Shakabula

Shakabula is an experimental horror game about escaping a spirit realm that has trapped you inside your own house. It draws on a South African urban legend: the Shakabula, a figure parents use to frighten misbehaving children. Now apparently real, the Shakabula has grown confused and corrupted as the world changes and its memory of existence fades. It targets you, an adult, possibly because of guilt and anguish over your past transgressions and terrible decisions. You must find a way out before your soul withers and your spirit is cursed to wander for eternity.

Explore the house

The game combines full-motion video sequences with 2D art to create its presentation and atmosphere. Inspired by old-school FMV point-and-click adventures, it uses navigation and item collection with an active-input approach to movement called “Steer” ’n Click.

Progression follows a Metroidvania structure. You collect keys and abilities that unlock routes through earlier areas, then backtrack to open up the map and reach the end. Item placements are randomized in each playthrough, and progression is non-linear, giving you a different experience across multiple runs.

Fight your inner demons

Combat combines turn-based 90s JRPG-style choices and management with light QTEs that add risk and reward to conflicts. Battles also include twin-stick bullet-hell sequences, representing the fight between you and your inner demons.

There are over 80 enemies across seven enemy types, five power-ups to collect and multiple battle arena layouts that become tougher as you progress.