The closest comparisons are Metroid (especially Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime) for exploration and scanning, Dead Space and Resident Evil for survival horror, and Dark Souls for dodging, healing refills and respawning enemies. The developers also name The Legend of Zelda (NES), Metal Gear Solid, and films like Alien and The Thing as inspirations, and the founders' previous work, Little Nightmares, shares its atmosphere.
For the exploration: Metroid and Zelda
The developers name classic NES games as their main influence. Co-founder Mattias Ottvall said the key inspirations were Zelda and Metroid from the NES days, games that didn't guide you or hold your hand. VDGMS described End of Abyss as a love letter to that cartridge era.
- Metroid (NES): the map structure, a lonely alien atmosphere and tool-gated exploration.
- Metroid Dread: Game Informer's previewer said picking up the gun felt very similar to playing Dread.
- Metroid Prime: scanning the environment, enemies and documents (GameSpot, VDGMS).
- The Legend of Zelda (NES): a non-linear world you figure out yourself.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: VDGMS compared the map-tagging to its map pins.
For the horror: Dead Space and Resident Evil
GameSpot described End of Abyss as a mix of Metroid Prime and Dead Space, and Game Informer also thought of Dead Space. The link is a cold, abandoned sci-fi facility full of mutated creatures.
- Dead Space: a derelict sci-fi setting and grotesque enemies.
- Resident Evil: safe rooms, scarce ammo and constant pressure; Mattias Ottvall named it as a PlayStation-era influence.
- Alan Wake 2: GameSpot said End of Abyss has the same kind of tension.
For the combat: Dark Souls and twin-stick shooters
Previewers repeatedly pointed to Souls-like rules. Healing items refill when you rest, like Estus flasks, and resting respawns enemies. The stamina-free dodge roll and pattern-based bosses fit the same mould.
The developers said they drew on Dark Souls for a classic, appropriately challenging feel rather than copying its mechanics. Moment to moment, End of Abyss plays like a twin-stick shooter: move with the left stick and aim with the right.
For the camera: Metal Gear Solid
The developers also mentioned Metal Gear Solid when discussing the camera perspective, according to Game Informer. Mattias Ottvall said you can see a little of Metal Gear Solid, and Resident Evil, in the game.
For the atmosphere: Little Nightmares
Section 9 Interactive's founders previously worked on Little Nightmares at Tarsier Studios. The two games share a dark mood and unsettling creature design, but play very differently. Read End of Abyss vs Little Nightmares.
Films and anime behind it
The developers name several films and anime as influences on the world and creatures. Mattias Ottvall said movies like Aliens are the experiences they are most inspired by.
| Work | What it influenced |
|---|---|
| Alien / Aliens | Overall tone and creature horror |
| The Thing | Creature design |
| Ghost in the Shell | Anime-inspired sci-fi elements |
| Akira | Anime-inspired sci-fi elements |
| Braindead (Peter Jackson) | Named by the character artist as a favourite old-school monster movie |
Quick comparison
| If you liked… | End of Abyss offers… |
|---|---|
| Metroid Dread / Prime | Tool-gated exploration and scanning |
| Dead Space | A cold, derelict sci-fi facility and mutated enemies |
| Resident Evil | Safe rooms and scarce ammo |
| Dark Souls | Dodge rolls, healing refills and respawning enemies |
| Little Nightmares | A dark, quiet atmosphere and grotesque creatures |
End of Abyss launches on October 1, 2026 for $29.99. See the review round-up for preview impressions.
What makes End of Abyss different
End of Abyss combines its influences rather than copying one. It is a top-down 3D twin-stick shooter, which sets it apart from the side-scrolling Metroidvanias it borrows from. The camera deliberately never fades out walls, to keep spaces claustrophobic.
Its Scanner is central in a way few genre games attempt: the map only fills in as you scan, and every locked door is tagged with what it needs. Previewers described the result as familiar in parts but refreshing overall. The Scanner guide explains how it works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest game to End of Abyss?
Most previewers reached for Metroid (Dread or Prime) combined with Dead Space, plus Souls-like rules for healing and respawns.
Is it like Little Nightmares?
In atmosphere, yes; in gameplay, no. You fight back with weapons and explore a connected map.
This page only uses details from official store pages, developer statements and hands-on press previews. Anything unconfirmed before the October 1, 2026 launch is left out and will be added once verified. Last research pass: September 28, 2026.
Sources
References and further reading for this article.