Does your heart still yearn for that uniquely desolate atmosphere pioneered by games like King’s Field? Well then, pay attention: a new dark fantasy RPG called Verho – Curse of Faces could be about to fill that void.
Developed by Kasur Games and published by CobraTekku Games, it promises merciless battles and hidden paths within a gloomy world where a deadly curse makes showing your face a death sentence.
King’s Field spirit meets masks and mystery
Verho – Curse of Faces is openly celebrating the dark fantasy RPG genre established by the classics. The game fully embraces its roots with authentic PS1-era retro graphics, delivering that neo-retro charm that should appeal immediatVerho – Curse of Faces is bringing back the dark fantasy PS1 RPG vibesely to anyone who remembers the late 90s.
The lore is fascinating: you play an unnamed protagonist in the desolate land of Yariv, where masks are the only salvation. Some examples:
- Masks = Classes: This is the core mechanic. Players can choose from a variety of mysterious masks, with each one offering different classes and play styles. This suggests a high degree of build variety—from melee fighters to those who wield magical abilities.
- Sinister World: The land of Yariv is full of NPCs carrying their own trauma and unique circumstances, promising further quests and challenges beyond the main mystery of the curse.
- Combat: With a wide range of weapons and spells available, the developer promises a unique combat experience with every new playthrough.
Play the Verho demo now and jump into the speedrun challenge
You don’t have to wait until November to check this out. A playable demo for Verho – Curse of Faces is currently available as part of Steam Next Fest, so you can experience that sinister atmosphere right now.
If you like a challenge, the publishers are kicking off an official speedrun.com challenge today! The challenge runs from October 10 until October 20. The three fastest runners who register via the official Discord server stand to win some unique Verho – Curse of Faces prizes.
It looks like the perfect blend of gloomy nostalgia and fresh design. If you’re missing that specific PS1 dread, this is one to keep an eye on. This atmospheric adventure hits Steam (although Steam Deck compatibility is currently unknown) on November 10, 2025, priced at £16.99 / €19.99 / $19.99 — wishlist it now, and even play the demo!
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
