Similar to how Santa Ragione’s Saturnalia explored Sardinian culture, solo developer Emir Arkman aka Motamot dives into Galician mythology with Hellkind, which is out now on Steam for free. A solo passion project, Hellkind is set in the real village of San Andrés de Teixido in Galicia, Spain, where the player is immersed in a fog-drenched world of cults, curses, and lost souls.
In Hellkind, players awaken in a sanctuary on the edge of the world, where a forbidden ritual is already underway. As the veil between life and death begins to unravel, they must explore, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth before becoming part of the rite themselves.
Per the press release, Arkman was driven by a deep curiosity and respect for Galician folklore, and sought to create something uniquely rooted in place and language. As a result, Hellkind is fully voiced in Galician, enhancing the game’s eerie, grounded atmosphere.
“I wanted to make something small but meaningful,” says Arkman. “Hellkind is my tribute to Galicia, a place I’ve never lived in, but feel deeply drawn to through its myths and legends.” Sporting a minimalist topdown, lofi, black-and-white aesthetic and cryptic storytelling, Hellkind aims to deliver an immersive horror experience that lingers well beyond its short playtime.