This solo dev is creating a retro-style game for the PS1 that's inspired by a legendary mangaka and looks like a spooky spin on Animal Crossing

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The game even "runs on a real console"

Elias Daler's untitled PlayStation 1 game
(Image credit: Elias Daler)

The original PlayStation is a timeless device, relevant even today as the era of the PS5 Pro looms over the world - and one solo developer is working hard to release a new game for the beloved retro console.

Elias Daler recently unveiled a new project - a charming game fit for Sony's original console. "Huge update," the reveal post reads. "I'm making a game for PS1. It runs on a real console." Attached to the text is a picture of the retro-style game, and it offers an instant hit of nostalgia. Daler also uploaded a video below the photo of the project running on a PlayStation, and sure enough, it does indeed seem to work seamlessly so far.

According to Daler, the game won't just run on the PS1 but also both the PlayStation Portable and the Vita. The project itself is "greatly inspired" by the likes of legendary mangaka Chiyomi "Nekojiru" Hashiguchi, and sounds as though it blends the creepy with the cozy. "It'll be totally cozy," states Daler. "There might be horror elements. And there will definitely be mysterious stuff." It's certainly unique, judging by how the dev describes it.

Daler says the game will be as though Animal Crossing and Silent Hill "had a baby" - a blend I can safely say I've never encountered before. While I'm not as familiar with Silent Hill, I'm a longtime fan of Nintendo's relaxing sim series and I'm personally incredibly curious to see how it would play with more horror-aligned themes. The entire project is almost reminiscent of classic creepypastas, and I'm so here for it.

Thankfully, those of us who are interested in Daler's unique little gem will actually get to play it one day. "I'll start publishing releases when it becomes playable," the dev writes, admitting that right now it's just in its "tech demo" and isn't yet "very interesting." There's no telling when a public build will become available as of now, but I know that I'll be keeping my eye out for any news of one and dusting my once-forsaken Vita off.

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Anna Koselke
Anna Koselke
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.