If Amnesia: The Dark Descent were actually Amnesia: The Dark Ascent, it would be White Knuckle

Many horror games typically involve descending into darkness. Down is often associated with the presence of evil in various aspects of life, whether it be in geology, psychology, or theology. However, White Knuckle challenges this norm by reversing the direction. In this game, you are already in the depths, and now you must strive to ascend.

It is possible that you find yourself Down because you embody the aforementioned Badness. The monstrous entities hindering your progress may simply be trying to prevent you from spreading chaos on the surface. Perhaps, they are the true heroes of this story. Regardless of the reasons, you have no choice but to climb. There is a horrifying mass approaching from behind, urging you to keep moving upwards to avoid being consumed by it.

“White Knuckle is a first-person speed climbing game,” as described on the Steam page. “Navigate through the depths of SUB-STRUCTURE 17 using precise movement mechanics. Quick reflexes and strategic resource management are essential to reach the highest points under layers of concrete and decay.”

The game’s industrial catacomb setting includes various areas such as “the deep dry storage of the Silos,” “the putrid sewers of the Pipeworks,” and “the haunted piers of Habitation.” These locations primarily feature challenging climbing puzzles, with each hand of your character assigned to a specific button or trigger. Additionally, you have the opportunity to defend yourself against disturbing creatures using rusty drills and makeshift spears.

If this concept intrigues you, a demo is available on Steam. The developers at Dark Machine games have been overwhelmed by the positive reception to the demo. “We didn’t anticipate this,” a post from earlier this month reads. “It was a passion project we worked on during our free time after work, hoping that a few people might enjoy it briefly before moving on. However, the response has exceeded our expectations, and I’m still processing it all. It’s been an incredible journey.”

Despite its eerie premise of escaping a colossal metal intestine, there is a heartwarming essence to the developers’ experience. The official release date for the full game is yet to be announced.