Studio Grail, an independent studio founded in 2023 by solo developer Josianne, has announced Grave Regrets, a new interactive psychological horror and mystery visual novel that blends slow-burn suspense with deeply personal narrative choices.
Inspired by iconic titles such as Silent Hill, Twin Peaks, and Saya no Uta, Grave Regrets is hoping to immerse players in a 90’s small-town setting that is equal parts nostalgic and unnerving.
Players take on the role of Guy, a police detective wrestling with the repercussions of his past actions. Every choice shapes Guy’s journey, challenging players to explore moral ambiguity, manage tense relationships, and unravel a chilling mystery that may leave them questioning their own judgment. Featuring branching paths and multiple endings, the game emphasizes the consequences of each decision, whether personal or professional.
Game Features:
- A slow-burn horror narrative with psychological themes, branching paths, and multiple endings.
- 14+ fully voiced characters, brought to life with high-quality performances.
- A richly detailed 90’s small-town setting, evoking both nostalgia and unease.
- Interactive investigation gameplay. Search for clues, analyze evidence, and piece together the truth.
- Hand-drawn 4K art and dynamic scene compositions crafted for a cinematic and immersive experience.
- Approximately 70,000 words of gripping storytelling, offering around six hours per playthrough. Expect lots of reading but no fluff.
- Beautiful original soundtrack by Yoh Ohyama from ZIZZ STUDIO, a renowned Japanese composing studio known for their work on acclaimed visual novels and anime.
The project began in early 2023 with support from the Finnish Audiovisual Cultural Center, AVEK, which funded the game’s demo. Studio Grail plans to release this demo alongside a Kickstarter campaign in early 2026.
Grave Regrets will be available on Windows, macOS, and Linux via Steam and Itch.io, with the official release date to be announced. And as a lifelong fan of Twin Peaks myself, this is one release I’ll definitely be on the lookout for in the new year.
