Independent developer Team Vultures, in partnership with publisher Firesquid Games, is set to release a demo for their upcoming tactical turn-based survival horror game, Vultures – Scavengers of Death, on Steam this February 12. The game promises to deliver a unique blend of classic survival horror aesthetics with modern tactical gameplay, creating an experience that will resonate with fans of the genre while offering fresh mechanics to explore.
A Return to Classic Survival Horror
Drawing inspiration from foundational survival horror franchises like Resident Evil, Vultures embraces a retro PS1 aesthetic that immediately transports players back to the golden age of the genre. The game’s visual style isn’t just a nostalgic callback—it’s a deliberate design choice that enhances the tension and atmosphere that define survival horror. The low-poly graphics, combined with careful lighting and environmental design, create an oppressive atmosphere where every shadow could hide danger and every decision carries weight.
What sets Vultures apart from typical survival horror fare is its tactical turn-based combat system. Rather than relying solely on quick reflexes and resource management, players must think strategically about every encounter. This marriage of survival horror tension with tactical decision-making creates a unique gameplay loop that rewards careful planning and punishes reckless behavior.
The Mission: Uncover the Truth
The game places players in the role of operatives from the VULTURES mercenary unit, tasked with scavenging through an infested metropolis for materials and information that could lead to a cure for the infection ravaging the world. The narrative centers around piecing together the events that led to the outbreak, with players investigating locations tied to Eugenesys Corporation and key figures like scientist Thiago Schultz.
The upcoming demo focuses on the game’s opening mission, set in an abandoned police station. Players will control Leopoldo, one of the game’s two playable agents, as he investigates Thiago Schultz’s last known location before the incident. This mission serves as both an introduction to the game’s mechanics and the beginning of a larger mystery. With an estimated playtime of 45 minutes for first-time players, the demo offers a substantial taste of what the full game will deliver.
Tactical Depth and Player Choice
Vultures offers players significant freedom in how they approach missions. Each of the two playable agents features distinct combat styles, and players can customize their loadout before entering a mission. The demo provides access to three weapons—a combat knife, pistol, and shotgun—each with different tactical applications.
Combat encounters require careful consideration. The turn-based system allows players to target vital spots or disable opponents strategically, but engagement isn’t always the best option. Stealth mechanics provide an alternative approach, allowing skilled players to avoid confrontations entirely. This flexibility ensures that different playstyles are viable and that players can adapt their tactics to suit their preferences or the demands of specific situations.
The game emphasizes that survival isn’t just about winning fights—it’s about getting out alive with your objective completed. Resource management, tactical positioning, and knowing when to fight versus when to flee all play crucial roles in mission success.
Exploring Salento Valley
The game’s setting, Salento Valley, serves as a haunting backdrop for the VULTURES operations. Once a thriving metropolis, the city now stands as a desolate battleground following a catastrophic bio-hazard disaster. As players progress through the game, they’ll face increasingly challenging environments and enemies, with horrifying mutants and abominations lurking in the ruins.
Environmental storytelling plays a significant role in Vultures. The city is filled with remnants of life before the outbreak—notes, relics, and items that piece together the narrative while also providing practical benefits. Players must thoroughly explore each location, searching for keys to unlock new areas, weapons to expand their tactical options, and information that brings them closer to understanding the infection and finding a cure.
The Developers Behind the Horror
Team Vultures consists of Mateo and Giovanni, friends and colleagues who have collaborated on game and software development for over nine years. Their work is characterized by experimental mechanics and an unconventional artistic approach that embraces retro aesthetics. Beyond pure entertainment, their games often incorporate social and political commentary, questioning consumer culture and examining the effects of unchecked capitalism.
This thoughtful approach to game design suggests that Vultures may offer more than just survival horror thrills. The investigation into Eugenesys Corporation and the circumstances surrounding the outbreak could provide commentary on corporate responsibility, scientific ethics, and the consequences of prioritizing profit over safety.
Publishing Partnership
Firesquid Games, the publisher behind Vultures, positions itself as a developer-focused company dedicated to helping teams realize their creative visions. While primarily known for their catalog of strategy titles, their partnership with Team Vultures demonstrates a willingness to support innovative projects across genres. Firesquid’s emphasis on building trust-based relationships with development partners suggests that Team Vultures has received the support necessary to bring their vision to life without compromise.
What to Expect
With the demo launching on February 12, players will soon have the opportunity to experience Vultures’ unique blend of survival horror atmosphere and tactical gameplay firsthand. The police station mission offers a focused introduction to the game’s mechanics, setting, and narrative hooks that should leave players eager for more.
For fans of classic survival horror looking for something that respects the genre’s roots while introducing fresh mechanics, Vultures – Scavengers of Death represents an exciting prospect. The combination of retro aesthetics, tactical turn-based combat, and player choice in approach creates a formula that could revitalize familiar genre conventions.
As the gaming landscape continues to see revivals of classic horror styles alongside innovative indie projects, Vultures positions itself as a title that understands what made the genre great while not being afraid to experiment. The Steam demo will be the first real test of whether this ambitious blend of mechanics and atmosphere resonates with players, but the foundation certainly appears promising.
