Released on October 22, Oryks is a 2D platformer developed by Cheshewstudio that brings players into a Halloween-inspired world reminiscent of Tim Burton's films. In this eerie adventure, players take on the role of a character commissioned by the mysterious "Oryks" cult to investigate paranormal activity in a haunted town and its surrounding areas. The gameplay combines exploration, decision-making, and combat, allowing players to converse, solve mysteries, move left and right, jump, and shoot to fight off enemies.

Janusz Ciękuszewski, the developer and founder of Cheshewstudio, shared that the journey to creating Oryks came with its own set of unique challenges. "The most challenging technical aspect was implementing a ‘memory’ system so that the player could load their progress, equipment, and resources," Janusz explained. While this feature was complex, the team managed to resolve it relatively quickly. Developing Oryks as their first game introduced many technical and design hurdles. "There were many smaller and larger challenges I encountered while working on this project. But through them, I learned a lot and now know how to use certain approaches more effectively in future projects," Janusz reflected.

The game’s launch marked a significant milestone for Cheshewstudio, and with it, new plans for enhancing the player's experience in Oryks have already begun. Janusz shared insights about an update set to release in December, which aims to optimize the game for smoother performance on less powerful devices. “An almanac will also be added, describing the game’s world and deepening player immersion. Additionally, there will be a story expansion and a few minor gameplay tweaks—all included in the upcoming update,” he elaborated.

Beyond improving Oryks, Cheshewstudio is already looking to the future with a new game, titled Xeno. This upcoming project is expected to further showcase Janusz’s growing expertise and build on the creative foundation established in Oryks.

The immersive atmosphere in Oryks captivates players with its spooky, autumnal ambiance. Throughout the game, players will encounter various dark creatures, from ghosts to vampires, requiring them to utilize different weapons and tactics to defeat these foes. Janusz noted, "Conducting investigations and fighting creatures in a Halloween-inspired world was central to the game's experience, and we wanted the setting to evoke that classic, eerie feeling."

Player decisions also play a vital role in Oryks, with choices impacting the mission’s progression and outcomes. This interactive narrative approach adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to engage fully with the environment and story.

With a unique blend of horror, action, and mystery, Oryks offers a fresh take on the platforming genre, challenging players to think strategically while immersing themselves in a haunted, atmospheric world.