News: Springs, Eternal - Fullbright's Lo-Fi Narrative Haunt
Fullbright, the acclaimed studio behind Gone Home and Tacoma, has unveiled Springs, Eternal, a captivating lo-fi first-person narrative exploration game slated for PC release in 2026 via Steam. Set in the enigmatic Stillwater Springs—a secluded hot springs retreat shrouded in fog and ancient pines—this title invites players into a dreamlike realm where the line between reality and reverie blurs. Armed with a flashlight, players navigate dark, winding wooded paths under a moonlit sky, illuminating secrets hidden in the shadows. The game's atmospheric lo-fi aesthetic, reminiscent of late '90s PC and console titles, employs dithered pixels and crunchy stylings to evoke a sense of nostalgic unease, enhancing the eerie yet inviting ambiance of the location.
At its core, Springs, Eternal weaves a deeply personal tale of romance and introspection. As players traverse the misty trails, they piece together fragmented memories of a heartfelt relationship that led them to this otherworldly haven. Flashbacks paint an intimate portrait of two lives intertwined, exploring themes of love, loss, and the paths not taken. This narrative unfolds over approximately 2-3 hours, offering a compact yet profound experience. For the first time in Fullbright's oeuvre, branching dialogue introduces dynamic interactions with over a dozen unique characters—each a "lost soul" with their own poignant stories. From philosophers locked in eternal debates to a tattooist ready to etch futures into skin, and from elderly men reminiscing to young lovers on the cusp of change, these encounters reveal hidden connections to the player's journey. Conversations criss-cross the map, where insights from one dialogue unlock new threads elsewhere, encouraging keen observation to uncover Stillwater's supernatural undercurrents.
The game's world expands organically as exploration reveals tucked-away pools, caverns, and peculiar attractions, each brimming with subtle lore. While the ominous paths suggest peril, players face no traditional threats of death, allowing immersion in the supernatural-inflected mystery without interruption. Springs, Eternal masterfully balances solitude and serendipity, luring players deeper into its fog-shrouded embrace to confront not just external enigmas, but the echoes of their own heart. Currently in development, it's available to wishlist on Steam, promising a haunting reminder that in the quiet soak of hot springs, one might seek—and find—something eternal.