In the Indonesian gaming world, Agate is no newcomer. The studio, previously known for educational and simulation games like Valthirian Arc, is now treading a darker path with its latest project, Rootmare. Featuring a survival horror theme filled with a gripping atmosphere, this game promises an experience that’s not just tense but also rife with symbolism and biological terror.
Island That Stricken by Plague
Rootmare takes players to a beauty industry facility on a remote island. At first, it seems like a normal research center, until a mysterious outbreak turns everything into a nightmare. Living creatures including humans are infected by a mutant plant organism that spreads throughout the world, creating terrifying hybrids between human and plant.
Before the concept revision, Rootmare was known for its campus setting shrouded in biological terror. However, the latest version on Steam showcases a new, more mature and symbolic direction: from academia to the world of the beauty industry implying a critique of humanity’s obsession with physical perfection and manipulation of nature.
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Surviving the Roots of Terror
In terms of gameplay, Akarmaut: Rootmare features classic survival horror elements. Players will explore dark rooms, manage limited resources like ammunition and medicine, and solve puzzles to find a way out. Every move must be calculated, as danger can come from anywhere whether it’s a mutant creature or a hostile environment.
The visual design and atmosphere perfectly support the tension. Dim lighting, the sound of distant footsteps, and the texture of the walls covered in creeping roots create a constant sense of insecurity. Agate appears to draw inspiration from legendary games like Resident Evil and The Evil Within, but with its own visual identity, heavily influenced by local biology and culture.
Local Identity in a Global Horror Wrap
The title “Akarmaut” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “curse” or “sin,” emphasizing the spiritual and philosophical undertones of the story. Agate appears to be attempting to bring local Indonesian identity to a horror genre typically dominated by Western themes. From the name, symbolism, to the moral message, everything blends together in an experience that feels universal yet remains rooted in its own culture.
This approach makes Rootmare feel fresh among the global horror genre. It offers not only suspense but also a message about ambition, greed, and the consequences of human exploitation of nature. This allows the game to appeal to both local and international players seeking a deeply meaningful horror experience.
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Development Status
Currently, Akarmaut: Rootmare is still in active development and does not yet have an official release date. However, its official page is already available on Steam, and players can add it to their wishlists. Every visual teaser and screenshot shared showcases a detailed and atmospheric world, signaling the project’s immense potential.
Enthusiasm for Rootmare continues to grow, especially since the local survival horror genre is still relatively rare in Indonesia. If Agate manages to maintain a balance between story, gameplay, and atmosphere, this game has the potential to become a new milestone for the Indonesian game industry proving that Indonesian developers are capable of creating works of global standard without losing their local identity.
Why You Should Try It?
Akarmaut: Rootmare isn’t just about battling terrifying creatures it’s also about confronting humanity’s own sins. Through a world filled with creeping roots and decaying bodies, Agate presents a dark reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature and the greed that leads to curses.
With its mature concept and gripping atmosphere, Rootmare has the potential to become one of Indonesia’s most memorable horror games.
Don’t miss it wishlist it now on Steam and experience the terror that grows from the roots of our culture.