Inhale first gameplay footage of Pneuma: Breath of Life

Written by Jack Allin — February 4, 2015 at 13:54

First-person puzzlers are making a comeback! Though unlike in Myst's heyday, they're often done in real-time 3D these days. The latest in the new crop of exploration- and puzzle-based adventures is Pneuma: Breath of Life, which is set to debut later this month.

The titular Pneuma is a god who witnesses the "genesis of the universe" in a "narrated story of self-discovery, exploring the fundamental nature of being." If you think that's hard to wrap your brain around, you're all set for the game, which promises to be a "difficult puzzler designed to force players to think outside the box and explore beyond what they know as reality."

The game's real-time 3D environments are powered by the Unreal Engine 4, and Pneuma's "comical self-obsessed inner monologue" will be voiced by actor Jay Britton. Gameplay promises to consist of a "series of environmental challenges that require perception, observation, and lateral thinking skills to succeed." As a god, you'll be able to overcome obstacles through your ability to "lift bridges, rotate platforms and move entire rooms all with the power of your mind."

A collaboration between British teams Deco Digital and Bevel Studios, Pneuma is already well along in production. In fact, the game is due to be released as a timed Xbox One downloadable exclusive on February 27th. But non-Xboxers fear not, as the game is also planned for PC with Oculus Rift support. There is currently no firm timetable for the PC port, but it has already been successfully Greenlit on Steam. While you wait, you can learn more about the game through the official website.