Conarium (video game)

Lore & Background

Conarium follows four scientists on an Antarctic expedition who seek to challenge the absolute limits of nature using a device called the Conarium. The player controls Frank Gilman, who wakes up alone at the Upuaut research base with no memory of prior events. The base is abandoned, and Gilman must explore the environment, solve puzzles, and examine notes and journals to uncover what happened to his colleagues. During his search, he experiences strange visions and dreams that feel like unplaceable memories.

Reader's Guide

Conarium was developed by Zoetrope Interactive, a Turkish indie studio of three members: Galip Kartoğlu, Onur Şamlı, and Oral Şamlı. The studio had previously worked on Darkness Within: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder and Darkness Within 2: The Dark Lineage, also published by Iceberg Interactive. Originally announced as 'Mountains of Madness' in 2015, the game was signed by Iceberg Interactive in July 2016 and released on June 6, 2017 for Windows. Versions for Linux and macOS followed on February 5, 2018, and console ports for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One arrived on February 12, 2019. The game received 'mixed or average' reviews on Metacritic. The Telegraph praised its Lovecraftian atmosphere, awarding it four out of five stars. Polygon's Philip Kollar noted it stayed true to Lovecraft's spirit, scoring it 7.5 out of 10. Hardcore Gamer's Chris Shive highlighted the soundtrack's effectiveness in creating dread. Conarium was selected for IndieCade Festival 2017 and won 'The Game of the Year' and 'Best PC Game' at the Kristal Piksel Video Game Awards 2017, an annual Turkish game industry ceremony.

Did You Know?

• Conarium was originally announced under the title 'Mountains of Madness' in 2015.
• The game was developed by a three-person Turkish indie studio, Zoetrope Interactive.
• Conarium was showcased at the IndieCade Festival 2017.