In the realm of indie game development, a hidden gem is emerging from the creative mind of Estonian artist Roman Gritsuk. Evard the Hermit: Through Fears is a captivating 2D Metroidvania that’s been quietly brewing for many years, promising a unique blend of medieval adventure and psychological exploration.
“Metroidvania” is a fun term that describes a video game in which you explore a large, mysterious, interconnected world. The name comes from two classic games that spearheaded the genre: Metroid and Castlevania. In these games, you often start with limited resources, information, and skills, and you can’t access certain areas right away. As you play and gain new abilities or items, you can go back and unlock those areas, which keeps the adventure exciting. It’s all about exploring, discovering secrets, and leveling up your character’s abilities.
We first did a story with Roman back in 2020, showcasing the beginning stages of the game’s development process. Since then, it has developed and progressed greatly — we now have a demo, available on Steam, and a release window: the fourth quarter of 2026.
A Journey Through Fear and Memory
Set in the gritty landscape of medieval Europe, players step into the shoes of Evard, a protagonist with an extraordinary and haunting ability: he can absorb the fears of others. This power comes at a steep price, however — his own psyche becomes a battleground of anxieties and phobias, threatening to erase his very identity.
Gameplay That Challenges Mind and Skill
This Metroidvania isn’t just about exploring a vast, interconnected world. It’s a test of courage as players:
- Confront and overcome various phobias
- Unravel Evard’s mysterious origins through fragmented flashbacks
- Navigate a post-war medieval society fraught with danger and intrigue
The game promises a rich tapestry of mechanics, including intense sword fights, stealthy maneuvers, and precarious balancing acts – all hallmarks of a true medieval gameplay experience.
A Labor of Love
Roman Gritsuk’s dedication to Evard the Hermit is evident in every pixel laid down by his Wacom Cintiq 16. “I’m creating this game by myself, so it takes more time,” he shares. “However, I’ve made great progress since the last time we spoke. The game now has a demo version, the plot is finished, and the world is almost fully drawn.”
Join the Adventure
For those eager to dive into Evard’s world:
- A free demo is available on Steam, offering a taste of the full experience
- Gameplay videos showcase the atmospheric world and intriguing mechanics
- Follow the development journey on Instagram
- Help Roman test the battle movement and sword-fighting gameplay by joining Ljuros for free and downloading the test file
Evard the Hermit: Through Fears is shaping up to be a mesmerizing journey through a world where personal demons manifest in the most literal sense. As development continues, the gaming community watches with bated breath, ready to confront their fears alongside Evard in this promising indie title.
Support the Creator
Roman has cultivated a passionate Patreon community, offering supporters exclusive insights into the development process and even the chance to leave their mark on the game world. From personalized in-game signs to early access to alpha content, there are numerous ways for fans to contribute to this ambitious project.
Support Gritsuk on Patreon, or follow along on Instagram or his website.
