features
Discover the Hidden Origins of a Struggling City – Venture into a Seoul never seen before, where the veil is lifted to reveal the untold beginnings of a city on the brink of apocalypse. Witness a gripping narrative unfold as Rayon grapples with her quest for salvation amidst relentless adversity. Chasing the End introduces a fresh perspective, unveiling previously unseen truths and surprising revelations that challenge your understanding of the modern urban experience.
Navigate a Treacherous Urban Landscape – Experience the haunting beauty of a decaying Seoul, now a city of dangers and mysteries. Set against the backdrop of modern urban living, you’ll navigate through debris, collapsed buildings, and treacherous terrains. The lack of electricity adds to the challenge, requiring you to find alternative ways to power devices and progress through the city.
Master Unique Puzzle Mechanics and Strategic Combat – Develop your puzzle-solving skills and agility to overcome obstacles and adversaries. Use the platform mechanics to move containers, operate heavy machinery, and navigate ladders and ropes. Employ power mechanisms like buttons, toggles, and generators to control the environment, attract enemy attention, or alter their course. Engage in strategic gameplay that requires you to hide, create diversions, and escape threats using your sharp attention to detail.
Engage in Intense Boss Fights and Quick Time Events – Face off against formidable foes in quick time events. These encounters test your reflexes and decision-making skills, adding a thrilling layer of intensity to your journey.
Atmosphere, Lighting, and Music – Experience a highly atmospheric game filled with the serene sounds of a half-deserted urban environment. The game’s lighting and music enhance the eerie and melancholic mood, drawing you deeper into the narrative and the decaying world of Seoul.
Playable Character – Play as Rion (20, female), a student grappling with low self-esteem and a sense of inferiority. Her journey to uncover the secrets of the evacuation project and her obsession with Dorothy, a symbol of hope, drives her to navigate the treacherous landscape and rekindle her zest for life.
Environment – Navigate through the aftermath of skirmishes and incidents, overcoming debris and non-functional devices due to power outages. Use strategic thinking to overcome these environmental challenges.
Adversaries Face outlaws and criminals who have emerged from the collapse of public order. Use your agility and strategic prowess to blend in, create diversions, and escape threats.
NPCs: Friends or Foes – Interact with various NPCs, some of whom will assist you in your journey, aiding in specific interactions or helping you reach higher locations. Their disposition towards you depends on your progress and the narrative.
Platformer Mechanisms – Utilize rolling containers, heavy machinery, forklifts, and elevators to overcome or move obstacles. Engage with movement mechanisms like ladders and ropes to traverse platforms. Manage power mechanisms to supply or cut off power, attracting enemy attention or altering their path.
Puzzle Complexity – Solve increasingly complex puzzles that demand heightened platforming abilities and a deeper mastery of game mechanics. Collect hidden elements by overcoming these challenging puzzles.